a beginner's thoughts on EXTREME COUPONING

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE MY DEALS AND HOW TO SAVE

So, as of this summer, I can call myself an "extreme couponer".

I began clipping coupons and stacking savings about a month ago and the savings has been incredible!

I am obviously still learning, and use so many resources to do my shopping, but thought I'd share a little bit of my process!

Disclaimer: The savings are amazing, but it does take time. I would guess I've been spending approximately 20 hours per week on couponing, clipping, matching deals and shopping.

However...

I'm a shopper. I love to shop. 

And "extreme couponing" has allowed me to continue my "hobby" AND benefit my family.

Disclaimer 2: So far, I've averaged a savings on groceries, household items, toiletries and pet care at 71% off retail. My trips have been anywhere between 60-100% off. You're not going to walk out of a store with free stuff each time. Despite what TLC may lead you to believe: )

So...this first part of Extreme Couponing is completely thinking of how you shop.

Prior to couponing, I would make a list of what we needed for the month (the weekend after pay day), then go to Costco and Aldi to stock up for the month.

Then I would go to Aldi weekly for milk and fruits/veggies.

I thought I was being savvy by always buying store brand and avoiding the regular grocery store.

I was wrong.

Now, I don't shop for specific items of desire, but I shop what's at rock bottom prices.

Then I stock up.

And by stock up, I mean approximately 3 months worth of the item, if coupons and store policies allow.

So when laundry soap is on sale for $1.49...I buy 4 or 5.

Or pasta sauce is $.23, I buy 6 jars.

I then store the items in an organized storage area of our basement. And when it's time to meal plan, I check my stockpile and know that I can prepare that dish for the most cheap price.

Now building that stockpile takes time.

And you only need it as big as you have space and feel comfortable with.

I know people who want a years worth of items.

So if anything were to happen with their jobs, economy, or a natural disaster they would be perfectly fine.

It's completely up to you.

Also...sales come in cycles. Usually about 12 weeks.

So if you can purchase something at it's lowest price, and buy enough to last 3 months, then you can purchase it again when it becomes that cheap again.

Disclaimer 3: If something is FREE I do stock up for longer than 3 months worth. I get as many as my coupons/store policy allows. If we have an abundance, then we give it away.

For example, 2 weeks ago, Target was having AMAZING deals on body wash. I think I got PAID approximately $1.50 to "buy" 18 bottles. We obviously don't need 18 bottles so we've given several away.

CLIPPING COUPONS

There are a lot of different systems when it comes to getting, organizing and carrying coupons.

Here's what's worked for me.

I buy 2-3 papers a week, depending on how good the coupons are

(you can preview them online a few days in advance)

Then on Sunday evening, I get clipping.

I then put them in my coupon binder.

I use the "baseball card sleeve method".

I bought approximately 100 sheets of baseball care sleeves and placed them in a 3" binder.

I then bought tabs and labeled the coupons into categories so I can easily find them.

I also printed this awesome list of what prices items should be, and at what price to stock up! This has been a great resource as I learn!

I always keep my binder with me, even just to go grab something quick. You never know when you will see something on clearance and need that coupon!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Krazy Coupon Lady lists current deals and what coupons to use to get the best prices. She also has a coupon database, where if you are wanting to find a coupon to print online, you can see if there is one and how to get it.

Penny Pinchin Mom is also great and is from Raymore MO. She posts some local Kansas City deals which are fabulous to see!

Instagram has become my number once resource. If you simply search #extremecouponing, savvy shoppers post their deals and the "breakdown" of how to do the same. I simply see people's deals that interest me and copy them!

Favado app for iphone is also amazing! You select the stores you shop at and it will list the best deals of the week and how to get them!

So each day, I usually check instagram and krazy coupon lady and see if there are any deals I can't pass up. Then make my list of where and what I'd like to do.

STORES

The BEST stores for extreme couponing is Target, CVS and Walgreens.

Target offers AMAZING savings in multiple ways, and in the last several weeks have gotten TONS of stuff for FREE!!!

Target deals can be a bit complex. It usually involves a manufacturer's coupon, stacked with a target.com coupon, stacked with a store deal (like a $5 gift card when you buy 3 or $10 off your purchase of $40 or more) and the Cartwheel app which can add on additional savings.

CVS and Walgreens required membership to their saving programs. You can sign up in store or online.

By using the membership, you get the lowest prices. And also, many items on sale will qualify for either "Extracare bucks" or "Register Rewards" which is "money" that can be used toward your next trip. This is what makes for some free deals!!

So Extreme Couponing isn't super easy. It takes time, effort, organization and a lot of math.

But, it has been a blessing for our family and others.

I've been able to get such amazing deals, we are comfortable in many areas of things we need for our family AND have had excess to share. We've never been able to do that before.

And that is one my favorite parts.

WHAT TO DO WITH GIFT CARDS AND EXTRA BUCKS?

With stacking deals you often will wind up with gift cards and extra bucks and such.

There are a few different things people do with those to maximize savings.

Some people simply use those for the next "deal". This greatly reduces any out-of-pocket and keeps "rolling" the freebies.

Other's save them and use them for Christmas/birthday/wedding gifts.

(please note: some do have expiration dates, so you have to watch for that)

Here's what I do: I save some to roll into the next week's deals, to reduce out-of-pocket expense and I save some to use on necessities that don't necessarily have coupons regularly.

For example, I usually make sure I have $4 extra care bucks each week so I can get "free milk", or I will use Target Gift cards from deals to buy meat or fruits and veggies.

Again, no right or wrong, just what's worked for us.

If you have any questions, feel free to email or comment. This is a very quick little overview and is no way comprehensive at all. 

Home Organization: Hall Closet

 Week Two's goal was to organize the hall closet.

This hall closet is always changing based on our current needs.

Since our house is small, we don't have a lot of storage so have to be smart with what we have.

She may not be the prettiest, but I gave everything a place and reused baskets and totes I already owned.

Mission cost: $0

 Our hall closet contains our necessities:

Coats/jackets

Work bags

Vacuum/ Steam mop

Winter gear

Hats

Purses

Reusable totes

Purses

This is also where our mismatchy hangers go before they die. So no, this isn't the prettiest closet space you'll see.

But its functional.

Here is how the top of the closet is organized

 These are items we use on a nearly daily basis.

By corralling them into baskets, it gives a much neater appearance as well.

And yes, Mr. Free has a ton of hats.

Almost as many hats as shoes.

As "temporary" closet doors, we've hung bed sheets from drapery clips to cover our closets.

I use the word "temporary" loosely because they've been that way 5 years and counting..

This works for us, as it can cover the closet and not take up any precious hallway room for a door to swing out to access our stuff.

Mission accomplished.

Frugal Baby Finds

This past Friday I hit up our local Just Between Friends Sale. Admission was a $10 donation, but teachers and first time parents got in for free!

I scored some major deals!

Look at how HUGE this sale!

All items are consigned, and each consigner sets their own price.

You really have to dig to find the lowest price on each item, but it's worth it!

Check out some of these pictures!

 It was absolutely HUGE and pretty overwhelming!

I got some great deals!

 I got this jumperoo for $10

This play kitchen for $10

 This play puppy for $5

 This Leap Frog play table for $10

This play mat for the sitter's house for $7

One thing I would not recommend, is their clothing. 

They had a huge, varied selection but their prices were not that great!

Used footed pajamas for $6 and $7?

I can buy them brand new on clearance for much cheaper!

But overall, definitely worth a visit if you have one in the area!

Anyone else go and grab some deals?

Spare Change= School Supplies

Office Depot currently has school supplies crazy cheap.

 (Limit 10)

(Limit 3)

 Yes, you read those signs correctly.

Pocket folders and pencil cases for $.01.

No coupon necessary.

They also have scissors, compasses and packs of pencils for $.25.

So if you have kids back in school or could use these to help organize your home, get down to Office Depot this week!

I  nabbed 10 folders and 3 pencil cases for school for a grand total of $.14 with tax.

I paid with a quarter and got change back.

How crazy is that?!

Anyone else know of any great back-to-school savings?

Happy Shopping!

Back to the envelope...

With school starting back up

(loud groan)

And me returning to work

(louder groan)

We are getting back into the swing of budgeting.

Since I am only returning part-time, our budget is decreased by 1/4, and adding in the additional costs of child care and insurance.

So yeah...budgeting may be good...

Most of our expenses are automatically done online. Which is easy and free.

But a few of our expenses vary each month, and we have somewhat control over.

Such as: Groceries (household products included), Pets, Car Maintenance, Gifts and Fun Money.

For this...the Envelope system is back.

We did the envelope system a while back, {read about it here} but once we both worked full time and times weren't *as tight* I loosened up... probably shouldn't have.

But since our budget is tight again and savings is now top priority, the envelope system is here to stay.

Each month, on pay day, I immediately pay all the bills online and swing by the bank to get the cash allotted for each category.

NO DEBIT CARDS...NO CREDIT CARDS.

must.have.control.

On mega clearance I purchased this Vera Bradley Envelope in English Meadows to use for my envelope system.

It was highly recommended to use with the envelope system as it has many spots for different categories and a spot for coupons.

I can't wait for it to arrive!

Plus it'll be cute with my new Vera tote in Lemon Parfait!

Ok...back on track.

I've never been great at couponing, but it's a new goal.

I figure coupons + clearance shopping will be fantastic.

AND NOT buying what we don't need.

I'll keep you posted on our journey.

So far, so good this month.

Also...if you have any great coupons or deals you know of, please share!!!

Happy Savings!!

ABC's and Frugal Find

Click here to view this photo book larger

I ordered a Free 8 x 8 Photo Book by going 
{here}
just pay shipping!


I've made a couple of shutterfly books from Levi's pictures, but thought making an ABC book all about him would be precious!
Take a peek and snag your own free book!

Frugal Family Fun in KC

 Crown Center!

Grandma, Aunt Carrie, Levi and I ventured downtown for some free fun!

We first went to the Hallmark Visitors Center (which is free)

and toured the center.

They have a bow machine, which gives each guest a free bow!

(Levi is modeling his for you!)

Then at the end, they gave you a free recordable book! 

(A $30 value!)

This is an adorable book, and if you don't have any little ones in your life, would make a great gift!

Then they had a free dino exhibit, which was kind of lame, but had some cute photo ops.

I love boys and dinosaurs!

So if you need something free to do...this is a great one!

Frugal Friday: Don't pay full price!

Next school year, our family budget will be changing as I will be working part-time as opposed to full-time that I had previously been working. I am thrilled to be home more and have more time with my little man, but our budget will definitely have to be strict!

Each Friday I will share what's working for us to stick to our budget and hopefully can help yours!

This first Frugal Friday tip is pretty easy...don't pay full price!

Whether it's clothing, greeting cards or pasta noodles... it will at some point go on sale!

When it does, STOCK UP!!

Mr. Free built us some pantry storage in the basement.

We have a TEENY TINY kitchen, so in order to maximize the savings, we needed a place to put our sale purchases!

So, if at Target spaghetti noodles are on sale for $.74/box, when normally $1.25 and I REGULARLY use them, I will buy several boxes and store them downstairs.

I also do this with gifts, wrapping paper, cards, clothing, deodorant, shampoo etc.

As long as you are purchasing sale items that you would normally use, then it's a GREAT way to save money. So, whenever you run low on an item, you have a stash already at home! MUCH cheaper than running to the store because you are out of toothpaste and have to pay full price!

Again...just because something is on sale for a fabulous price doesn't mean you need it! ONLY purchase if you already normally use it! A basement full of clearance black beans that you'll never use is just money down the drain!

So if you can, organize an area in your home for your sale stash so you utilize it and save money!

Where to buy sale items?

My favorite is Target.

They regularly clearance nearly everything! From home decor to gift bags to laundry detergent.

You just have to watch!

Grocery stores will regularly have some great deals as well.

Just watch those circulars!
Also check recovery sales outlets.
You can often find great deals!

You may have to put in a lil work and shop around, but the savings are quite motivating!


What's your tip for never paying full price?

Meal Plan Monday

In an effort to live a more simple and frugal life, I realized I need to get back to meal planning. It truly does save lots of time, headache and money! 

We have a WHOLE freezer full of organic, free-range meat to use up from our Meat CSA so we need to get a cookin'!

Here's what's on the menu

Monday- Ground beef soft tacos

Tuesday- Cheeseburgers on the grill

                Cole Slaw

Wednesday- Eating out w/ friends

Thursday- Crock pot roast Chicken and potatoes

Friday- Leftovers

Usually we have TONS of leftovers as it's just the two of us eating (Levi wishes!), and most meal recipes are for 4+, so Friday and Saturday and even Sunday is usually various leftovers from the week!

Here's our recipe for Crock pot Roast Chicken....it's super easy!!

You'll need:

4-5 lb. Chicken

Olive oil

Various spices: salt, pepper, paprika, sage, parsley, Old Bay (you can really use what you like!)

Directions:

Rub the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle selected spices all over chicken. Rub in the spices.

Place in crockpot set on LOW for 8 hours.

Cut up veggies you prefer (we will do potatoes) and arrange around the chicken.

8 hours later...dinner is ready!!

Super easy!

We use the leftover meat for various other dishes... chicken pot pie, chicken enchiladas chicken tacos, etc.

Happy Eating!

Make an E-Reader sleeve in 15 minutes!!

I'm still in the sewing mood, and Mr. Free and Levi, and my mom, surprised me yesterday with a Nook Tablet! 

It's awesome!

But I need some sort of protection for it while it's in my purse.

I checked out Target but they are like $30!

So...I made one!

It's SUPER easy!!

Here we go...

(excuse the smudges...)

 1. Find some cute fabric and cut it to be about a half inch wider on each side as your e-reader and an inch longer than the length of 2 of your e-readers end to end.

 2. On each end, fold over a half inch of fabric and pin in place

 3. Sew both ends, using pins as your guide.

4. While keeping the "inside" part facing you, fold it in half (the "outside" part, or pretty part, facing the inside!) and pin, so you have about a half inch on each side

5. Sew along the sides, using the pins as your guide

 6. Turn inside out!

 7. Slide in your e-reader and you're done!

Easy peasy!

Sugar and Cream

While shopping at Crate and Barrel the other day, I noticed this set for sugar and cream.

Really cute right?

I love anything white and ceramic.

The price tag was $16.95 for the set. Not bad, but not great.

I don't even drink hot coffee....

So I walked away.

So today at Michaels, I bumped into these twins.

See the resemblence?

Wanna know their price?

$.50 each.

Yup.

$1 for the set.

They came home with me.

And we lived happily ever after.

: )

Frugal Tip: Target Debit Card

I love Target.

It is by far my favorite store.

They have cute clothes, accessories, awesome home decor, and even groceries!

Plus, they have the BEST clearance.

Anyways.

If you love Target as much as I do, I highly suggest getting their own debit card.

Here's how it works:

The debit card is directly linked to your checking account.

To enroll you simply give them a cancelled check and they use that to link to your account.

You can do all this when you are checking out...just tell them you'd like to sign up for their debit card.

It takes a few minutes to do, so I made sure not to have a line behind me when I signed up.

Didn't want to be that lady.

Anyways, when you sign up, you get 5% off your purchases every time you use it!

Every time!

The only thing excluded is gift cards.

I love using it.

When they ring you up, you see your total, then you swipe your card and it changes to a lower amount!

I get giddy every time!

With enrolling in their debit program, you don't have to worry about any fees or charges. It is just like using your bank's debit card, just with an additional 5% off!

Target does offer a credit card with the same incentives, but their you can accrue late fees and added interest. So I suggest going with the debit card.

Here is more info directly from Target themselves.

Does anyone else have one already? Love it as much as I do?

If you don't I definitely recommend looking into it!

Frugal Tip: Whole Foods Bulk Bins

In my attempt to eat whole, nutritious, preferably organic food, I have found the Whole Foods bulk bins to be a lifesaver!

Though our closest Whole Foods is nearly 30 minutes away, I manage to venture out there once or twice a month to stock up on our necessities.

For the most part, the prices are wonderful. Especially since most of the products are organic.

You do need to check your prices though.

What do I buy?

Organic brown rice ($.99/lb.)

Organic steel cut oats ($1.35/lb.)

Organic whole wheat flour (regular and pastry flour)($.99/lb.)

Organic popcorn ($1.99/lb.)

Sea Salt ($.55/lb.)

Organic cane juice ($.99/lb.)

They also offer fresh ground peanut butter and local honey on tap, which I purchase both.

I then bring them home and place them in glass jars in our pantry.

This method is much cheaper than pre-packaged goods.

I will say though, in a few months when our Trader Joe's comes in, this could be a complete change.

I do know that almond meal is a fraction of the price at Trader Joe's versus Whole Foods bulk bins.

Luckily I have a huge stash in the basement pantry from Trader Joe's. (I put almond meal in everything!)

So, do you utilize Whole Foods bulk bins?