Extreme Couponing 101: Cutting Back Tips

I recently got into couponing I'd say after my 22nd birthday when I was getting all these cool freebies. I thought to myself, "Why not move into couponing and see what else I can get for free or discounted." LOL. No, I'm kidding! I think mainly it was a bit of desperation when I realized that I didn't have any income coming in and knew I wasn't able to live off my own savings I had for a rainy day. I had to make numerous changes in the way I spend now that I have a daughter. Some cutbacks/changes I made:

1.) Eating out less often:

I would say Jonathan and I probably eat out once a month if that.  But even if we do eat out, I always have a coupon for the restaurant.  For instance, yesterday we went out to BJ's to enjoy a FREE Pizookie right after having dinner at home. Cooking home meals are a huge money saver!

2.) Traveling long distance less often:

Sort of. We recently went to Riverside this past weekend to visit my cousin's which was a rare weekend getaway. But during the week, we don't travel around town that often. Instead we walk to the park that is about a mile away and have Eden play there. What's awesome is that I live 5 minutes walking distance from CVS and the library. You'll always see me walking Eden to those places everyday. It's good exercise!

3.) Being frugal in spending:

I used to be able to buy new outfits for Thursday nights and all kinds of stuff back in the days. Now that I have Eden; has that all changed! I prioritize what's important including how I spend my money. As cliche as it sounds, "money doesn't grow on trees" (I wish bc then you'll see me outside tending to it everyday..lol...j/k) you have to work damn hard for it! I much rather save for Eden's College Funds or on the things she needs rather than myself.

4.) Collecting cans 

You're probably thinking, "She's kidding, right? She doesn'treally do that!" Actually I'm do. You can earn a lot of money just collecting cans. I've even asked a homeless guy that comes around my neighborhood one time how much he makes collecting cans and he said he earns $40-50/day (un-taxed of course). I was like "Wow! That's a lot. Good job!" I mainly collect cans when I'm walking Eden to the park on my way there and back. I always run into about 15 cans/bottles everyday. I just throw them under the stroller basket area. First of all, I hate when people litter because it just makes the park look ugly and I think somewhere along my life, UCLA drilled that CORE 4 value of saving the environment! Recycle people!

*Check back tomorrow because I'll post some pictures of my hauls!*