eta: I was thinking about a recent comment and thought I'd add... I know from following other 'coupon/savings' blogs that all they're looking for for appreciation is a comment now and then. Just let them know you're stopping by, so they know what they're doing is all worthwhile. They're doing it for you! :) It's amazing, as a blogger, how much it means when someone takes a sec. to comment! That's all the gratification they're looking for! So, if you stop by and print coupons or find a great deal, take a sec to say hi! It really means a lot. :) end of edit.
My sister, Emily, started up a coupon/savings blog for Michigan's Copper Country region: The Modern Saver.
It's also a great site for gathering coupons even if you don't live in the region. She's the coupon clipping super-hero who got nearly our entire family (all of us married sisters, including our sister-in-law, and my mom, anyway) started on the coupon savings journey. She's also the one who started on Dave Ramsey's plan long before anyone else in our family. She's the frontiersman of savings and bargain hunting in our family. (And, I am the opposition to political correctness so I said frontiersman. Not woman.) And, she and her husband have done awesome on Dave's plan with tackling debt. She's an inspiration and hopefully she'll share some of that journey to help motivate others, like she's motivated us. And, so far, she's maintaining this blog a little better than...ahem...her 'personal' blog.
She's also the one who unexpectedly surprised us with a copy of Dave's The Total Money Makeover book in the mail, last year, which started Mark and I on a very hopeful journey toward financial freedom--at a time when we were, quite frankly, feeling 'hopeless' due to his lack of work options/employment. We're hooked and hopeful now and I'd go so far as to say, we're obsessed!
I, recently, ordered Dave's Financial Peace (Revisited) book along with the work book. Actually, I won an Ebay auction and got it for a heck of a deal (they came together)! I {heart} Ebay.
Going back to coupons, admittedly, my coupon journey began years ago when I would clip a coupon or two here and there and use them, thinking I was 'saving' money. But about a year and a half ago is when I really learned 'the art' of coupon clipping. (Namely, collecting them and using them when the item is on sale.) And, let me tell you, it's an art! Try following some of the frugal blogs out there and you'll see what I mean. My coupon stash is huge. I carry it around in a big plastic container, not for the 'weak-hearted'. I'm too excited about the game of saving money to be embarrassed by it. When I started marching in the store with it tucked under my arm, I realized, I had no pride because I could care less who saw it.
Coupon clipping has become a game for me, a challenge. And, it's addicting. I also believe there are a ton of coupons out there for natural and organic foods, something that a lot of people believe isn't true--but I find them all the time. Go directly to manufacturer websites, buy the Sunday paper(s) and/or follow the blogs out there, and you'll find them, too.
I love your excitement over good deals and coupons! Makes me inspired to go through the work of clipping. Especially if it's worth it. We're looking into Dave Ramsey- did you do the program or book?
Posted by: Julie M. | January 19, 2010 at 10:27 PM
love your enthusiasm!
Posted by: Yvonne | January 20, 2010 at 05:40 AM
I've tried to be a couponer, but didn't really know how. Maybe would carry some around until they expired...I've started trying again, but it didn't seem too promising up here, when I'd hear the great coupon deals people were swinging in the city. Now, I've used the Modern Saver's coupons more than once! I feel a bit guilty tho, like Emily is doing all the work, for me to save....Thanks again Emily!
Posted by: Laura K. | January 20, 2010 at 10:59 AM