Welcome to Day #2 of the Online #Coupon Class here at SSFAM!
How did you enjoy yesterday?
Was there any stress?
It is great learning from where ever you are right? Remember, if you have a question, be sure to place it in the comments below. I will see it and respond to you {pretty simple}.
Topic for today:
How I {the blog owner} started couponing? What difference has coupons done for me and my family?
I started couponing since I was about 12. My mother and I used to gather coupons to help with grocery shopping. Then one time, I won a radio contest and it came with $120 cash and coupons from “Manwich.” I thought I had won the lottery {smiles}. My mother and I was so excited.
I have always loved coupons and the more money I can save for my family the better but I also realized several years ago, that I can help others save just like you. I love watching the show Extreme Coupon and I dismiss all of the negative energy behind the show. The craft of being able to use a coupon correctly and see that total price decrease at the register is completely amazing. Just this weekend, I was at Kroger and the total was $120.00 and when I gave the cashier the coupons and the total decreased just from the Kroger shopping card + the coupons, the total decreased by over $50.00 and this helped me meet my $1,000.00 a year grocery savings. My goal was to save at least $50 at the register and I did it!
My family is amazed with the savings we have on groceries and other items + the stockpile that we do have at home. I do stockpile with sense and refuse to have things running over in my home {not trying to be a hoarder}. It is nice to see the products that I have saved on including the ones for FREE! Yep! FREE! Then there are some that I do give away. My husband has now started to save and only shops at Kroger. He likes to get the Catalina coupons that come back and then he comes
home and says, “honey I got you some more coupons.” {Funny right!} My son and daughters are now getting into the knowledge of coupons. I do remember taking my youngest daughter with me about 3 weeks ago to Publix and we purchased only 3 items and the cashier ended up giving me cash back after using coupons. My daughter said with excitement, “we got it all for FREE momma and money back.” “I love coupons.” {She is only 10}
home and says, “honey I got you some more coupons.” {Funny right!} My son and daughters are now getting into the knowledge of coupons. I do remember taking my youngest daughter with me about 3 weeks ago to Publix and we purchased only 3 items and the cashier ended up giving me cash back after using coupons. My daughter said with excitement, “we got it all for FREE momma and money back.” “I love coupons.” {She is only 10}
As you can see coupons has made a difference for me and my family including you who visit my blog often. You will see me post Kroger deals every week and I will share stockpile suggestions, freebies and savings you can use in those postings. Other time, you will FREE Sample Alerts or freebies posted. For those of you who really are connected with my blog, you may have received a FREE sample product or coupon for me and don’t forget my FREEBIES page.
Questions: If you were young when you started couponing, how old were you if you can remember? If you are a couponer, what significance has it made for you or your family?
Happy Couponing,
Quida {smiles}
P.S. If you missed yesterday’s class, go here now! You can still comment. I will see it.
I'm so glad I can finally catch up on these!
My family used coupons some growing up, so it's not a foreign concept to me. I don't have a lot of money currently, and I have a lot of medical bills so I am hoping this will help me save some money.
The one problem I have is that I am on a very specific and strict diet and lifestyle because of my health problems where I can't really have any processed foods – I basically can only eat fresh organic vegetables, organic eggs, and some (but not all) gluten-free grains (and sparingly raw organic almonds and a couple kinds of seeds). I feel like most coupons are for processed foods and chemical-laden products that my body can't tolerate. What do you notice?
My family did not coupon when I was young, I started couponing about 25 years ago, to help cut costs for my growing family. A friend taught me how to save so much. I stopped for a while and then in the past year I started again. I am single so it is kind of a hobby for me now that all my kids are grown, but they love it because I am always getting things for them. I also use my stock pile to make baskets as gifts at Christmas. My friend recently started an organization where they send packages to soldiers overseas so alot of my items will be going to them.
I know have a small coupon group in my hometown where we swap coupons.
It is okay that you were not able to use them when you were younger, boy can you save now! Making gifts from your stockpile is wonderful Kathy. I do the same. It is great that you have a wonderful coupon group that is in your hometown for great swapping parties. ~ Quida {smiles}
I didn't coupon when little. It's all new to me!
It is still fine Terri. I can see that you are learning great as an adult. 🙂
I didn't start couponing until the last couple of years. I wish I had discovered it sooner…. being a single mom, money has always been tight. But 3 years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and the medical bills were overwhelming. Now I am in the process of filing for disability and need every penny I can find so I plan to double my efforts as far as couponing goes. I am ready and willing to learn!
Sherri L
Wonderful Sherri that you are now ready and willing to start learning. What a wonderful feeling! Be sure to stick around. 🙂
I just started couponing. It's very important to me to save money right now because my husband and i are unemployed. No one in my family has ever couponed, but my 4 year old daughter LOVES it! Everytime she sees a coupon, she says "Look, mommy's coupon!" or "Yay!! Coupon!" It's great! I know this is going to be something i can share with my daughter for a long, long time!
Yes, this is a great time to start your savings plan Jennifer and definitely continue to find creative ways to get your family involved in finding savings for the family. 🙂
My mom couponed. In fact I remember her having a metal index card case and she left at the store once and was beside herself until they found it. She didn't save a ton of money, but any money saved is worth it. My husband loves that I'm getting back into couponing.
I would have went back to Shauna. 🙂
As a child my mother rarely couponed. Because we have four children and we are unwilling to cut out fun things, such as going to the movies, day trips to the beach (we live in MI), etc, I decided to coupon to make up that extra money. It takes time and patience sometimes but it is worth it. My 10 year old helps me sort and look for specific coupons. Our 12 year old went to the mall last weekend and wouldn't go without coupons! 😀
I do agree Janelle that it takes time and patience and trying set a goal can help also. 🙂 I love that your 12 year old is in the habit of couponing. This is a great way to show savings early.