I'll borrow the blog title from Carrie - it was her idea first.
Have you heard about the economy? I feel very lucky that Erik and I are still gainfully employed, but working three days a week instead of five, along with paying for the Taj Mahal of daycares, does affect the bottom line.
While it may be slightly embarrassing, I'll admit that I am paying attention to sales at the grocery store for the first time in my life. I wasn't totally oblivious before, but I wasn't very strategic.
I've always been a coupon clipper. In fact, it was one of my favorite Sunday activities as a child - I loved using that little coupon cutter tool. (And, yes, this is likely where some of my OCD stems from). I still use coupons and the savings come close to paying for our newspaper each month, but I knew I could do better!
There is no greater thrill to me than saving A TON of money at the grocery store. When we used to shop at Dillons and they doubled coupons and had a savings card, the result made me happier than booze or jewelry. (Almost).
Alas, no more Dillons and no local stores that double coupons. I have started using the Coupon Mom system with good results. You can join for free and they do all of the hard work for you. Each week they list the grocery deals at your store, along with any recent coupons in the paper or online. (In Kansas, it is only HyVee). I check the items I might buy, print out the list, and plan our weekly menu from there. I'm not good enough (yet) to get the crazy savings, but I'm definitely noticing a difference. (See our menu this week in the column to the right).
Today, my brainwashing even resulted in Erik going "off-list" at the grocery store and buying ice cream on sale. I am so proud! (1. Because he actually listens to me once in a while, and 2. Because we have ICE CREAM!)
Ellen is thrilled.
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5 comments:
It's so very interesting the things that now make us squeal with delight. I almost always call Paul on the way home because I cannot wait the 5 minutes to get home to tell him the total savings.
Since you already went to the grocery store today, does that mean that you are NOT going for me since I feel too crappy to leave the couch?
What about delivering some food & a cute niece to play tonight? :)
Skrondra's -- what's that? I have to admit that I can't justify Blue Bell anymore. Gawd -- it's $6.00 a half gallon, but it's a true half gallon, unlike all the rest that are scamming us.
Allen Greenspan congratulates you!
Shhh...don't tell, but Clint is also on Coupon Mom! I make the list, he does the shopping, I do the cooking.
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