Extreme Couponing

 I'm going to teach you how to become an
 Extreme Couponer*
{I'm not as extreme as some people, but I do save a LOT!)
So earlier I told you that I'd show you how to go Christmas shopping with a budget of $10.... Can we make that $16???  I spent a little over $16 on over $190 worth of stuff.... 

First I'll give you some numbers, then some saving tips, where to get your coupons from, and then my shopping experience today (what I snagged and where).

Total of amount I spent: $15.37 {before tax}
Total of amount I spent with a 5% tax rate: $16.14
Total Value of everything "purchased": $193(and a few cents)

Tips on how to save:
#1 never never never never ever pay full price for something
Always always always always look in the SALE section!!(unless coupon indicates that it does not work on sale items)

#2 Always read fine print on coupon! (you don't want to go to a store and give the coupon and realize that it won't work)

#3 Wait until things go on sale. I promise you they almost always will.

#4 like designer things? Go online and shop. I bet you will find stuff HALF OFF!!

#5 Don't be to proud to go to Thrift Stores, Rugged Wearhouse, TJMAXX, Big Lots(btw they have GREAT savings on food and top of the line make-up), etc.

Where to get your coupons

I sign up for EVERYTHING!!! You just never know. You just never know....

These are definite places to sign up to receive FREE things{make sure that these get sent to your inbox and not SPAM/BULK folder}:

Walgreen's {free prints and 8x10 collages all the time} - online

JCPenney Coupons {You need to have a card, but don't use the card! It's an easy way to get into debt. But having the card makes the $10 off $10 coupons worth it!!!} - by mail

Kohl's {sign up to receive mail from Kohl's!!! They send these out about 1-2 times a month $10 card absolutely free!!!} -by mail

Music and Arts {$10 off $10. Just sign up for their emails.} - by email

Sephora {Beauty Insider Club absolutely free to sign up plus you get points for each dollar spent. On your birthday they give you a shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath thing...it's SO cool! But please be honest and put your real birthday and wait the WHOLE YEAR!!} - by email

Baskin Robbins {they give out 2.5oz. free ice cream scoop for your birthday! Isn't that nice?} - by email

Those are just some of the emails I sign up for:)

Also don't be afraid to ask people if they have coupons that they aren't going to use. And if they say, "Well I have this one for something Free, but it expires today." Take it. Go make time.

I invite you to explore the Internet for coupons as well!
Plus if you look throughout blogger there are COUNTLESS giveaways. It doesn't hurt to enter just a few...hundred or so;)

Now it's time for my shopping experience on a $16 budget


Christmas shopping.
Oh Joy.
I'm 15. No Job. only have $16 in my pocket. How oh how do I buy gifts??

Well let me tell YOU! With the tips I gave you above, you can do this. And leave the mall with two shopping bags only paying $1
how about that?

Following are the stores I went to, the total amount spent and total amount of value in the things I got. Also some pictures of the things I got.


S&G Dollar {Where everything is one dollar. This store only exists in my area so I suggest that you find a dollar store that has GOOD QUALITY items and get a couple of necessities there}
Spent: $8
Value of items: around $15

Cute "wrapping"


Awesome "shade"


You MUST have a card for your gift.


Sephora {Make-up store. Usually found in JcPenney sometimes found by itself in the mall}

Spent: $0
Value: $2 or $3 ?? maybe more. I really don't know!

{My gift. But since I don't use shower gel and use a special Shampoo, I'm gonna give it to someone who has a birthday close to December, whose name I will not disclose;)}



JcPenney {Usually found in the mall}
Spent: $1
Value: a little over $60

hair clip!

Oh So Pretty Memory Wire Bracelet!

Cute Butterfly Tank Top

Music and Arts {A store selling instruments and musical supplies. Also provides lessons}
Spent: $1.94
Value: around $12

I only got guitar picks. But these were some cool guitar picks. and $1.94 is a FABULOUS deal for all those picks.


Bath and Body Works {Usually found in your mall}

Spent: $3 {would've been $1.50, but I got it wrapped for another $1.50}
Value: $14

Someone actually gave me a coupon for something Free from B+BW
So I took advantage and went to the mall that same day. I also went the same day because the coupon was going to expire that day..-_- smh Thank you Miss Andrea;)
{There's actually a story behind this gift. Maybe I'll tell you on a Thankful Thursday}

Khol's {it's like a Target}
Spent: $0
Value: $74

(no pictures available)

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Since it's Christmas time, I'll be posting a lot on how to DIY for some gifts.
Example: How to make 25+ rings for $10
Stay Tuned:)

Be Safe and Merry Christmas:)

♥LG

*not affiliated with the show Extreme Couponing
**Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this post. I did this all on my own