coupons/rebates

Did your mom ever cut out coupons? Mine did, so it has always been a part of my life. I get the sunday paper every week just for the coupons. (Well I do read it sometimes) Coupons has always dictated what food we had, what toothpaste we used etc. Why pay full price if you don't have to. Yes it takes a little time, but I think it's worth it. It frees up money you can use/give elsewhere. When Ken and I met I saved an average of 60% off my grocery bill. He could not belive it. Yes, I spent two hours at the grocery store, but I believed the results were worth it. It is a little harder now due to the end of double coupons in the central valley, but it is still possible to get really good deals. Walgreens has become my new favorite store. Every week there are many items to get totally free. You can do the same at Rite Aid and Longs, although their deals are a little harder to do and less plentiful. Since groceries are one of the only areas where you have some flexibility on what you spend I'm determined to make the most of it. We have had to totally revise our budget/spending plan due to the price of gas which has brought me back to coupons and rebates. I'm sorry I ever left it. I had forgotton how much fun it is to buy things for free. My kids love it because they never know what to expect. You also find new recipes based on what you come home with that have become real favorites. There is a great website http://www.refundcents.com/ that for a small fee you can learn about money saving deals daily. I will share the best ones, but I really encourage you to try it out. I have been able to save at least 2-3 thousand a year with coupons and rebates. Not a small amount. When I was doing this full time I literally received a check in the mail daily from rebates. Very often that was what we used to put gas in the car, or the free stuff became birthday or christmas gifts. Wouldn't it be nice to give the money you save or the items you get to others? You won't even miss it as you are spending it now anyway. It's a great way to be able to contribute, as if you did read the papers ,the homeless shelters and the womens shelters are bursting at the seams due to the economy.
When we give to the poor, the Lord will protect us, answer our prayers, and bless us with His joy. Isaiah 58:6-11