Google Analytics

Sharing what I've learned that makes "Cents"

Life is challenging as we all know. These days, it's harder than ever to make ends meet and to let go of stress. So, I find good ways to stretch a dollar, as well as, enjoy life! I find daily ways to live happier and to thrive in a world that can often be challenging. Its always been very important to me that I help others along the way. After all, isn't that what life is about?

Keeping tabs on ways to afford the things that you need, and have a little left for those things you simply "want", is my mission. At the same time, I still leave room for spending quality time with the people and things I love, plus spreading joy when possible.

Hope I can help you in some way, as many others have done for me! Remember...try to always "pay it forward"!

Kathleen
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Photo Album Coupon Book


I have finally finished my giant coupon book, and my smaller carry along. I made both out of photo albums and it was actually fun...and easy too! For the bigger one, I found one that holds 3 photos on each side, and also has room to write something next to it. I then divided my sections up by categories like Dairy, Cereals (Adult/Child), drinks, frozen, health & beauty, etc. You get the picture. I then made a smaller book out a 4x6 photo album that can be carried with you. Now, I separate the coupons I am going to use into that smaller holder so it is ready for my shopping trip. I first look at the local sales circulars to see what is on sale that I use (doesn't make sense to buy things you are not going to use just because they are on sale...unless you donate them to a good cause of course). After previewing sales, I take out the coupons that match what I need now that is on sale, and put it into my smaller holder. That is what I'll carry with me, but I always leave the bigger one in the car just in case there are coupons I end up needing.

Gotta love Publix and Harris Teeter. They are sooooo great with coupons. They will also both take the Piggly Wiggly $5.00 off of a $30.00 purchase coupons! Harris Teeters will double and sometimes even triple your coupons. You may not have much time to do this, however, if you look at it like money in your hands, you'll hate to pass up the opportunity to save hundreds of dollars continually!

Oh, on a final note, please be honest folks! I know a gal (not mentioning any names), who told me she shops at the Commissary and uses any coupons she has on hand, even if she knows she's not buying that item. She tells me they don't check your items so they just scan the coupons and take them. Another gal I know, repeatedly makes copies of one time only use coupons and even takes a stack of newspapers out of the machine on Sunday Morning, though she only pays for one. C'mon folks!! Don't know about you, but in my book that sounds pretty equal to stealing now doesn't it? Not nice. That kind of stuff is bad any way you look at it. Let's hope their kids aren't around to see them do it either. Hate to think of the example that creates for them. And really, dishonesty just comes back to you anyway in some form or another. OK, I'll get off that subject now.

You are going to save money and it's not hard to do at all. Hardest part is just getting started in the coupon and savings world. Once your there...you'll never want to go back!!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

6 Months of no glamour shopping, and going strong!


My New Year's Resolution was to STOP shopping! Can you believe it? No fashion and beauty items for 1 year. It's been 6 months now, and I have kept to it. Although, every now and then I see someone wearing something I would LOVE to own. It takes every inch of my strength to not run out and purchase it. But, I found that I can do it! Plus, I have found so many things in my closets and cabinets that I forgot I owned! So, my year of no new clothes, shoes, purses, belts, make-up, jewelry, perfume, lotions, etc. is still going!

Now, I have become even more of a dollar stretcher. I am slowly becoming the Coupon Queen :-). Check out www.southernsavers.com. This is my year to save money (even more than usual). I would rather that the main love of my life, my son, have that little extra that I would have spent on my 15th pair of black pants! It's awesome!