My frugal teen

Ever since my daughter, Amber, was a young child I've taken her shopping with me. I showed her how to pick out the best deals, use coupons, choose fruits and vegetables and a number of other shopping "talents" that women need to know. I am so proud that she has continued to shop frugally regardless of whether she's using my money or hers.

Amber, who's now 18, and her three college roommates share the task of buying groceries and supplies for their dorm suite. About two nights ago Amber sat down with her sales papers, her Sunday coupons and her shopping list to decide what she was going to purchase and where. She spent quite a bit of time planning.

Her budget was $78. She left the house around 4 or 5 p.m. and didn't return 'til almost 11. And, she went to three or four stores.

We didn't feel like breaking down everything into stores or listing everything, but I did want to share the pictures:





She spent less than $78, bought a lot of buy one get one free, used coupons (saving almost $20 at Kroger, I think) and she bought two of those giant storage containers. You can only see the lid of one in the picture.

There ya have it. If I haven't passed on any other wisdom to my teen, I know at least that she'll save some money. Actually, I'm hoping she learned some other stuff too! What am I saying? She just made taco salad for three teenagers, a toddler, a pre-schooler, kindergartner and me. Doesn't she rock!