I just wanted to take a break from our regularly scheduled programming of super cheap and free stuff to share this shopping trip with you.

There is no super stellar 90% savings – but I am more proud of this trip than most. We needed a few things – soda for football game, some creamer, ice tea and trash bags. It was just a routine pickup at Walmart.

My husband used a coupon on every item, by himself. He saved a total of $9.50. At first glance, it looks like it is nothing to write home about.  However, it really is. My husband never uses coupons, so for him to save about 25% of his total bill is amazing. I am very proud of him.

Why am I writing this?  Because… its not always about how much you save. Sometimes, it is just about the fact that you saved at all. For you new couponers who are saving $10 here and $10 there, be proud.  Be proud that you are making better choices with your hard earned money. Don’t get down that you aren’t saving 90% – because that is hard work – and not everyone can do it all the time.

A penny saved truly is a penny earned.  $9.50 will cover the cost of a movie ticket for this weekend – or it could have covered the cost of the items he  purchased above.

If you are just starting out and want continued encouragement, I urge you to check out Natalie’s Newbie shopping posts. 

This is a 9 year old boy’s definition of organizing coupons. I am almost sure he learned this organization method  from his father.

This all started innocently enough, Evan offered to clean up some expired coupons I had.  Since I am dealing with my leg injury, I thought the help would be nice.

He emerged from the basement with many non expired  coupons – heading for the trash!!!  You should have heard the scream – it was like a slow motion Nooooooo.

Luckily, no coupons were harmed in this incident. Phew.