Using coupons is a great way to stretch your family’s budget. Buying one or more Sunday papers that include coupon books is a great way to get stocked up on savings. Maybe you have a friend who will give you their coupons? It never hurts to ask especially if those savings are being tossed in the trash.
One secret to saving the most money is to only buy grocery items on sale and with a coupon. Plan meals around those purchases.
Whether you are new to couponing or a seasoned saver, one of the first steps you need to consider is how to store and organize your coupons. I would suggest you always carry your coupons with you. Even though you think you’re just running into the store for one item, you might see something on sale or on the clearance rack that you have a coupon for, so you do want to keep it handy.
It might work for you to tuck your clipped coupons into a simple envelope. Or mark several envelopes with categories. Or store them according to expiration dates. Do what works best for you.
Maybe you’d prefer, as I do, an expanding file that is wallet size and easy to carry in your purse. Make sure it has tabs on top of the dividers. Mark each with the product category so you can find what you're looking for at a glance. I normally add my most recent coupons to the back of each divider, so that the oldest ones(most likely to expire first) are in the front.
It might work for you to tuck your clipped coupons into a simple envelope. Or mark several envelopes with categories. Or store them according to expiration dates. Do what works best for you.
Maybe you’d prefer, as I do, an expanding file that is wallet size and easy to carry in your purse. Make sure it has tabs on top of the dividers. Mark each with the product category so you can find what you're looking for at a glance. I normally add my most recent coupons to the back of each divider, so that the oldest ones(most likely to expire first) are in the front.
Did you realize that whether you like or dislike a product, if you write to the company, they likely will send you coupons? I've done it myself and have been thrilled for what I have received. Free items even! It's worth some time and being able to email a company makes things quicker than ever before.
Thought I'd share a few Do-It-Yourself recipes to help stretch that budget.
NATURAL STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER
Wipe off any major caked on grime using a rag. Pour about a tablespoon or so of olive oil on a folded paper towel. You don’t want too much oil or you’ll leave streaks of oil, but you want enough that it does the job. You may have to experiment a bit.
Wipe the fridge or appliance “with the grain” of the steel. Look for what direction the metal seems to naturally go. This stroking method worked better than using a circular motion, which left some streaks. You may have to reload your paper towel once or twice with more oil to cover the whole surface. Wipe off any excess oil using a dry paper towel.
HOMEMADE LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENER
6 c. hot water
3 c. white distilled vinegar
2 c. hair conditioner (any brand)
1 empty gallon container
In large (microwave safe) bowl, mix vinegar and hair conditioner together - it will look a tad clumpy. Place bowl in microwave and heat for a minute or two. This will ensure the ingredients will blend together. Remove from microwave and stir. Add hot water and mix to blend. Pour mixture into a one gallon container and store in laundry room.
Use same amount as you would store-purchased softener. (though I always use about half as much as the label says).
Note: Be sure to shake bottle well before adding to dispenser, downy ball or directly in rinse cycle. (I had an extra large bottle of Downy already, and just added this mixture to it. It works great and I still get the fragrance from the Downy.)
I have a friend who raves about this DIY recipe for HOMEMADE SPRAY STARCH. She refuses to ever buy it again. Simply add 2 TB. cornstarch to 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Shake and spray. VOILA!
~Kid President has been quoted saying..."Be Somebody who makes Everybody feel like a Somebody".
