In the land of couponing

Couponing has become a craze it seems! Some people are die hards and I see them around the store with their gigantic coupon binder, organized alphabetically.

I am not one of those people.

When I first started working five years ago, I spent money like nobody's business. I would buy whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. At full price, no questions asked. Well now, I still buy what I want, but I am more conscious of how much it costs. And where I used to be a compulsive shopper, I have tamed it down a little. Sometimes there are still things that I have to buy right then and there, like clothes, whether it's on sale or not. But now, I think twice. And I haven't quite gotten into couponing. I don't use coupons at grocery stores yet, but I will use coupons at other stores such as craft and clothing stores. I also try to look up discounts and coupons online if I know I'm going to be spending a lot of money. Sometimes I will just return things if I find it it cheaper somewhere else. I know this is not couponing, but it works for me right now!
For example, I bought Brea this at Petco...


...Yes, those are steps for dog. Don't judge me, she's teeny =)

I bought them for $27. I then went to Target to buy some other things, and randomly saw this same one for $19! So I bought that and returned the one at Petco. Now a few years ago I would not have done this. I would have seen the one at Target, and said "crap, it's cheaper here," shrugged my shoulders and go about my merry way to look at other things I don't really need.
It's baby steps, and I'm hoping that eventually I will become a full fledged coupon queen! But until then, I will find my own random ways to save money. Starting by returning things when I find it cheaper elsewhere =).

Happy Friday!