A New Hobby

I took a picture of 16 packages of Electrosol sitting on my kitchen counter a few weeks ago. I can't find it now. I had a coupon for 2.50 off a box of Electrosol tabs. Actually, I had 16 coupons. I bought them on ebay (okay, so that's an entirely different post.)

They were on sale at Meijer for 3.00 a box. If you're following along, you realize that I bought each box for $.50.

I'll blame this new hobby on my friend, Heather. She told me a few months ago about her weekly food/drug store/cleaning supply budget and I was impressed. She coupons.

But it takes time, Traci, and I don't have time-- yeah, yeah. I don't have time either. That's why I let someone else do the work for me, and now that I'm saving so much money, I'll find the time!

The site I use most often is Bargain Briana although there is a whole internet community of couponers from which to choose. They give lists of sales at stores and then tell where the coupon is found that matches the sale.

For instance, I learned from the site tonight that K-Mart is super doubling coupons tomorrow up to $2.00. So a $2.00 coupon is $4.00. I have my list that was already prepared for me by Bargain Briana, and I'll hit the store after lunch tomorrow. I plan to get gum, tea bags, insect repellent, Bayer, Visine, Oust disinfectant, and St. Ives scrub for free, and I'll pay some loose change for shampoo, body lotion, and paper cups. Sounds like fun, huh?

There are a few things I've learned:
a. I've learned that it's easier to go without the kids so I can concentrate.
b. I've learned that I can't be brand-specific. There are some items where brands are important to me, and in that case, I just don't coupon.
c. I've learned that I plan my meals after I figure out the weekly deals.
d. I've learned that I can't go to every store every week; i live too far away. I choose to concentrate on Meijer and CVS and will visit Marsh/Target/Wal-Mart if I'm in the area without the kids.

My mom's addicted. It's fun to share the experience with her. Last week, instead of paying $4.38 per container of Old Time Country Lemonade, she paid $.25 per container and was given a catalina (the couponers term for the coupon you get at the same time your get your receipt) for $2.00 to spend on her next trip to Kroger. The week before that she bought Nabisco 100 Calorie Oreo packs for $.04 a box!

We're "stockpiling." That's our new word. She's added a shelf in her basement to store the dressing, barbecue sauce, Cheerios, and Charmin she's accrued.

Be inspired. Check it out. It's addicting-- and fun too!