Who is Gaga4Coupons?

My name is Michelle and I am a mother of two, an always-happy 11-year-old boy and a feisty 4-year-old girl. I work full time, as an Inventory Control Specialist in a folding carton-manufacturing warehouse located in Phoenix, AZ. I have been married for 4 years to my wonderful, patient, and helpful husband, Adrian.

About two years ago, my family fell into difficult economic times when my husband was laid off from his job. It was during that time we really discovered just how careless we were when it came to spending money. We had to re-evaluate how we were going to make our family get by with one income. It made us question ourselves each and every time we reached into our wallets  if we really "needed" what we were about to purchase or not. A year later, my husband was blessed to have found a job. Although this being a big weight off our shoulders, and regaining that second income, it still took my family some time to recoup the "financial earthquake" we had just been through that year. I always think about that year and the feeling I felt of everything being turned upside down and honestly do not even know how we got through it. I also always think that there are still so much more families out there who have been in a one income household longer than one year and who are getting by. If I knew then what I know now on saving money I think I could have made things a lot easier on our household budget.

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I am talking about couponing. Although our family income has increased with my spouse’s job, a year later, we still feel the effects of that year. Through couponing it has allowed me to be a smart shopper. When I walk into a store now it is not because we NEED to purchase a specific item, it is to take advantage of what I can purchase now for future use. I am shopping at my leisure for my household needs. Before couponing, I would go to Walmart or Target because my daughter NEEDED a pack of Pull Ups or we needed baby wipes and I did not have a choice of what price I was going to pay for it because it was a necessity. How awful, that feeling huh? Having to make a purchase regardless of the price simply because it is a necessity and the money you got until next payday is what is in your wallet. You walk out of the store with a sense of feeling like you were just "robbed" and you were the one who asked them to rob you because you walked into their store! Or the worse feeling for me that was really my wake up call was during a time when we were strapped for money (I mean really strapped) which was typically right after our monthly bills were paid and my daughter wanted a certain snack and I didn't have the money to get it for her. That was one the worst and most heart wrenching feelings I ever had as a parent. Since that day, I have been determined to be a smart shopper. I was going to spend MY money when I wanted to and that time was going to be when the price was at it lowest and at the highest benefit for me. I was taking back control of my wallet.

 

COUPONING AS A TEAM:

Now my husband is still learning about my new shopping strategy. We will often be at the store together and he will ask me: "What about this? Is this a good deal?" at which I will typically answer, "Yes, get a few I have coupons for that" or "No, it can be better and we can wait." If he is going to the grocery store for a quick run while I am still at work he will even call me before purchasing a non-produce or meat item and ask me if I have a coupon for it. If I do then he will leave the item there and we will come back, we can wait. Now, if I dont have a coupon, depending on the price and if it is on sale or not then I will decided wether to have him make the purchase or not.  

LIFE WITH COUPONS:

Now with couponing my pantry is stocked and the feeling of that cannot be any more satisfying for me as a mother. My kids know where to go when in need of an afternoon snack and they know that there will always be something good in there. I sometimes catch my toddler with that "ice cream shop" look on her face, you know, the one where there are so many yummy choices how can she possibly decide! My husband called me one day at work letting me know we were out of dish soap. With a smile on my face, I told him “Well...just go shopping in our closet!" The point of all this is through couponing you can become more in control of your household purchases by buying at the right time which is when merchandise can be picked up for more than 70% off retail price and to STOCK UP when it is. Fellow couponers call this STOCKPILING. By doing so, you and your family will be able to put an end to impulse buying which leads to more out of pocket costs because your demand for the item is at its highest. 

MY MISSION:

In this website, I hope to share my shopping experiences and let you know the best deals out in the market, and when a good time to stock up on. I will post weekly blogs of what I call STEALS & DEALS which is located on the Home Page section for those of you who are just too busy to be searching ads and looking through all your coupons and just want to get down to the bottom line of what will save you money that week, which store, & where the referenced coupon can be found. By subscribing to my blog, you can get those deals delivered directly to your mailbox. Don't forget to stop by for more information on each specific stores' STEALS & DEALS. Please take a moment to view my "G4C Lingo" section to become more familiar with the abbreviations and their meanings that you will come across on G4C blog.Thanks for stopping by and look forward to you getting involved in my couponing community! Happy Bargain Hunting!