October 2009

Welcome to Centsable Savings Stories and Struggles! This week, Michelle from I Heart Publix and I Heart Saving Money is sharing her story. I loved reading Michelle’s story because she clearly explains how learning to save on groceries taught her to look for ways to save in other areas. Savings tactics that will lower your grocery bill by 50% will also save you hundreds when you apply them to other areas.

As I was unloading my weekly haul from the grocery store I happened to catch a television report about a woman who spent a few dollars at the grocery store for an amazing amount of groceries. I watched in disbelief and amazement as she had many more bags of groceries than I had brought in from my weekly visit. I was in complete awe at the fact that this woman spent less than $10 for her entire purchase while my pitiful receipt crumpled in my purse read over $250. I immediately ran to my computer and began searching. I found pages and pages of sites all dedicated to coupons and saving money. I felt like I was stepping into a different world.

I spent a few hours that day glued to the computer reading and learning about coupons and saving money. At first it seemed that I was on another planet—these sites were filled with lingo and shorthand that was completely foreign to me. I remember telling my husband that I was going to join a coupon cult full of crazies! It wasn’t long until I realized these women were not crazy they were incredibly smart and resourceful! I was hooked.

Every week I learned more and every week my grocery bill decreased. Soon my savings started to spill over into all my other spending habits. I learned the importance of stockpiling and buying multiples when the deals were really good. With two small boys I found that we were constantly going to birthday parties and buying a $20+ dollar present seemed to be a weekly occurrence! Once I hit my first toy clearance I bought many gifts for the typical cost of one gift. Within a few months I had enough birthday and holiday gifts to cover the majority of people on my shopping list at a fraction of the price I could have spent had I purchased only when I “needed” the item!

Having two growing children that seem to need new clothing on a weekly basis–I knew there was a way to save on clothing too. I never realized that most clothing stores offered incentives and/or coupons that could be used on sale and clearance items. I found that buying clothing off season was a fantastic way to get a complete wardrobe for the cost of one outfit bought in season. It is much more cost effective to buy a polo at the Gap when there is a 30% coupon that will reduce the already clearance price of $6 and then store it until the appropriate season. Like most deals, timing is critical. Finding the best time to buy is what can make or break the budget.

Recently I have started to focus on reducing the costs of our utilities. Most companies don’t advertise the fact that they will negotiate pricing. Cable companies, phone companies and even standard utilities will often reduce prices if you ask. I found that by doing some calling around to get competitor pricing will often give you an upper hand as most companies would rather reduce costs to keep you as a customer. If a company will not budge on pricing there is always an option to go with another provider!!

With a little effort it is possible to save in all areas of spending. If you take time to look around, you will find deals and coupons for groceries, clothing, furniture, fine dining, fast food, travel, vacation deals and more!!

Saving money has become a way of life. I am constantly looking for ways to save money while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle for my family. I started providing deals here and there to a few friends via email. After a while I decided that a website would be a more efficient way to pass on savings and deal ideas. That little idea has now blossomed into two websites that have completely surpassed my expectations in less than 6 months! I Heart Publix is devoted to getting the best deals at once of the best grocery stores in the South. I Heart Saving Money covers more local and national stores and offers as many deals and ways to save that I can find.

Right now I am able to provide for my family on a budget of $40 (or less) per week. There is some effort involved —but it is worth it. My budget is not set in stone and I allow myself to make mistakes and even splurge on occasion. When I think back to my life before coupons—I cringe at how much money I threw away! I have several advanced degrees and thought myself to be an intelligent person. But apparently I missed couponing 101 in grad school! I am determined to teach my children the importance of saving and making wise decisions involving money. I am very proud of the example I am setting for my boys. At ages 2 and 3, both of my boys are getting lessons on making smart financial choices. I can’t help but giggle when my 3 year old happily states, “We don’t need that! It’s not on sale!” as he put an appealing toy back on the shelf.

I think back to that gal I saw on TV not so long ago and I can’t help but smile as now I am the one doing interviews on TV and have cameras following me as I shop. Hopefully, I am able to show people that saving money is possible and actually can be quite fun!

Each week I feature a different shopper’s story. Centsable Savings Stories are the stories of people just like you who are working toward reducing their budgets, bargain hunting, living a more frugal lifestyle and constantly learning along the way. If you are interested in sharing your family’s successes and struggles, please contact me at centsable.chrissy[at]gmail [dot]com. Bloggers and non-bloggers are both welcome to participate. Click here to read the stories of shoppers featured in the past.

{ 0 comments }