Savvy Shopper Tip-Start Slow

Start slow! Saving money by shopping sales, stockpiling, and couponing can seem VERY overwhelming at first. Seeing some of the deal scenarios and abbreviations may make your head spin. (I know it did for me!) If you start by creating mini-goals for yourself, saving money can become second nature. Take it one step at a time until you are comfortable with a certain savings method and then add in another one.

My first step was to STOP paying for Health & Beauty items. I made a list of the products we use on a regular basis and noted any brands that do not work for us. Then, I checked out the ads and started picking up the freebies in larger quantities than I would normally buy. This way we have the items we need without having to run to the store at the last minute AND without spending big $$ on them. My current stockpile (which took me about 5 total trips to complete) has been going strong since MARCH 09!

That was my first step. Others have suggested reducing their grocery bill by as little as 10-20% or simply finding additional savings on their favorite brands. What will your first step be?