So I admitted the other day that I've started couponing. I'll be the first to say I NEVER wanted to coupon. I can't stand getting in line behind a coupon lady. I think her purchase is over with and get ready for my turn, and then she pulls out the binder....argghhhh. I also thought, "I'm sure if I just go to Walmart and get all this stuff, I could pay the same price without a coupon. How much can I save with a coupon anyway?"
But my sister-in-law, Kaylin, kept telling me about these amazing deals she was getting (some things even for free). And with being self employed and all....well, saving a little money couldn't be a bad thing. Then, I saw a special on food network about thegrocerygame.com. This woman was paying $60 for a $250 purchase. I thought, "What can it hurt? I'll give it a try."
So Kaylin has been patiently teaching me and I have slowly started getting deals and (here's the best part) filling my food storage pantry. It's such a rush to see the total, hand over the stack of coupons, and see that total drop in half. Seriously, I am addicted. Don't worry, I am a very polite coupon lady. I only shop late at night, or early in the morning a)so I have fewer or no kids with me and b) so the store is fairly empty and I'm not holding up the line.
I decided to do a little comparison shopping. I bought the following things from Target and Albertsons, using coupons and paid about $70 for all. (Now remember I am a BEGINNING couponer and only have ONE insert of coupons to use, so that total isn't all that impressive.) *not pictured: 2 boxes Eggo brand waffles, cake mix, and Hubba Bubba gum
12 count Bounty paper towels
120 load Downy softener
1 gallon milk
1 gallon chocolate milk
1/2 gallon chocolate soy milk
3 bags blueberry grapes
2 lb bag carrots
4 chicken breasts
2 boxes Right Bites cookies
1 bottle Welches grape jelly
1 3 count pack schick quatro razors
1 tube colgate advance whitening toothpaste
1 stick Secret deodorant
1 box Fruit Loops
2 boxes Pop Tarts
1 loaf Wonder bread
1 pair Converse shoes for Alyssa
1 box 100 count envelopes
Then I went to Walmart and priced the exact same items to see if I really saved anything. The total at Walmart if I hadn't used any coupons was $93, and if I had used my coupons the total would have been $82. So by shopping the ads and couponing at Albertsons and Target I still saved $12. I'm telling you....couponing is the way to go.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Money Game
Posted by Elena at 5:13 PM
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13 comments:
Way to Go!.... I couponed for a while and then found I was buying things that I really didn't use. I needed to be more disciplined. Good for you!
That is indeed impressive! i'm worried I'll do what Tonya described...but i'm proud of you!
How awesome is that? Deep down I know that there are savings to be found with just a little coupon, but I have yet to venture that route. I'm impressed that you actually did comparison shopping, very cool. Good Luck!
Next, you could send your S-I-L over to me. I am a coupon idiot!
Do you find that coupons are for prepackaged items- which we usually don't use in meals?
Way to go, Elena!! And what are blueberry grapes? That sounds good!
You go girl! I love me some coupon shopping!!!! And, I LOVE have stuff stored up. It just makes me content to look at a pantry bursting at the seems!!!
Michael does all the coupon clipping around here since he does the shopping. I have been sending him to read blog posts I have found about saving money - going to CVS - and other coupons you can find online.
I have a friend like your SIL who saves SO much with coupons. They totally go to the Grocery Game website and sometimes they have gotten like $200 worth of groceries for like $10 it is amazing.
Good luck and if you keep up with it I am sure you will become an expert!!
Hey there, kindred spirit! I could've written this post. I'm a newbie, too and don't get into it like I could.
BUT -- I'm totally stoked at my shelves and freezer filling up. I use the coupons, but the shopping lists that identify the 3,4, and 5 star deals at my store are what really excite me. I totally capitalize on those sales.
BTW, I am a nice coupon lady too. I always have my already cut coupons in hand so all they have to do is scan them. No waiting while I fumble around....
I use pinching your pennies.com but my favorite site right now is the She Shops Smart blog.
I've been getting double coupon inserts in the paper for years. I love saving $50 in coupons alone then ad matching too in one stop.
Remember that the smallest portion/box item, on sale, with a coupon will always be a better buy than the Economy brand. Happy shopping.
Yes, I have been a coupon addict for years. We have CouponSense here, do you? But of course you already know, I am cheap, cheap, cheap!
A badger? This is what I'm picturing:
http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/League/OtherLeagues/Singular/Moreau/MrBadger-small.jpg
would you be willing to teach me the coupon tricks i can never seem to get it right! Oh and anytime you want i can show you how to make the pjs they are super super easy. Trust me if i can do it you can too. let me know and i would be happy to help out :)
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