Extreme Couponing

Being married is a new dynamic for us and one thing we have to get used to is sharing finances. This is especially true because Matt and I decided that I should take this summer off to just relax, focus on our home, and do what I need to do before I start school again in the fall. So we really are sharing all the money that he makes... which can be difficult for me because I am used to having financial independence. I have also always done a really good job of managing my finances and saving money. Well with a little bit of my extra time I have watched about 5 episodes of this new sensation "Extreme Couponing" on TLC.
So, because I love ya, I'm going to experiment and let you know how it goes.

I actually went on a couponing trip and lost my receipts so I can't tell you my actual savings, but what I can tell you is that the amount of time I spent research versus the time I spent trying to get the deal was NOT worth it. Unlike the people on these shows, I value my time. I don't have a job right now, but spending time with my husband is more valuable to me than saving an extra few bucks. Cost and value aren't the same thing.  Plus, lets do the math. This chick on the episode I am watching now spends 60 hours a week to save $500. That's $8.30 an hour. PLUS she has a ton of crud in her home that she has to store. 124 bottles of shampoo?? I don't think so.
But in the spirit of saving money, I'm going to give this another go while saving my time and saving money. I'll let you know if it's worth it.

First, our newspaper will sell us the Sunday paper for $20 for 20 weeks and deliver it to us. That's $1 per issue (duh) when the cover price is $2.00 for the Sunday paper. Well in Midland they have a really cool paper sales system. People stand at intersections and on/off ramps and sell the paper. It reminds me of the movies when they're like "Extra Extra, Read all about it! Midland... Still in a drought! Old news is new news around here!" There's a few kids that do this too. Matt and I are so moved by their ambition to earn a dollar in this 110 degree weather, we always go buy the paper from the kid and give him a tip. It warms our hearts so we just eat the cost on that. But if you're really into saving, go the $1 route.

Some stores do "double" coupons. I'm am not aware of any of these stores in Midland... so that sets me back. It seems to me that the biggest secret is to look at the sales ads and compare them to the coupons that you have. That's where the "extreme" part comes in. But I have also set the guideline that I'm not buying anything that I don't need. I don't clip coupons for things that I wont actually purchase. We don't have the space and I don't think it's very eco-friendly to buy excess of stuff that you don't need. So what I am really doing is setting the stage for what I am going to do (Do I sense a blogging series????). I hope it goes well. If not I'll have learned a valuable lesson. I'll teach you my secrets along the way.

My little brother and his friend are coming to visit next week. They eat a lot, but they'll eat anything. Albertson's is selling frozen pizzas for $.88. Well I went yesterday and they were out. SO I am going to go to Wal-mart and try to get them to "price match". I've never done this before... so wish me luck! Happy shopping!!

Posted in: newlyweds,saving money