Got No Dough - Saving Money in Slim Times

I’ve always been one of those people who thought that finding coupons, cutting them out and then actually remembering to use them was a huge hassle. And for some people, that is probably still true. However, when I started getting addicted to CVS bargains, I realized that I would have to deal with those dreadful coupons after all. It’s been a couple of weeks now and I have to say that they aren’t as bad as I had made them out to be.

Before I tell you any more information on coupons, let me sell you on the idea first. Just yesterday I got some fantastic deals that even amazed my husband. His response was, “there’s just no stopping you is there?” I had two coupons that were $2 off of any two Johnson Buddies products. I also had a coupon for $2 off the new Honey Bunches of Oats with Chocolate Clusters. So I swung by Walmart after depositing my paycheck in the bank (as to not waste gas), and picked up a box of the cereal and two of the Buddies soaps that my son loves and needs. I also picked up a copy of All You magazine which not only is my favorite magazine, but it’s cheap and full of COUPONS (including one that will make me money this coming week).

So, let’s see:

• $1.98 for the cereal

• .94¢ for each of the soaps

• $1.77 for the magazine

Grand total = $5.91
Minus coupons -$4.00

Total Out of Pocket = $1.91

So, if you want to get started with using coupons, you first have to know where to get them. The most obvious place is your Sunday newspaper. My Mom saves her newspaper for me and it costs me nothing that way. Otherwise, I’d have to spend $1 on the Sunday edition. It takes me less than 10 minutes and I typically cut out anything that I could possibly use - whether or not it’s the current brand I use. For example, I’ll cut out all shampoo coupons despite the fact that I use Dove shampoo right now. The reason is because when that certain brand goes on sale at CVS, I will get it either super cheap or perhaps even free.

You can also get coupons online. Check the manufacturers website, do a search for the exact product or visit one of the following sites: www.smartsource.com, www.coupons.com, www.mycoupons.com. There are actually a TON of websites, but I don’t want to give out an overwhelming list for someone who may just be getting started. I also like to get my coupons through MyPoints because then I earn points for the coupons I print and use.

In the next few days I’ll explain how I keep my coupons organized, how I choose which products to buy and how to get GREAT super cheap deals.