Here Goes Nothing!

A couple of months ago, I began noticing status updates on people's Facebook profiles: "I went to Publix and saved $100 and only spent $10." Being the casual couponer I was at the time, it did spark somewhat of an interest to acquire my own receipt outlining the same wonderful savings, but quickly fizzled. It wasn't until I overheard a neighbor discussing how she ran into another neighbor at Publix and the conversation went something like this: "Yeah, Heather, she said she stocked her freezer full of Hungry Man meals and they paid HER for 20+ boxes!" Let's just say that got my attention.

Since then, couponing has become my number one hobby. Call it nerdy if you want, but maybe when you see future blog postings about my 80-90% savings, you will want to be a nerd with me! I look forward to Sundays. Just seeing that paper sitting there on the grass waiting for me to run out like a crazy woman: barefoot, mismatched pajamas and disheveled hair..yikes-you get the picture! It takes only seconds once inside to tear it apart, uncovering the layers to get to best part of all: COUPONS! Thankfully, the kids somehow all got the memo that Sundays are meant to be a day of rest and during their 3 hour naps, the clipping begins.

When I couple the Sunday paper savings along with competitor coupons, and online manufacturer's coupons (Southernsavers.com is a phenomenal website) I can't help but wonder...why didn't I start doing this a long time ago!? However, it has quickly become apparent that each time I proudly unload my groceries, I am acquiring a lot of items considered "money makers" that I never intend to use. Who needs 20 packs of Yakisoba Noodles, 10 bottles of vitamins, 6 boxes of Ritz Crackers, or 15 4-packs of Benevia Juice anyway?? We may not, but others do. While we are fortunate and extremely blessed...more people than ever have been affected by our economy, leaving many food banks in our area with empty shelves. So..why not combine the love of couponing and saving money with the appropriate resources to help others?

I encourage you to do what you can as well. Whether it's the "free" item from a buy one, get one deal that could be donated, or items on shelves that will never be touched, share it with someone who really hates asking for "handouts" or who may not know where their next meal is coming from. If you see me on a regular basis, feel free to drop your donations off with me. If not, you may have another charity in mind. For purposes of my new venture, my "extra" food will be split between the Lawrenceville Co-op, the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative, and the homeless. Together, we can make a huge difference. Please feel free to email me with any questions or comments.