Someone I know very well was really curious one day about the whole thing, everything involved and how much time it took me to do all that I do from finding the coupons and sales, clipping all of them, entering info on the net and so on. So I filled her in on all I do and how much I enjoyed doing it.
Then I was asked if using coupons as much as I do and signing up for all kinds of freebies and giveaways has really changed my life and if it has is it really better.
You know that is a very good question. My knee-jerk reaction is YES! But then I had to really think why it was yes. What exactly was better about my life from using coupons and getting freebies. So here is what I told her.
Yes, using coupons has really saved us money and we have been able to buy things we might otherwise not. In any given week we save from 40-50% on our grocery bill.
Yes it has given me some new friends who I share this with. I have joined some on-line sites and share links, ideas, and my life with these people. It's been really nice getting to know them.
Yes, I love the hunt for the coupons and freebies and then taking advantage of them. I'll admit it takes time searching the web for all the neat things available out there, but that's part of the enjoyment. I have learned so much from the whole process and i am better for it. To say the least I am much more computer savvy than I used to be and in this day and age that's a very good thing.
Yes, the freebies are fun. Who doesn't love getting mail? From childhood it is something we all have looked forward to, well except for those bills we all get! My poor mailman has quite a job some days. I've watched him try to stuff all my goodies in our box and I have to just giggle. But he never complains!! It's fun going through all the envelops and small boxes and yes even some big boxes from time to time. Some days it's almost like Christmas in the mail.
Yes, I have been able to help others with all the savings and freebies. Often I am able to find some really good coupons and match them up with some really good sales. Sometimes that even involves coupons to get things free. Because of that I have been able to stock up on things (not hoard like some extremists do!) and then in turn I have been able to share those things with people who really need it. One example is recently I got 8 coupons from Pantene for free bottles of shampoo up to $5 each. I was able to get large pump bottles for that price and then shared them with some needy families. Normally our budget doesn't allow much for charity or giving. So this was such a blessing to me and the families.
Yes, I have been able to get things on-line and in stores with the savings and coupons that I would not otherwise have been able to afford, things to use for gifts for friends and family. It's been wonderful to surprise people with things they thought there was no way we could get for them. And I love surprising people!
Yes, it has been a blessing to me and to others. I think mainly of my husband. Since I am not able to hold a job now because of severe migraines I want to do all I can to help out financially. So couponing and freebies have really helped him by cutting down on his burden. He's had more money left over each week for paying bills because of the savings. I also believe that it is one way for me to honor God. He has asked us to be responsible with what is given to us and stretching the money He blesses us with is one way I do that. As a result I am able to bless other people. How wonderful that is!
So YES couponing and freebies have changed my life and for the better. I'm not going to say it is what everyone should do, but for this Minister's wife it is the right thing to do for now.
Here are a few photos of some of the free products we have gotten this year.
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