Couponing: Is it dominating your life?

There is more to life than couponing!

Additionally, there is more to saving money and being thrifty than just couponing. Don't get me wrong...couponing is a good thing and can save us lots of money. And I coupon on a regular basis.

But there is a point where couponing can get out-of-control obsessive....where we are buying things we don't really need, buying too much of things we do need, and spending valuable time running around when we could be doing other things.

At this busy time in my life I am having to choose to cut some of my couponing time out and spend more time in other areas of my life. Have you felt this way before? If you do, please know that there are many ways to save money, cut back on expenses, and live frugally besides couponing.

1. Menu plan. By sticking to a meal plan and buying only what is necessary, you can cut at least 30% off your monthly grocery bill.
2. Don't buy extras. Do you really need that box of crackers or that bag of chips? Nope. Skip the packaged snacks and you will also save big.And not just your wallet...but your hips too.
3. Don't always be on the go. Just because there are good deals doesn't mean you have to hit every one. Stay home more often and you will cut not only your gasoline bill but your wallet will thank you.
4. Skip eating out. The average family eats out at least twice a week. Yikes! That adds up fast. Make homemade pizza instead.
5. Start cooking from scratch. It really doesn't take much more time. You only think it does. Give it a try.
6. Be thankful! When you appreciate what you have instead of always wanting more, you will be content and not desire more, more, more. We already have so much!

Couponing: Is it dominating your life?

More on Homemade Popsicles

I have mentioned before that I love to make homemade popsicles for my kids. I came across this fabulous article today, 32 Unique Homemade Popsicle Recipes and Ideas, that you need to check out!

More on Homemade Popsicles

Top 50 Frugal Blogs

There is so much information in blogland to help you save money! FrugalDad has given you a good place to start looking. He has put together a list of the Top 50 Frugality Blogs. Check it out! There are some great websites on there.

Top 50 Frugal Blogs

What can you do without?

There are always things in our life that we don't need. Yes, it is true! Expenses that we can eliminate to help us save money and get ahead. It seems impossible or even unthinkable sometimes, but it is a necessary step if you are wanting to save more money.

For example, think about those seemingly small expenditures. Purchasing that cup of coffee everyday from Starbucks. Grabbing a Diet Coke at Sonic everyday at lunchtime. Making sure you have your weekly manicure. It all adds up! Spending $3.95 a day on a cup of coffee only 5 days a week adds up to $79 a month, and $949 a year! Think about some of the things that you do....whatever they might be. Add up how much you are spending and ask yourself if you could be putting that money somewhere else.

At our house we don't have cable, dish, or satellite. In ten years of marriage we have never paid for television. I know for many people that is out of the question, but we feel it is right for us. And it has saved us thousands of dollars!

This week I challenge you to look at your expenses....see where you money is going and where you need to cut back. If you don't already use a money management program, I highly recommend one. I use Quicken, and I LOVE it. I can see at a glance where my money is going. It takes some time to record things and keep it updated, but it is worth it. We always know where we stand. Even if you have to figure it out on paper right now, do it! Even cutting out one thing can make a big difference!

What can you do without?