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Why Did You Start Using Coupons?

29 June 2009 367 views Comments

wisecouponsIt is a question I get asked a lot.  I re-read my “About” page and realized it didn’t really tell the whole story of why and how I started couponing.

The short version- we needed to save money.

Then there is the long version:

THE HUSBAND and I have been on the Dave Ramsey cash envelope system for several years.

We had weekly budget meetings (Ugh), our emergency fund, and a plan to pay off our student loans and mortgage.

Then a few major events changed our financial situation…

We were outgrowing our small house.  Last summer (‘08) we found a steal of a deal on a foreclosed home. We decided to buy that house and that meant two mortgages, two kids, two dogs and one income.

The budget needed adjusting.

About the same time we moved (September) we also started getting all the medical and pharmacy bills from my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an expensive disease to diagnose and a very expensive disease to treat (for example:  before insurance my medicine costs a little over $2,500.00/month).

Our monthly budget needed MAJOR adjusting.

I quickly learned a few things.

1. I learned how to coupon and plan meals.

2. I learned a lot about medical insurance, medical assistance programs and negotiating medical bills…which could be another blog all to itself.

3. I learned that my security, my peace and my provision does not lie in a bank account, a budget sheet or my ability to save money.  It comes from my God who has proven faithful in every way.

I have learned several other things in the last year, and this blog is an attempt to share a lot of that.

I know a lot of my readers are in tough financial situations right now so I hope my story encourages you in your frugal efforts.

We’re meeting our budget and  steadily chipping away at our debt.

Progress is a little slower than we had planned, but it was the Tortoise who won right?

What about you?

  • Why are you couponing?
  • How are you doing on your financial goals?
  • How can you encourage other people as they try to adjust their budgets?

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  • Mrssmith
    I have a pretty frugal budget for feeding a family of 7. But I would always be looking for ways to save and just to keep from running out of things mid-week. And I dreaded the weeks where we would need to buy toilet paper, cleaning supplies, make-up, shampoo, etc all in the same week-ouch! My friend Allison told me about some frugal blogs and couponing. So I checked it out and I was sure glad I did! I am able to get some much more for our money now. And I haven't bought shampoo, feminine supplies, toothpaste and several other items in over a year because I got them for free at CVS and Walgreens. Thanks Katie for a very informative site and for your encouraging testimony of God's faithfulness!
  • colleen
    Katie, thanks for sharing your story. I think we can all encourage each other on when we chat about what goes on "behind the screen"... I began couponing and cutting back in November of '08... not very long ago. Before then, I didn't give the first thought to sales, coupons,etc. Then, with the turn of the economy and seeing some friends struggle through job losses, I jumped in! I love it! Never have I had a hobby that actually saves us money! I've cut back fast food purchases by probably 90%, found a more affordable hair stylist, and save gazillions on groceries. We are Dave Ramsey folk, too and can't wait to scream "We're debt free"... no matter how long it takes, at least we on the path!

    I'll pray for you, your family, and for the blessings this awesome blog can share with Knoxville families!
  • i've heard so much neat stuff about you, so i stopped to say hey. i'm saving your website for future use! i, too, am a knox gal, so i love hearing about stuff in the area!!

    thank you so much!
  • Shaun
    What an awesome testimony! I am a mom of 3 boys who desires to stay home with them. I want to be the one who shares those special moments with them. I am frugal by genetics, but before kids, i never found the need to coupon. I have always sought out the best deal on anything and everything. After our last son, and the turn of the economy for the worst, I found the need to coupon to cut the cost at the grocery store. Your site is such a great resource for mommies, and anyone else looking to provide the best for their families and enjoy GREAT activities at a fraction of the cost. I have to tell you that you are a ministry to many women at our church, and your blog today reinforces the fact that God has many more blessings in store for you!
    Thank you and Many blessings to you and your family!
  • Meredith
    Hi Shaun!!
    Katie. I love your webiste. There are lots of blogs and money saving websites out there but yours is the only local one that lets us know about deals around ktown!!! As far as money and the economy goes I have always been frugal, digging to the bottom of the barrel for the best deal. My financial situation is actually doing well despite the economy, but with my husband and I raising 3 kids and not knowing what the future holds I feel it is imperative to be financially responsible. God has blessed us and we have to be responsible with His money. Thank you so much for the time you put into this site. I know how much time I spend couponing just for my family and I can only imagine how much time you put in. I get a little adrenaline rush every time I exit the store with bags of goods my family needs and have only spent pennies on the dollar. Thanks!!!!
  • Cathy
    I'm not really sure what your reader demographics is but I'm probably on the older side. My daughters are 31 and 33, so you all can do the math :-) I've used coupons for over 30 years off and on. I've always been pretty frugal and we've never lived beyond our means. There was a period of time living pay check to pay check, and we made it through that. I coupon more now than ever before. It is much easier due to all the coupons and online surveys. The online sites like yours and all the ones you link to are gold mines to those that use them. It is just the 2 of us, but other than fresh produce and milk I can go to the grocery store just a few times a month and get by. I have given suggestions to my daughters and others, some will listen , some say it is to much trouble. I always show my free coupons and tell them it really isn't all that hard to do. Keep up the good work, I love your site...you seems to have it pretty much together.
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