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Having Fun Saving by Tracy Shaw

Yes, it is true that times are tough for almost everyone right now. Like most of you, I had to search for ways to be creative with my budget and I am actually amazed at what I have discovered over the past year. It really is fun to find new ways to save money!

Sharing my story and passing on what I have learned has become my passion. I have created a web-site Having Fun Saving where I show others how to use the resources out there to save money on groceries, clothing, restaurants and just about everything else!

I typically save 50-75% on my grocery bill every week. This past week, I spent just $42.37 for my family of four and I SAVED $99.90. I even bought normal everyday things like, produce, fruits, cheese, lunch meat, and snacks.

Here are my top 5 favorite money saving tips:

1. Be prepared when you go to the grocery store, know what's on sale. I post the ad for Publix on Monday along with all of the coupons that go with the sale items for that week.
2. Make a list AND stick to it...I know that this sounds easier than it is
3. Have your coupons WITH your list before going into the store. This will prevent you from getting into the store, looking thru all your coupons and wasting time in the store. Be organized. Get a coupon binder (I got mine in the dollar bin at Target, you don't need anything super fancy, just something that works for you!) I DO suggest getting one that is longer so that your internet coupons fit without having to be folded.
4. Stack your coupons with the sale to maximize your savings. Ok, so if you are thinking..."stack" what is that? Well, most stores (Target and Publix included) will take ONE MANUFACTURER AND ONE STORE COUPON PER ITEM. That means you can have 2 coupons PER item. Now, match that with a great sale and you can get some things for super cheap or even FREE. I like to donate some of these super cheap/free items to my local food bank.
5. Stockpile. You don't have to go crazy like on the show Extreme Couponing on TLC, but you do want enough of your regular/favorite things to make it 6-8 weeks. Sales typically cycle every 6-8 weeks and your goal would be to never have to pay full price for something ever again.

I am a mom, wife, friend, and a woman...I post deals that I would enjoy in hopes that my readers will too. I truly have fun saving, and I hope you will too!

Visit me at www.havingfunsaving.com for coupons, deals, and more…