Y'all Are Not Going to Believe This!

Okay, so on yesterday's post, I mentioned that I wasn't gonna take this whole economy thing laying down. (And I'm not - my family still has to eat - ya hear what I'm sayin'?) I had mentioned that I'd do what I have to in order to feed my family foods other than junk (although, I gotta say - the tomatoes...really bad. Maybe I should consider this?)

Hi-D was put at ease when I confessed that I'm not a Hot Couponing Mama. I use them - but I don't get a lot of free stuff. The best I have done is saving 50% off my total purchase. But this was a combination of sales and coupons - not just coupons. I promised Hi-D to share a couponing story.

Well, let me tell you! I was at Food Lion the other day, getting a few odds and ends that I had forgotten when I went weekly grocery shopping. (In my defense, they didn't even make it on the list. I usually always shop The List).

In front of me was a man who got around $20 worth of items. When the cashier gave the man his change and receipt, he asked him if he wanted his catalinas (catalinas are the coupons that print out based on the products you buy). He said he didn't want them. He was passing up free coupons! I spoke up (which in real life, is something I rarely do until after the fact) and said, "I'll take them!" One of the coupons was a free milk coupon. Food Lion is doing a promotion. When you buy a gallon of milk, you get a catalina towards a free gallon of milk. When you collect six of these coupons, you get a free gallon of milk. Why would you throw this away?

I'll be the first to admit, that for me, couponing takes some time. I've already said that I'm not a coupon pro. I use them to the best of my ability - and get some exciting deals. I buy the Sunday newspaper every week (except for holidays when there aren't any coupons) and I clip almost every coupon - not because I use them, but I like to pass them on to those who can use them. And yes, I even have a binder full of coupons. All in all, I'm a feather weight at best.

Even still, I do not pass up free coupons! Especially milk coupons. Especially when I already have five in my binder - free milk, here I come (every little bit helps, don'tcha know).

Interested in using or learning how to use coupons? Below are some free resources to help you -

Hot Coupon World (it's all about the deals!) - HUGE couponing community! Learn how, learn where and learn how much. Want to be inspired? Check out these ladies' stockpiles!
Coupon Mom - TONS of free resources
Grocery Guide - Find coupons and sales, fast!

Are you more of a visual type of person? Go to YouTube and search 'couponing'. The things these women (and men!) accomplish is amazing!

Until next time...