Saving Moolah

I recently started super-couponing. For those of you not familiar with this term, it refers to consumers who use coupons for just about everything their family needs - some claim to save 90% of their yearly grocery bill.

Like my mom, I have always used coupons. I had to save money when I needed to feed three growing boys on a budget. Now I've decided to take this to the next level. Below are three photos from my shopping this week.


I shopped at Target and spent $15.94 and saved $22.30. I used Target Coupons and paired them with manufacturers coupons, saving 58%.


This is from Walgreen. I spent $9.01, I saved $9.98 and got $5.50 back in Register Rewards that can be used on my next Walgreen's purchase. I used a combination of coupons and advertised specials. When you include the register receipts, I saved 63%.


My last trip this week was to Publix. I spent $47.72 and saved $59.84. This is only a savings percentage of 56% but one of the items I purchased was a $50 gas card! I spent less than the value of the gas card and got everything else too!

As I continue to learn the process, I will pass on tips to you to help you save. I expect my savings percentages to increase as I grow. Why pay full price for anything if you don't have to?

My first tip: Buy more that one Sunday paper when there are coupons, but always in even numbers. Most stores will allow you to use two coupons when they have buy one get one free specials. Don't cut out every coupon - that takes too much time. I'll share more on organization and how to maximize your savings in later posts. If you have questions now, just email me or leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer.

Now, I'm off to make homemade strawberry ice cream - you'll see how this turns out in my next post.

The First Step

A few days ago I posted a status on FB about a decision I've made. This is it - my first blog.

Many of you know that the past 1 1/2 years has been full of changes for me and my family. One of the changes was the loss of my job. Because of life happening and the crazy economy I remain unemployed. I decided to find things to do while I'm waiting for God to open up the next window and the idea for this blog was born.

A Little Bit will cover a little bit of everything. How to maximize your grocery dollar. Parenthood. Friendship. Entertaining. Cooking. I think I only know two people personally who blog - LisaE, and CathyB - so I decided to start one to share information that my friends near and far can use to improve their lives and their bottom lines. Maybe we will share a laugh about our relationships and our children. That's my hope anyway. I'm sure you all will let me know how I'm doing.

I have always loved to shop. My mom taught me to shop with a purpose and to get the best possible price on everything. I've always used coupons, but recently started super-couponing. First it was just to see if I really could get items that my family uses for free or next to nothing. When I realized it really works, I decided to pass on what I learn and to donate any items I am able to get for free that is over and above what we use.

I'll also be sharing ideas for entertaining, party planning, and cooking all of which I love to do. I may also use this blog to vent/share the trials and joys of motherhood. I hope you all decide to go on this journey with me. Together we can change our lives and the lives of those around us.

Lastly for now, a special thanks to Mr. B who has been pushing me to do this for a while. I love you babe.