Save and Share

One of the things I have done most of my life is try to find the best buys wherever I shop, whether that's at a yard sale or retail store. If it's the grocery store I watch for sales, reductions, and use both the store's value card as well as both store and manufacturers' coupons when I can. Quality of items is important to me, but if things are fairly equal I'll be buying the least expensive one. It's now what I consider to be a positive habit of mine.

Many shoppers create a price books using the information from their local stores to write down the item and price at each store. That way you don't have to remember it all in your head. It really doesn't take that long to establish, and you would just take that along with your coupon holder along to the store. By signing up for each store's savings card, you will get other coupons and offers as well.

There are coupons for almost everything you purchase, even on essentials like produce. There are coupons for services as well as products. You can find coupons on packaging, in magazines, Sunday inserts, online to print off, and elsewhere as well. There are coupon clubs, and sites online. One that I use is called Coupon Mom.

Quick tip: Find the coupon holder and price book that you really love feel good about looking at and using. That way you will be sure to remember to take it with you. Put your contact information inside so the store can contact you if you lose it.

When you need an item, you just look it up in your price book to see if it's a good deal or not that day. You'll most likely end up trying to buy extra of items you can store when they are at their lowest price, and trying to skip buying them the week they cost more. If you have an extra storage freezer, particularly an Energy Star energy-efficient appliance, this strategy can save you lots of money. This means you could freeze things such as fruit while the prices are low.

You could also try once a month cooking if you have extra freezer space. That's where you plan to spend one long cooking session per month to cook that month's meals, or at least several at a time., and then refreeze them. There are several books out on the topic with easy recipes and instructions. This will actually save you both money and lots of time. You will always have a meal to share if surprise guests arrive or someone who would appreciate one.

Shopping online is something I have had wonderful experiences with. There are coupon codes available for may online sites. Free or low-cost shipping offers abound, especially around Christmas. I've already mentioned how wonderful I think the Greater Good Network shops online are. Today, those people on their email list have a coupon code to get 25% off everything and next day shipping for only $10 with a $50 order.

You might wonder what this topic has to do with making a difference. Actually, several things.
1.First, you will make a difference in your own budget. That could help you work towards debt freedom or provide with money to follow a dream you have.
2. It could provide you with the money to buy more organic healthier food. That might keep you healthier and lower your medical bills
3.You could buy extra for the food pantries in your local area when you find a great sale at little or no cost to you.
4. You could put the savings into an investment account and have it grow for you retirement, Christmas, or vacation account.
5.You could donate the money you save to a charity or cause of your choosing. It's money you used to spend anyway.