Cheri Strange, Christian Speaker and Author

I recently happened upon the show, "Extreme Couponing" on the Learning Channel. These people are spending hours and hours a week to buy things for almost nothing -- that they don't even need. Oh, it's pretty amazing to be able to get $1,000 worth of stuff for $6.00 -- but does one really need 15 jars of peanuts and 32 packages of cream cheese? I saw a man who has over 1,000 tubes of toothpaste stored in his basement and a woman who has purchased thousands of diapers who has no children.

I don't have 20+ hours per week to clip coupons and strategize by isle. I'm a busy mom. I don't have 20 hours a week to sleep! I want to use coupons in a way that is efficient and worthwhile. If I'm going to spend even one hour a week, I want to save more than $6 dollars. Otherwise, it's not worth it to me. I have no intention of becoming a Coupon Diva. It's not my calling. But I can learn from one.

My sister pointed me to www.couponcloset.net. This is a blog devoted to the how-tos of couponing. It has links to various on-line coupon sites as well as her favorite stores for redeeming coupons. She has devoted her blog to teaching those less-than-coupon-diva-types where to start and what to do. Her favorite place to shop is CVS. This is where I began.

CVS has a great sales ad in the newspaper. You can also use manufactured coupons on items on sale. Plus they have a program for purchasing items at a discount if you have a CVS Care card (which is free). Every time you use this card, you get a greater discount, and you can earn real money toward furture purchases in the store. Last week I bought something that cost about a dollar, but by using this card, they put the same amount of cash back onto my card-- making the item I took home, FREE. I'm no couponing diva - but I had time to pick it up, put it in my buggy, and swipe my card. In my first CVS shopping adventure, I was able to only purchase things I really use (like air freshioners, laundry soap, and Easter candy -- I have 4 kids and 4 dogs); and I saved over 25% on my bill, not including the $ placed on my Care card for the future.

I'm going back this week.

I encourage you to check out the blog. It will save you hours and hours. Hopefully it will save you a good deal of money, too. Being a good steward of both is essential if we are going to shoot for living beyond ordinary.

Happy couponing.