Everyone I know has a budget – a financial guideline that they follow to determine their daily spending in relationship to their life. As for my frugal journey, I am at the top of my game. I shop at least 2 or more drug stores each week and at least 2 food stores. I’ve cut my spending on food and personal care items by about 76%. That means that for every $100.00 the average American family spends on grocery and personal care like toothpaste, hair products and food, I only spend $24.00.
I’ve become so frugal in ways that were easily mastered that I’ve accumulated a massive stockpile of “things,” things like shower gel, lotion, toothpaste and dish soap. The list is really pretty long and just recently my son and I made a “stock pile” list of all of the completely FREE items in our possession from couponing.
I’m contacting the House of Ruth today. It’s a shelter for woman seeking asylum from domestic violence – a subject that was all too close in my previous marriage. I hope to find a home for my frugal findings and a special kind of peace in my heart from helping my fellow kind.
So many people associate frugal living and couponing with lack, but I’m here to share with you that it’s all about abundance. I would not have had the means to make such a large donation with my previous spending habits and I am filled with joy that my family can experience this gift with me as we share with other families in need.
Hi Maggie,
As you know my passions are many, the elderly, troubled children and of course our Men and Women who serve our Country. Henry and I will be donating to the Girls and Boys Club here in Florida and I have also put out my “Antenna” to possibly send some “Care Packages” overseas..
We have known each other for many years Maggie and isn’t it wonderful and such a blessing that we are able now to give back to the Charities that are dear to us..In this economy we are able to give to ones hurting and struggling, I find this So Amazing,
I also know that with out couponing we would not have been able to do this and I hope that anyone reading these posts will continue reading this websight, learn how to do this and when they go out for that first shopping trip and realize that they just got there favorite shampoo and the store PAID them to take it, they will be hooked and then it spreads and you realize now you can help your mom and dad who are on fixed incomes, your children who are struggling to make ends meet maybe an elderly neighbor who isn’t quit ready to go into that nursing home but still struggles and the GREATEST part Maggie, I’m able to do that and I’m still paying out 75% LESS then I did before I started to coupon WOW!!!!!! It’s just so Amazing…
Be Blessed,
Love you B
Hi Maggie, glad to know you found a great non profit to donate all your food and accessories to. It’s such a blessing to everyone to be able to help in this way. I wish everyone who is struggling to put food on the table, would read your messages and learn how to bless themselves and others. My husband, Charles is the one who started our couponing and we are having a lot of fun. We save 84% which is so amazing, when 1 1/2 yrs ago, it wouldn’t take me long to spend a hundred dollars or more at walmart , publix, etc. I even went as far to look at my old receipts and just cringed that I spent so much money. It would take me 30-45 days to spend that much money. I don’t like to cook, so I don’t plan meals. My bad, but I’m thinking if I tried that out for 1 week I could save even more money. Charles is blessed with the cooking duties. We have a charity that is close to our hearts and it’s the Safe Harbor Boys Home. We also have several churches, and many families in need. Our families are very spoiled with the savings from couponing. We talk to anyone whose willing to listen or learn how to save money. As I have told you, we have put over 19,000 dollars to eliminate our debt. I give all the praise to God, to give us the kinow how and opportunity to give back. Keep up the good work.
HAPPY COUPONING,
AMY
I cannot even begin to tell you how much you have both touched my heart with your messages! I’m trying to get in touch with the administration at House of Ruth becuase I’d like this to hit the papers or tv because more people need to know that its so easy to give and they too can make a difference in the lives of others. I’m offering my “teaching services FREE of charge to teach anyone associated with House of Ruth how to live a frugal life. I know it sounds corny but living a frugal life has changed my life! You are both great and thank you for giving. Happy couponing to you Amy!
Maggie
HEY MAGGIE, CHARLES DID GREAT AT WALGREENS, I WILL SEND YOU A PIC TO SHOW YOU WHAT HE BOUGHT FOR UNDER 10.00. GO…. CHARLES. TO EVERYONE HAPPY COUPONING.
AMY
We’ve been living frugally for over a decade now and I can honestly say it feels like we’ve mastered the art of frugality as well. In fact, we have a 2yo and 4yo and through buying used (clothes, furniture, toys,etc) and re-selling when we are done, raising our two kids thus far has been a breeze financially. 🙂
As Dave Ramsey would say, live like no one else so later you can live and give like no one else! 🙂 Cheers! AFFJ