I am a firm believer of coupon usage, but years ago I wouldn't go near them. I foolishly felt others would think I was broke, or worse, cheap if I was caught using a coupon. Perhaps some people do, but I don't care anymore. I wish I had started using them years ago. Oh! the money I would have saved back then, and I really do think I would be a lot better off now. I was never foolish with money, but I have always had a lot of additional family to take care of outside of my immediate one. So, since I was not born into wealth, I needed to be more careful with my finances. Now that's not to say you should be less conscientious about money if you have more of it. I think all of us should be looking to be good stewards over all we have, no matter how much were working with. I live in the United States. I was born and raised here, and feel very fortunate to be in a country where (although sometimes as women we may not think it) there are more opportunities for women to advance financially then in many other parts of the world. Coupons is a small place to begin, but it's a beginning.

Coupon's are everywhere. I don't necessarily go through the internet, but I know that there out there. My Sunday newspaper usually carries anywhere between $200-400 in coupons. My newspaper only cost me .50 cents. For a small investment, I'm already coming out ahead. I've built up quite a supply of coupons. When I'm in any store I look out for them there as well. My favorite way to truly utilize them is with a really good sale as most of us who use them know. I've made many a sales clerk stand in awe as they watch me combine an excellent sale with a good coupon and end up paying little or nothing. Now I know coupon cutting can be a task, but the savings are really great if you take the time to do it. I find I can get it done if I get my kids to help or, sit with a friend. We clip, and talk. When we girls get together to chat, time flies!

One more point. The idea behind using the coupons is to save. So you don't want to turn around and utilize the savings on something else, because then you're defeating the purpose. It may be a few pennies or several dollars, or if you're like me even more than that. It really does add up. I dare you ladies who have never experienced the "wonder" of a really great coupon coupled with a super sale to try it. Put the money you save aside for the next three months, and see what you save up. I bet you'll be surprised. Then let's start talking investing.