If you were going to build a house, would you run out and start building on the first plot of land you saw with no regard for cost or blue prints? Of course not! Building a home is a project and all projects require research and planning. Couponing is no different.
Simple Saving Savvy endeavors to provide you with the information you need to learn how to use coupons as well as show you the best places to use them on a weekly basis. However, there are a couple of matters you should consider before jumping in head first: budget and menu planning.
BUDGET
There’s no way around it…I have to use the “B” word. I strongly suggest you set a weekly household budget that includes groceries as well as cleaning and laundry supplies, health & beauty items and other miscellaneous products you use.
It’s all about boundaries; we all need to know our limits. It’s really easy to get caught up in the euphoria of great deals, trust me, I’ve been there. If you start using coupons but have no guidelines set for spending, you’ll likely end up overspending instead of saving. To set a budget, start with what you’ve been spending on an average weekly basis. Stick with this for the first couple of weeks and see how it goes. Then, as you feel you can, work to lessen this amount by increments of $10 or $20.
It is very important that you take baby steps so that you do not get frustrated which leads to feeling defeated.
Before long you should start to see your household budget steadily decreasing.
This brings me to the second matter for consideration.
MENU PLANNING
Planning your menus is paramount to your money saving success. Why? Because it will be easier to stick within a budget. Even if you don’t use coupons, menu planning will save you money. It helps you to be able to calculate approximately how much you will be spending before you go to the store and how much cushion you may have.
It’ll cut down on impulse buying or buying unneeded ingredients because you’re not sure exactly what you have or need. It will also cut down on how often you eat out because you can’t figure out what to make for dinner or you just don’t want to hassle with it. If you pick a month’s worth of tried and true recipes, you’ll know what ingredients you use on a regular basis and will be able to find them on sale so you’re not paying full price.
IT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY!! Especially when you use it with “the pantry principle“.
I’m new to “couponing” and your website is very helpful. I am in financial difficultis right now and after seeing MSNBC’s Extreme Couponing I thought “How much could I save on my groceries”. I am a divorced mom with two kids and it is only my income. I am organized and detailed at work and am trying desparately to be the same way at home. I’ve never planned my meals for the entire week and I believe this will be the first start and most helpful. Then it’s trying to find the coupons that will save me money. I’ve always thought why coupon when you can buy generic? But I am giving it a go this weekend as I hve only $80.00 to spend for groceries and cleaning supplies etc. I’m hoping beyond hope here that I can do it and still have food for the entire two weeks for me and my two girls. Wish me luck.
Hi MaDonna,
Thank you so much for reaching out. I am praying for you right now! I tried to email you but it bounced back.
First let me say, that I’ve been where you are. Five years ago I was a single mom of two living off of only my income.
Second, it can be done. You can do this. However, I want to make one thing clear…those people on Extreme Couponing are CRAZY! And they don’t show the true and ethical side of couponing. Those of us who do this to make ends meet and save for our families….not to be on TV….don’t go to those extremes. I mean, who needs that much mustard ?!?!?!?
Right now I would concentrate mainly on getting the basics for you and your kiddos and trying to make your $80 stretch as far as possible. Where do you live? Are you in the OKC area? If you are, I would be happy to help you find the best deals when you go out this weekend. Let me know and I’ll do some research. I even have extra coupons you can use.
I’d also like to help you get started by supplying you with coupons from past inserts that you may not have.
Let me know and may God bless you in your endeavor!!!
hi, just new at your site and love it! my question is ? when is the best time to buy gro. monthly. I usually buy every 2 weeks, but would like to get advice on how to be more orginzed and spend wisely Please help!!
Hello, I'm Amanda...Christ follower, Wife, Mother, Step-mother, Frugalista and the person behind the blog. My goal is to help you practice frugality in the home by becoming a smarter shopper. Every day I'll show you how to save money on groceries and other household items by using store sales, coupons, customer reward programs, rebates and other shopping strategies. I'll also share ideas and encouragement for blessing others. So welcome! I am so blessed to have you here!
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I’m new to “couponing” and your website is very helpful. I am in financial difficultis right now and after seeing MSNBC’s Extreme Couponing I thought “How much could I save on my groceries”. I am a divorced mom with two kids and it is only my income. I am organized and detailed at work and am trying desparately to be the same way at home. I’ve never planned my meals for the entire week and I believe this will be the first start and most helpful. Then it’s trying to find the coupons that will save me money. I’ve always thought why coupon when you can buy generic? But I am giving it a go this weekend as I hve only $80.00 to spend for groceries and cleaning supplies etc. I’m hoping beyond hope here that I can do it and still have food for the entire two weeks for me and my two girls. Wish me luck.
Hi MaDonna,
Thank you so much for reaching out. I am praying for you right now! I tried to email you but it bounced back.
First let me say, that I’ve been where you are. Five years ago I was a single mom of two living off of only my income.
Second, it can be done. You can do this. However, I want to make one thing clear…those people on Extreme Couponing are CRAZY! And they don’t show the true and ethical side of couponing. Those of us who do this to make ends meet and save for our families….not to be on TV….don’t go to those extremes. I mean, who needs that much mustard ?!?!?!?
Right now I would concentrate mainly on getting the basics for you and your kiddos and trying to make your $80 stretch as far as possible. Where do you live? Are you in the OKC area? If you are, I would be happy to help you find the best deals when you go out this weekend. Let me know and I’ll do some research. I even have extra coupons you can use.
I’d also like to help you get started by supplying you with coupons from past inserts that you may not have.
Let me know and may God bless you in your endeavor!!!
hi, just new at your site and love it! my question is ? when is the best time to buy gro. monthly. I usually buy every 2 weeks, but would like to get advice on how to be more orginzed and spend wisely Please help!!
hi im new to this and im intrested in helping my family save money at as well.