Newspaper Nuisance

Until today we had a Sunday-only subscription to the Arkansas-Democrat Gazette strictly for the coupons.  About a month or so ago, we received a notice that the cost was going up from $7.25 to $11.25 per month.  THAT is a significant increase.  I became particularly perturbed by this when our paper was not delivered yesterday, which has happened 3 or 4 times already during the life of our subscription (which is only a once-a-week delivery in the first place).  I bought a paper yesterday for $2.  $2 x 4 weeks= $8, right?  When I called to cancel, they offered us a 6 month extension of $7.95 per month.  I still said no just to avoid the hassle of unreliable delivery.  It pays to call but still frustrating to have to do that...and every other time our paper is not delivered.  I have enough on my plate (as does the majority of the human population) without having to stop and make sure other people are doing their jobs.  I'll just stop by Walgreen's or a gas station from now on.  Good news for the Gazette: newsstand price is still worth the coupons, therefore I will still be buying their paper.  Bad news for the "paper boy".

"Investing in the Journey" Couponing Class: Updated

****Another update is typed in bold within the original post regarding the shepherd's guidelines.  I wish to be in full compliance.  Thank you.****

***Update***: We are also now selling Harp's coupon books for $5 each.  They contain over $50 worth of coupons, including one for $5 off your next grocery purchase of $50 or more so they basically pay for themselves!  Anyone who purchases a coupon binder for $20 will receive a coupon book for free!  I will also be giving away some at the class as door prizes so please make plans to attend.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in a coupon book and/or binder so I have an idea of how many to order as well as if you are planning to attend the class so I have enough handouts for everyone.  Thanks!

Our church is doing something that I've never seen done before and I can't wait to see the result!  They are calling it "Investing in the Journey" and the goal is to raise money to purchase much-needed buses while at the same time teaching biblical principles.  The principle here is based on the Parable of the Talents.  The kick-off for this Christian "fundraiser" is this coming Sunday where instead of putting money in the collection plate, money will be distributed to members of the congregation.  We are then to take that money, increase it, and then bring back the fruits of our efforts a few weeks later on what is being called "Celebration Sunday".  When I first heard about this, I started trying to figure out what talents I have that could be lucrative.  I mean, I certainly don't want to be "the lazy and wicked servant", ya know what I mean? ;)  I prayed about it and a few things finally came to mind.  I can sing, so I guess I could have chosen to do something like singing telegrams but that seemed a little too junior high for a soon-to-be 35 year old.  haha  What else?  Well, I'm good at bargain shopping and saving money...you know, finding good deals.  I'm a pretty good teacher, too...I think.  Anyway, that's when I decided to try having my own coupon class...

When Did Grocery Shopping Become Such a Headache?

I've been procrastinating for days but at some point before the end of the day I will have to go to the grocery store.  We are completely out of milk, bread, and peanut butter (among other things, but these are true necessities at our house.  Our kids go through peanut butter like it's going out of style.).  So, unless I can find a recipe for popcorn and ketchup, I will grace the door of a local grocer...before midnight and preferably before dinnertime.

What I'd like to know is since when has grocery shopping become burdensome to me?  I used to love going and finding bargains, taking pride in how much I saved.  Actually, I still do most of the time.  For some reason, I just haven't been as excited about it these last few days.  I can think of several different reasons:

1. I don't like taking the kids with me.  Even with just 2 during the day, they tend to slow me down.
2. With gas so incredibly high, I've been paying much more attention to where I go and how often.  This means that ideally I would plan to visit all the stores during one trip to town but this is near impossible for reason #1.  So, I'm weighing the cost of what's in my tank with what I'm planning to purchase and if it's worth the savings/speed with the kids.  Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.
3. We're leaving for Disney World in 12 days so every penny counts at this point.  I'm much more conscientious now as to whether or not we really need what I'm planning to buy or if it's just something that happens to be "a really good deal".  Sometimes the deals are worth it, sometimes they're not.  Right now, for us, they are more often "not" just because there are other things that we will "need" more immediately for our trip.  Truth be told, these "deals" will come back around again and as mentioned before, I don't really need them right now.

I imagine many of you are like us and doing everything you can to "squeeze a nickel until the buffalo farts"  (You can thank my husband for that expression. ;) ).  So, I think these reasons are worth noting.  Sometimes I don't think we pay enough attention to them.  Those of us couponers will often feel guilty for not getting the best deal on something or missing a sale.  Maybe we don't have a coupon for something and that's reason enough to feel badly.  Really it's not.  Sometimes convenience is more important.  Sometimes we need a break from coupons...and that's ok.  So what if you missed out on getting dishwashing liquid for free when you've got 3 bottles left at home?  So what if you paid $3.79 for a gallon of milk when another place in town has it for $3.29?  You'd probably spend that much in gas (not to mention the extra time) traveling 20 miles just to save 50 cents.

So, now I don't feel as bad about my lack of "shopping" lately.  I use quotes there because many times I find some really fantastic deals and get many things free!  But this week I've needed a break.  Next week, we'll be vacationing.  Maybe the following week I'll be back to my old self!  What about you?  Is couponing a blessing right now, or a burden?