I am the first to admit that I totally admire those who are bargain shoppers, especially my extreme bargain shopper friends, but I get intimidated by trying to do it (why, I'm not sure. Perhaps because I really don't like failing at something I attempt, and I don't like feeling like "I've been had/cheated" when it comes to buying things...)
With that being said, I did try to "coupon" yesterday. Well, not really "coupon," but pay attention to what was on the featured item list that paid off in a $10 coupon toward my next shopping trip. I'm also not totally sure how to calculate the savings, but here goes. If anyone who's into this wants to "advise," please do so! Also, all of these things are items we will use, not just purchased for the coupon.
With that being said, I did try to "coupon" yesterday. Well, not really "coupon," but pay attention to what was on the featured item list that paid off in a $10 coupon toward my next shopping trip. I'm also not totally sure how to calculate the savings, but here goes. If anyone who's into this wants to "advise," please do so! Also, all of these things are items we will use, not just purchased for the coupon.
Items purchased:
Sm. box Cheerios $2
Lg. box Cheerios $3
6 jars pasta sauce $2 each (Of course making my own is a preferred thing, but now I like to keep some on hand for a quick meal)
2 bottles of salad dressing $1.50 each
4 boxes brownie mix $1.25 each
These added up to $25 - which was exactly the amount required to get the $10 off next time at Albertson's. I did buy a pork tenderloin which was $9.66 (a featured bonus buy item and $4.83 saved on that) so it's like I got the tenderloin for "free" once I "earned" the $10 coupon.
I also bought goldfish crackers for the church nursery, also a "bonus buy", and I'm including it in the total so I don't have to recalculate...
Total spent: $43.45
Total savings according to Albertson's: $28.69 + $10 for next time
Grand total savings: $38.69?
So I guess if I got this right, I "could have spent" $72.14, but "saved" $38.69... which is nearly half of the hypothetical total...
Not as amazing as some, but much better than I've been doing. I'll have to keep track of this month and see how much I save. It is a challenge, but it's kind of like a "game" too... I wonder if the Proverbs 31 woman found it as rewarding to "get a good deal" at her market too? =)
5 comments:
This is GREAT Abbey! I started just the way you are...watching the deals and shopping accordingly. That alone is a great savings for a family! As you already saw...
I did very similar transactions as you, just a few things different that you could ad later on as you get the hang of this. Because I buy multiply Sunday papers and file them away I too bought 6 pasta sauces but had a coupons for all 6 jars. As for the cherrios I had a coupon for $1 off on 2 boxes that I printed online. All and all I had a little over $5 in coupons for my $25 dollar purchase. Then instead of buying the other items I needed that were not on the $25 dollar promotion in the same transaction I did two transactions in a row and used my $10 coupon right then and there to get some free food.
To take it a step further...Amber B was waiting until today to go do her $25 promo cause Albertsons was putting in Double coupons in this Sundays paper. So she will increase her savings buy about $3 more then I was able too. It just all depends what works best got you.
I will admit that this couponing thing is very time consuming and exausting at times. But as you know, it feels great to get a good deal!
Just keep doing what you are doing and you will save alot for your family! And if ya ever want to kick it up a notch or two I would ba happy to spend some time showing you the ins and out of what I do.
Whew! Hows that for the longest comment ever?
PS-SOOOOOO missed you this weekend.
Amber, you are the best... I would LOVE to get together with you for so many reasons, but this would be a bonus for me to hear about all the ins and outs of this whole saving business... I'll call ya!
Yay for you. I am not good at bargain shopping. Actually, I have done it in the past but never seem to get past doing it for a month or two.
As much as I admire all of you couponers, I must admit that my brain is reeling trying to understand all the little calculations that you guys are describing. Sounds intense but rewarding! Good for you!
Yeah I seriously admire you Abbey. I sometimes watch the weekly adds, and can stick to a budget if I need to...but I've never been a real coupon user.
I think you are right on about the Proverbs 31 woman...she was resourceful for sure.
I miss hanging out with you!!!! Abbey!!!! Wherefore art tho my friend Abbey? I always leave time with you feeling so refreshed. We need to have tea together or something soon. At the woman's retreat I began a love affair with loose leaf tea. Prior to that I hated tea...and just drank coffee...so tea? Soon?
The picture with Todd and Keeley is precious btw...she is enamored with her father!
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