I was pleased with myself when I recently rented a car and made use of two discounts. First, I found a coupon code using Ask Deals and then I scored a small additional rebate by entering the rental car company’s web site through Ebates. In fact, I was about to write a blog post about discount double dipping until I came across this ABC News video on the Dough Defender web site, which put my money-saving efforts to shame. The woman profiled feeds her family of six for a stunning four dollars a week!
Food is one of the biggest expense items for most households. So, even if we never get to the point of figuring out how to buy over $200 worth of groceries for a penny, many of us could probably become a lot more effective in how we spend at the grocery store. One site that can help is CouponMom.com.
Here’s one more way to get the money thing right in 2010. Join me for a free Financial Freedom webinar on January 19th at noon central time. During the session, I will walk you through the steps for setting up and using a cash flow plan that will guide you toward the accomplishment of your goals. To sign up, click here.
I’ve done a lot of coupon shopping when I can. The only thing I didn’t like about that ABC segment was that when you look at the lady’s pantry, almost ALL of it is highly processed food, which is not terribly healthy. I know some families need to make sure they save money, but it’s probably more expensive in the long run to pay for the health consequences. My husband and I spend a pretty penny for our food (okay, it’s about $100 a week), but we’re eating mostly fruits, veggies, whole grain breads, real cheese, milk, water, brown rice, eggs … we make a lot from scratch, which is more expensive in some ways. But we’re healthier than we’ve ever been, even if we’re not saving a ton of money on the front end. (Most coupons are for the overly-processed foods that we avoid.) So we save money other ways – we use Entertainment books that have BOGO coupons for events and restaurants in the city, our AAA membership for car repair and clothing and travel, and such to make up where we don’t save on our grocery budget.
Mitchel – Yes, I’ll have a link that I’ll post after the webinar.
Matt,
Since I work during your webinar time on the 19th, will you offer a replay so I and others can access it after work hours?
Beth – I’ve heard good things about Jill Cataldo’s classes, so thanks for the recommendation.
Since last June, I’ve been following a blog written by a lady in the Chicago area about using these same coupon techniques that are highlighted in ABC News Video referenced below. She posts the “best deals of the week” every Tuesday and teaches coupon classes for free at local libraries all over the Chicago area: http://www.magnetic-media.com/jill/
Anyone interested in diving into the world of serious couponing should check it out!
Kim – You might try shopping at CVS. I know they have stores in Texas. They don’t double coupons, but I’ve been meaning to start shopping there because I keep hearing amazing stories of how much people save when using their Extra Care Bucks.
Thanks for posting these sites. Couponing is one of my goals for the New Year. I think I’ll put the money I save into a vacation or Christmas fund. I was more motivated when I lived in Southern California where they double coupons. Unfortunately they don’t do that in North Texas.