A hard slap of reality, with a fish slapping dance

Most people who are couponing now have come to it because of the TLC show "Extreme Couponing".  The problem is a lot of them think they can walk into any store and get 99% savings.  That is just not the case!  Normally people will only get about 20 - 50% savings on trips.  You will only be able to get big savings by doing research, and coupon matching.  And even with lots of research, it won't come easy!  But let's all be real for a little while.  Even 50% savings can be hard to come by.  I feel like I'm doing good if I save 30%.  Keep in mind 30% savings is average.  Right now my June average savings is about 49%, which is really good.  Thanks for reading!

"Cheap is good, free is better."

I can get that for free...but is it really?

So, one of the topics on the main coupon site I visit a lot has been "free" items.  If something is on sale for $1 and you have a $1 off coupon, it's free right?  Well, some people say no.  You still have to pay tax on that item!  The government will always get theirs.  Plus you need to figure in the cost of the newspaper(s) you bought.  If you bought 1 Sunday paper for $2 and there were 100 coupons in it...your cost per coupon is $0.02.  And if you get more papers and don't use all the coupons, your price per coupon changes.  If you really want to be super obsessed about it, you can figure out the time spent collecting and clipping your coupons.  Alot of people will also calculate the gas used to go to the stores.  And some people buy clipped coupons and whole inserts from places on the internet.  One of my husband's favorite sayings is "No one will give you anything for free.".    In a lot of ways that is true.  But with coupons, you can give yourself things for "free" all the time!  Thanks for reading.

"Cheap is good, free is better."

I've got a golden coupon, Yes, I've got a golden coupon...

So we've all seen coupons for food, soda, diapers and shampoo.  And they can give you great savings!  So what's a golden coupon?  First of all, it's not really made of gold, or even gold colored.  It is a term I made up for really special coupons.  You know the ones...$5.00 off that fancy new coffee maker.  $3.00 off the water filter pitcher you've had your eye on.  They are coupons for things that normally wouldn't have a coupon.  Or that you would think wouldn't have a coupon.  If it's something you've been eyeing, that's the time to buy, and if you can match it with a sale even better.  I had a coupon for $5.00 off one of those single serve coffee makers, but before I had the money to go even look at one, the coupon expired.  I almost cried.  But I know that the more popular they are, the more coupons will come out.  And that's when I'll pounce, like a lioness.  Cause I love coffee, and that will make it easier to change flavors mid day!  Thanks for reading.

"Cheap is good, free is better."

It's just a dumpster of paper...jump in already!

Dumpster diving.  The words carry mixed feelings for people.  Some people get weirded out at the thought of climbing in a dumpster, even if there's only paper in it.  Other people can't help themselves but jump in.  I am planning a trip dumpster diving soon, and plan on dragging at least one of my kids with me.  Now before you find a dumpster and just jump inside, do some research.  Make very sure it's not illegal, unless you like jail.  Some dumpsters have small doors on the sides where you can poke around from and don't have to actually get inside.  Find one dumpster near your house, and try looking through it at least twice after Sunday.  I'm thinking Monday and Wednesday.  I think I will call the dumpster company and see when they pick up first.  I might also check some local hotels to try to score their extra papers.  Just a few ideas, take them for what they are.  Thanks for reading.

"Cheap is good, free is better."