Couponing

Ahhhh, I have just returned from my latest shopping extravaganza, well extravaganza may be to much of an exaggeration. I have recently learned the art of couponing. I know it is so the thing to do right now but last year my husband lost his job due to layoffs not once but twice so after considering that and the fact our bill for groceries have tended to be higher than our utilities there needed to be a change. I spoke with a friend who is tighter than a zip lock baggie and between her suggestions, and another friend who dumpster dives I began to work the system. "the system" of double couponing, combining coupons and freebies. I am not a pro like those you would see on the shows where they spend as much time saving money as they would working, it is not like that but my pocket book is happier. My trick since my husband is terrified of me dumpster diving is to get 2 sets of news papers each Sunday clip every single coupon not just the ones I want to use and wait. Yes wait, it takes so much patience but it is worth it. I usually end up with 4 coupons per one item so then when it goes on sale especially BOGO I use my coupons and if I am lucky I also combine more store coupons for extra savings. I have two small children so I can spend a ton of time working on couponing, cataloging and hunting down bargains but I can say what effort I have done has helped me to cut costs in half and get double the food. Speaking of time, gotta run my one year old is screaming