The Votes Are In

I gave "shopping around" a try over the last week or so and I can honestly say it's not easier then price matching!  The biggest problem with it I've encountered is I wind up running out of time.  Even with the help of a sister or two (because I always have Zackie in tow), the schlepping in and out of stores and driving around is simply not worth it - big surprise right?  But I honestly thought I could tackle a few stores each day and it would only take me a couple days.  What better way to spend a weekend with a toddler?!  It didn't work out so well because by the time we left home with our lists it was past 10am and we really needed to be home by about noon for lunch and nap (mine and his).  The consensus - price matching (although annoying) far outweighs shopping around based on convenience alone.  I realize this should not have taken a rocket scientist to figure out but price matching seriously causes me stress!!  I have since devised a plan to pick out the youngest, least interested cashier for optimal coupon and price matching usage.  It seems to be working so far!  I have friends that are incredible at couponing and price matching though so my next task is to learn from them.  My job as "Mom on a Budget" just keeps getting more and more exciting!