Crazy Coupon Lady?

Alright, alright - I admit it. I'm a couponer. While the show "Extreme Couponing" is actually what inspired me to start saving money - it's also what gives couponers a bad name, and they drive me nuts.

#1 - I do not spend 40-100 hours a week on coupons. I spend between 15 minutes-2 hours at most per week.

#2 - I do not clear shelves. I don't take 50 coupons in for one product. The most of any product I buy is six. Yes, six.

#3 - I don't buy things with coupons that I wouldn't normally buy anyway.

#4 - I would not be able to do it with such ease without the help of some amazing websites that match up your coupons and local store sales to get the best bang for your buck. (Let me know if you want the sites!)

#5 - Last but not least, I stay organized - so my checkout process only takes about an extra minute for the cashier to scan the coupons that are in order, ready to go, so no one gets stuck behind me. I also shop during downtimes at the store when there aren't long lines to start with.

We all know that money is one of the biggest problems in marriages, so Brandon and I have made a conscious effort to start our marriage off on the right foot. We have been taking the Dave Ramsey class "Financial Peace University" (which I recommend with all my heart), learning how to budget, learning how to prioritize, learning how to do things together financially when we are so used to doing this thing called life independently for the past 27 years. (And yes, Brandon is one year younger - let's just get that out there now because he reminds me every.single.day) One of the things i've realized as we have been going through the program is that I can greatly decrease our grocery/toiletries bills by couponing - and applying that extra money to our debt or to plane tickets (ok, and maybe to Coldstone Creamery).

Here are my two most successful trips - which I proudly documented for my mom and friends who aren't quite sure how i'm managing to do this:

This was my first trip. $84.73 worth for 29.43. The toothpaste (4 tubes) and tide stain release were FREE!

 And trip #2 (can you tell we eat a lot of spaghetti in our house?). I saved 47% on this trip, and my highlight was the six bottles of laundry detergent that equals 300 loads of laundry (should last us at least a year) - for $15.21. I noticed at the store that the current detergent we have was listed for 15.99 for 96 loads.

That's the beauty of coupons. Getting the staples that you are going to use anyway - for a fraction of the cost. Call me a dork, fine. Call me crazy coupon lady, fine. But this crazy coupon lady and her husband are heading to Mexico for vacation a lot sooner than we would have been able to otherwise.

Other money-saving things i'm working on, and will update on soon: Once a month cooking day! My friend Carmen introduced me to this, and I can't wait to get  going! Cash envelopes, paying most everything in cash vs. debit cards (because paying in cash hurts, so i'm less likely to splurge).

What are your tips on saving money?

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Before I sign off - I must share a picture of my love, Charlotte Marie. Charlie is my first niece (brother Jeff & Rochelle's beautiful baby). She is such a joy, and I desperately wish I could see her every single week! I was fortunate enough to fly to Chicago over Labor Day weekend to spend some quality time with my mom, Charlie, Rochelle and Jeff. I am blessed.

<3