I ran into a nursing assistant at my doctors office last week and asked her how her savings were coming along after starting to coupon. She said that she “printed out a bunch of coupons but forgets to take them to the store.” Learning to extreme coupon does mean a change in your old habits (which can be tuff for some). If you want the 75% savings on your grocery, personal care and toiletries bill you’ll need to stop by 2 grocery stores each week and probably either CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid about twice a month (and sometimes every week depending on the sales.)
If you stick with your old habits and just use coupons you’ll probably be able to get your savings only around the 50% mark. If you scrap store loyalty and shop 2 grocery stores every week and follow the sales you’ll find your savings in the 75% range. Set goals for yourself – short term and long term. How much do you need to save? What will you do with your savings? Are you saving for retirement? A vacation? Whatever the case may be its important to have a plan that you stick with. Write it down!
And… Don’t forget to get a Visa or MasterCard or discover card with reward points. After a year of paying bills with your rewards card and using it for gas, groceries etc you’ll be amazed at the rewards you will have earned just by using the card each month. Be sure to pay the bill in full each month – never carry a balance. If you have a lavish vacation you’d like to go on then plan to use a rewards card that points don’t expire (I have a a no hassle Visa) and then use the card for 3 to5 years until you’ve earned enough points for your big trip!
Live frugally but have fun! When you save 75% each week you’ll have more money to have fun with your family!
Keep couponing – It will change your life~
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