Couponing

I have been researching and talking to friends who coupon for a couple of months. I have been trying to wrap my mind around all involved....it seemed overwhelming to me. Recently I came across a show on TLC called "Extreme Couponing." Those people on the show are serious about the coupon thing....I was amazed! Realizing after viewing the show, I am a visual person and until I actually saw someone go from start to finish and grocery shop. I could not put all the pieces together. Once I saw the show and had the basis knowledge of research the practices really started to click for me.

I began a couple of weeks ago to follow the coupon strategy of buying a couple of Sunday papers (I buy them Saturday night), cut and organize coupons (Sat night), check out the grocery store sale flyers and only buy items that are on sale and I have a coupon. I bought a large binder with baseball card holders to house all my coupons in an organized manner. I've had to be disciplined to buy only the sale/coupon items and those essential items I need that typically do not go on sale - meat, chicken, milk, eggs, veggies and fruit.

Couponing is definitely worth it if you are considering it. Make no mistake it is time consuming, requires one to be very organized and not for the faint of heart. I would not consider myself to be the most organized, however, it is possible. Time consuming plays on the front and back end. Front end - clipping and organizing the coupons, back end - to get the BEST deals you have to shop at 2-3 grocery stores. There are valuable websites that share where you can get the best deal. Sometimes it is easier for me to just read the weekly sales paper from the grocery stores and plan my grocery list before I walk in and go right down the line.

For example, today I went to Kroger paid $34.40, between Kroger Plus card, manufacturing coupons and the coupon doubles I saved $29.48....not bad when I could have paid $63.88. Next to Publix paid $40.75, between Publix B1G1, Publix coupons and manufactures coupons I saved $29.13...not bad when I could have paid $70.08. Grand total spent - $75.15. This can last us close to two weeks and we can eat at home most every night.

I hope to stick with it. I am a competitive person by nature so I always attempt to save more. I desire to be a wise steward of what the Lord has entrusted to us. As I think of being a wise steward in the role of being a wife and mother, I am reminded of Proverbs 31 (Virtuous Wife).

As I have couponed I realize it is more than just saving for my household....couponing allows you to buy items for free or at very low costs so in turn you can give to others. The Lord has challenged Eric and I to give even more in 2011 and one way we plan to do so in our church food pantry. There is such a need!  Another idea a friend gave me is for people in the church who coupon to cut extra coupons, give them to the church food pantry and someone who is passionate and willing to organize the coupons on behalf of the church can make the church's coupon binder and buy those items for the food pantry at great deals as well!

As 2011 kicks off....my prayer is that the Lord teaches me how to be the Virtuous Wife and Mother and that I listen and obey!

Proverbs 31:10 - 31
10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them,And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “ Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.