Spend a little at first, to save a lot in the long run

Are you new to this "coupon-shopping" thing? If you have only been clipping and following the weekly deals for a month or so (as long as my blog has been going), you may have the desire to say, "But Christy, I have been out stocking up on deals, but I don't feel like I'm saving money. I feel like I'm spending more now that I'm buying more than one of some of these things!" That is probably true for most people. In the beginning, as you are creating a "stock-pile," you may spend a little to save a lot in the long run. But this is at your discretion. Only buy what you can comfortably afford! See, even though you are saving on some products, you will have an immediate need for something that you have yet to stock-pile, and you will have to pay near full price. This is why you are not saving yet. But, after several months of following and scoring the BEST deals, you will have these items on hand later, and will pay full-price for LESS things! The key is to "load-up" only when the deal is REALLY good, otherwise only buy a couple of items to get you by. When I mean REALLY good, I mean next to FREE on many items - deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrushes, body wash, hand soap, and other personal care products.  It takes a little time to be able to tell when a deal is worth stock-piling.  It's good to make a list of the products that you normally buy, and how much you usually spend on them.  When you can get them for about 25% or less of the full price, then I believe it's a good time to load up.  But you will know as you continue to shop for lower prices. 

So hang in there!  You are definitely on the road to money-saving success!