How To Be An Extreme Couponer: Rule #1--Remember To Give The Cashier Your Coupons

Sometimes I just have to learn the hard way.

I just got started on this couponing thing.  I've been watching that Extreme Couponing show and realized I am such a sucker for paying for stuff when these hoarders masters of frugality are getting it all for practically free.  Ok, I don't actually intend on doing what those people do, I mean, come on, unless you plan on existing on raman noodles and cereal you're going to have to spend some money.   And plus, our house is small so I'm not stockpiling a thirteen-year supply of disposable razors.  But if I can save some money on stuff like toilet paper and body wash, that means I don't have to feel so guilty about my Starbucks.

I spent hours over the weekend pouring over couponing blogs, newspaper inserts, and signing up for various rewards programs online, just trying to get a handle on all of this.  There are like a million different ways to save money on items, and you have to piece it together just right to get the best prices.  I'm still trying to figure that part out.

So I had everything written down and planned so I could get the best deals on the products we could use.  I had my coupons paper clipped together and in my purse, ready to go.  On the way home from my shopping trip, I realized that I never actually gave those coupons to the cashier, and to make matters worse, I also didn't actually have a purchase total to qualify one of the big coupons.  Worst.  Couponer.  Ever.  Let's hope next week goes better.