I want to live a more frugal lifestyle but I really don't want to cut out the things I love, specifically food.
Today, I am starting my research on using Coupons. Can I tell you how many online articles there are on this topic? Oh, about a gazillion! I have a few that I am reading right now and as soon as I determine how valuable they are, I will post them.
I did find a new book from the library Be CentsAble, How to Cut Your Household Budget in Half by Chrissy Pate and Kristin McKee. I read a couple of chapters last night and I like how the authors are clearly stating that they are not telling you how much you should be spending or what you should and should not be buying. They are trying to teach you how to buy what you want and need for less money. Now there is a novel idea (insert sarcasm here). I know it is a not a novel idea but somehow seeing it in writing helps.
So after reading chapter one, Everything You Didn't Know About Coupons, I am ready to start coupon clipping. I got my 3 ring binder, 3 hole punched clear plastic file holders, a small accordian style coupon holder and a pair of little scissors. Now, I need to get myself some coupon inserts from the papers and signup for coupons on the online coupon sites. Oh, I should probably talk to Cousin Tom since he is the COUPON KING from what I understand. Cousin Tammy is a lucky woman to have a man that is comfortable and excited using coupons. It also helps that he is a nice and nice looking (Don't let that go to your head Tom. It's big enough already!).
Here are the coupon insert schedules for RedPlum, Smart Source, Proctor and Gamble and General Mills:
May
16 — (2) Smart Source and Red Plum
23 — Smart Source and Red Plum
30 — No Inserts scheduled (Memorial Day)
June
6 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smart Source
20 — Smart Source and Red Plum
27 — Smart Source and Red Plum
July
4 — No Inserts scheduled (Independence Day)
11 — Smart Source and Red Plum
18 — Smart Source
25 — Smart Source and Red Plum
August
1 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
8 — Smart Source and Red Plum
15 — Smart Source and Red Plum
22 — Smart Source and Red Plum
29 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
September
5 — No Inserts scheduled (Labor Day)
12 — Smart Source and (2) Red Plum
19 — Smart Source and Red Plum
26 — Smart Source and Red Plum
October
3 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
10 — Smart Source and Red Plum
17 — Smart Source and Red Plum
24 — Smart Source and Red Plum
31 — Smart Source and Red Plum
November
7 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
14 — Smart Source and Red Plum
21 — Smart Source and Red Plum
28 — No Inserts scheduled (Thanksgiving)
December
5 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
12 — Smart Source and Red Plum
19 — No Inserts scheduled (Christmas)
26 — No Inserts scheduled (New Year’s Day)
These dates could change so please check the sites for updated information and additional coupons.
P&G
GM
RedPlum
Smart Source
I will keep you posted on my coupon progress.