So a while back I tried one of those "grocery games" where you pay a monthly fee (like $4, not too much) and they compile a list of specials combined with your local store's ads to save you bundles of money. They tout things like $120 worth of groceries for $35 with coupons an in-store ads.
The problem with it, for ME, is that I don't use half the things on the list, even if they ARE on sale. So why buy things you would never buy otherwise if you aren't going to USE them? It's not a savings that way.
However, I have been splurging $1.50 each week for the Sunday paper because I've been clipping coupons for stuff we DO use. Even if I don't end up using some of the coupons clipped, I'm still benefiting from it. For example:
We go major grocery shopping every other week (usually Sunday). Our bill is usually about $200 - give or take - prior to coupons. My clipped coupons combined with the HEB in-store coupons (they have TONS of things with specials and what not) are usually $25 in savings. This week our bill before coupons was $207.36. I saved $30.35 in various coupons, so I actually ended up spending $177.01. Not too shabby!
I feel kind of like a dork for how proud I was... but that's okay. I'm $30 less poor because of it. ;-)
These thrifty spending habits are very foreign to me, but I kinda like 'em! I read somewhere that a woman started using Dollar Store cleaners around her house and was saving a bundle, too. I'm not sure about that, might give it a try. In my experience, if you find something that works, stock up on it when they are on sale. In my personal experience, cheapie no-name cleaners usually don't get the job done. But if anyone has a cleaner they like that is cheap and gets the job done, let me know. I LOVE the Seventh Generation stuff, except the glass cleaner. It's good as an "everything-else-but-glass" cleaner, though.
So, there is my thought of the day. Riveting. :)
And now, because I love you all... a LOLcat.
