I'm still here

I haven't totally abandoned my frugal resolution and couponing ways, but they did get put aside for the job, the family, the taking my baby to college, and adjusting to an empty nest.

I let things slide.  I did not restart my newspaper subscription, so no more 5 Sunday papers a week.  Actually, I think that's a good thing.  I was getting quite overwhelmed. 

I kept up enough with coupons to mostly meet my goal of not shopping without at least one coupon, but I have not done any really great deals.  I have kept the grocery budget mostly in shape, but mainly because the budget now feeds just two people. 

But hey, it's still something I do.  Not anywhere near the scale of this time last year, but still something that gets done.

I had a year of emotional upheaval, but I am happy to say I always came back to this project.  I didn't get my coupon notebook sorted very well until last month (watching a Fringe marathon and cutting coupons). 

For the most part, I abandoned coupon inserts for printed coupons. 

When I use my coupons, I still routinely am saving about 30%, and regularly save 50% at Albertsons.  Winco, not so much, but the savings are so good there that I still spend less than other stores. 

So my regular grocery shopping takes place at Albertsons, Winco, and Costco.  I like Albertsons because with coupons and sales, you can really save big.  I like Winco because there prices are so low.  And Costco still remains the best place to stock up.

So my resolution for 2013 is to keep working on the savings, and also to routinely buy things for food banks with as many coupons as I can manage.  Just takes a little planning.

My favorite website:  Fabulesslyfrugal.com.  They got the lists, the coupons, the database, and all.  Plus they are really nice people.

Onward!