I’m not a type A personality, so it’s safe to say I would not compete on Extreme Couponing. However, I was quite excited about saving $25.09 using coupons and store loyalty coupons this week. My total was $94.11 and my
take home included family packs of rib-eye steaks and pork chops, and three fryers. Not bad! I want to stress that the savings was not the result of hours spent cutting and organizing coupons or even having a strategy on the scale of the D-Day Invasion.
In my opinion, coupons are a tool. The husband has a LOT of tools, but I don’t use them. They don’t fit my needs (and to be honest, he’s a little fussy about his tools). I have a set of tools that are perfect for my size hands and for just about any job I might tackle (basically, I keep the drawer pulls and cabinet knobs tightened, but I do it with *finesse!). I view coupons in the same manner. I only clip those that are
perfect for me and that I’ll use. Even if I use a particular product, I won’t cut a coupon if the expiration date is too early and I already have plenty of that product in the pantry. There will be another coupon for that product in a month or two. Because I don’t clip a lot of coupons, there’s really no need to organize them. I stash them in a pocket of my purse and go through them as I plan my grocery list.
I was resistant to store loyalty cards in the beginning. I didn’t like the idea of a store tracking my purchases. However, I succumbed due to the fuel incentives offered, which are very generous at Safeway! While we take advantage of the fuel discounts at Fred Meyer, I am more impressed with their quarterly rebates and extra savings coupons. Those coupons and rebate were responsible for nearly $15 of my weekly savings.
The remaining $10.09 saved through the use of manufacturers coupons was accomplished in about 20 minutes. if you count the weekly clipping and reviewing. Is my time worth $30.27 an hour? Yes, I believe it is!
My coupon finesse level:
Novice Advanced beginner Competent Proficient Expert
What’s your coupon finesse level?
*finesse (skill, flair, grace elegance, poise, assurance)
I too use coupons and rewards/loyalty cards. Never thought too much about it till… I started watching the savings add up. 15.00, 20.00 + here and there. In this economy ever few dollars helps. My tactic of clipping is sitting down with the Sunday morning paper and clip what I think we may need by expiration date. Then magnetically clip to side side of refrigerator. ( beside our grocery list) on shopping day , I just sort what is needed and Botta Bing Botta Bang savings happen. I also “occassionally” have coupons from websites to add to the clip. You know the favorite places, and or products that we just can not live without.
Enjoy your blog Linda, very entertaining.
Cindy
Thanks for adding your comments, Cindy! I was raised in a coupon-using house, so it’s been a way of life for me. However, I don’t have time to go coupon crazy! It’s nice to know we can all save $$, a little at a time, here and there to make a difference in our budget.
Glad you like the blog and hope you keep reading and commenting!