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Kimberly Eddy has written a wonderful book, "Joyful Momma's Guide to Shopping & Cooking Frugally".
This book ROCKS! Yes I know that sounds cliche' but this is seriously an amazing book. One of my favorite parts of the book is actually the various bold print antidotes on nearly every page.
"Joyful Momma's Guide..." is chalked full of real useful ideas and tips. One quote that really stuck out to me. "Bulk shopping does not necessarily mean buying huge amounts of stuff but rather it means buying things in the largest usable quantity if it offers you a savings." pg 15
Seriously that stuck with me... Just because is costs less to buy 100 lbs of sugar doesn't mean it is a usable quantity for me... Reality is if I can buy sugar on sale in 10 lb bags at a reasonable cost based on the amount we use that is a better deal then buying 100 lbs and having to store it and risk it going bad, getting bugs, etc....
I could just nod my head in agreement with so many things she writes. Seriously , just because it is on sale and I have a coupon for it doesn't mean I need it or that I will actually use it. I had to come to that realization as I was getting more serious about my couponing and can totally agree with that idea. If I buy something just because I have a coupon am I actually saving money, No!
She has an entire chapter on strategy and couponing. In another chapter she has a great idea (one I think I might actually try to do). Use Cash when shopping and put the left over into an account or set it aside as a reward. I can totally see that as a better rewards program than any store. Couponing and deal matching can be a lot of work and what a great reward system, also would be a great way to add to an emergency fund or special event fund.
The second half of the book is stocked full of recipes and frugal cooking idea as well as very useful forms.
Another thing she mentioned that really made me think, especially as we head into the holiday food drive season. Think about the things that will bless a family in need when you are putting donations together. Ask yourself, "would my family be blessed if we were in that situation". As one who has been on the receiving end, I can get pretty creative but I know some people can't and when I donate foods I try to keep it real, as in red beans, pasta, canned meats, basic soups (tomato and cream of mushroom are ones that are easy to use). Even on a budget we can help each other out.
I can't say enough about this book to really do it justice. The book is honest and real and to me that is HUGE!
Following Kimberly on her blog for more wonderfully frugal ideas, she also have a newsletter available on her blog. As we head into the holiday season this book would be a wonderful gift for a young couple or a family that is new to couponing and frugal living.
***I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion here on my blog. No other compensation was received.***
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