Bargain Mom

We are finding the best ways to save money.  I have become such a bargain hunter.  I search Craig’s List at least once a week for items we need.  We have found several garage sales and bought some really nice things for next to nothing.  We have two couches, a living room rug, bookcase, antique end table, reclining chair, and dining room table all for less than $500.  Our other living room furniture was the wicker furniture that was in my house growing up.  We found Ethan’s crib and changing table for only $200, bought from a lady who used it for her daughter for only 3 years.  We were given two strollers and two car seats from my brother and a friend who will no longer be using them.  They are still in excellent condition.  They look brand new.
  I have been hunting dollar items in the dollar bins at target and at the Dollar Tree, and have found a nice collection of books for Ethan.  This Christmas, I also racked up at CVS and other stores’ After Christmas Sales.  I found decorations for the house, books, Christmas cards, two teddy bears, and more.  All of it was 75% and even 90% off.  I paid only $90 to a girl who posted baby items on Craigs’ list, and got tons of clothes, blankets, baby shoes, toys, and a bouncy seat.  The clothes she was pricing at only 25 cents to a dollar.  Babies grow out of their clothes so quickly, it just doesn't make sense to buy them all new clothes. 
My husband works on computers, and we came across a garage sale that was ending, and the lady gave us some old computers.  He connected one of the monitors to his laptop, which has a broken screen, and we now have a desktop computer at home.  I have learned the value of Great Value products at Walmart.  I have also learned that the dollar menu items in the drive-thru save us about $30 a week.  That’s two people stopping somewhere to eat about 5 times a week each. 
A girl I know teaches a coupon class.  I missed her first class, and I am looking forward to the next time she teaches this.  Also a drug store class.  These teach us how to find coupons and how to shop at CVS.  She has found some really great deals and coupons.  I have printed out coupons, but still would like to learn her tricks.  With a baby at home, we will be visiting CVS a lot for diapers and medicine, etc.  I can’t wait to start saving money after these classes.
Most of what we think we "need", we can do without.  I don't need manicures, pedicures, highlights, a tanning membership, or a gym membership when I have a free gym to use at UAB.
I have turned saving money into an enjoyable experience.  I love shopping!  Now I know how to buy more and pay less.  I don't feel like my jeans have to be more than $50 to feel good about them.  Saving money, in a way, feels like making money.  I come from a family with expensive taste.  It is hard for me to adjust sometimes, but I have become a bargain addict.  My mom always told us she would do without so we could have things we wanted.  I understand that she would buy really nice things for us and not buy things for herself.  We are spoiled.  I don't really want to copy this because I know how expensive it was for my parents, but I want to treat my children and give them a full life like I have had.  I can't wait  to find more bargains!
If you're not sure how to start saving money, you can get tips from the internet.  Just do a Google search for Bargain mom, saving money, or coupons.  You also have to change your way of thinking and understand the needs of your family should come before your wants.