Couponing

Most families are concerned about meeting budget and finding ways to save money without necessarily sacrificing quality of product or services. Couponing is a great way to do that. We had a good discussion and sharing of ideas at our last meeting. Thank you to LeeAnn for starting the discussion and sharing some about her success in the last month. If you are looking for some budget plan sheets, there are several good ones available online- a Google search should give you a good starting spot.

We are going to share coupons at our first April meeting. So if you have some coupons that you are not going to use, bring them along and share- "One person's trash is another's treasure" so to speak.

Also, one of my infamous blogs has been blogging about the art of couponing. I don't link well to other sites but here is her address.

http://www.mommysideabook.com/

If you have a few minutes, visit her site and review what she has written about couponing. It may not be anything necessarily new to you, but she may have some good ideas or reminders for you to utilize.

I also found a Continuing Education class at GCSU on June 1 and 3 from 6-8pm -Couponing 101. It is $29 and promises to help you discover the secrets of couponing. If you are interested in the class, call 478-445-5277.

Some other ideas include:

There is a warehouse grocery store in Griffin, Wilson's Warehouse that has dented can goods. I haven't been yet, but one of my frugal friends goes about once a month to shop for her canned goods and finds it worth the drive. Just for your information.

Another idea is to consider sharing a wholesale club membership with another family and split items if needed. For example, 2 boxes of Corn Pops in a package- one to each family.

Angel Food Ministries- Lakeside Baptist on Hwy. 441 is a host site. Search for Angel Food Ministries or call the church (Eatonton phone, I believe)

Join a co-op- Southern Crescent Ministries in McDonough is the source. It takes 6 families to start a group. There is a waiting list to join as a group, but you might be able to find an existing group in town that has an opening.

The Farmers Market will open soon and is a good way to buy large amounts of veggies and fruits to freeze.

There are some butchers where you can buy fresh meat in bulk- In Macon, the Meat Gallery and another one that Kym mentioned. I am sure she will be happy to share some more information about their locations.

There are lots of ways we can save a little money as we put good, nutrious and happy meals on the table for our families. If you have any other ideas, please feel free to add a comment here or share at our next meeting in April.