Couponing 101

In the before times (two jobs, two incomes, health insurance :)) I thought nothing of paying $10 for a jumbo pack of diapers. If I used a $1.50 off coupon I walked away with my head held high, thought I was so smart. Only $8.50 pre tax for 31 diapers. Then my eyes were opened by a wonderful website I will post about (once I get the owners permission). I was so excited. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The hubby and I had just had a discussion about "the budget" and how I had to stop spending so much. I was crushed. Shopping is recreation for me and spending money had never been an issue so I thought the world was coming to an end. Our family had thought nothing of spending $200 a week for groceries and I could easily spend $80 every time I entered Target. So the first time I tried the directions from this site I printed several copies to make sure I did it right ( I thought it was complicated at first). I think I saved about 50% off my total on Eggo waffles. I gave out my printed copies in line while the people in line behind me oohed about what a great deal I had found. Then, I submitted the receipt for the rebate and guess what? It actually came. Bringing my price down to just cents per box of waffles. Well, I had to stuff those Eggo's into every nook and cranny of my freezer, out of the original boxes, so for month's we ate waffles without knowing what flavor we were getting. Then I staged a sleepover for ALL the girl's in my 8 year old's class and boy was I happy to serve those cheap waffles! In the meantime, I have learned to buy just what I have room for and just what we will use. It is easy to initially get carried away and buy way too much when you are finding things so cheap but eventually it evens out. In my early couponing days I was sending my in laws home with bags and bags of free deodorant and mouthwash because I was running out of room. Thankfully they didn't take it personally.