DO I REALLY SAVE?

So, for those of you who know me, you'll know that I regularly coupon. Yes, couponing takes a bit of time and there is a learning curve. Many of you have asked me if I really do save money by couponing.

This month (January 2010), I set aside $280 for groceries, toiletries, and couponing. I did this in cash in an envelope so that I couldn't over spend. I did have a little bit on a gift card though, so that helped a bit this month. I spent a total of $291.32 BUT I saved $90.35 in coupons alone (that doesn't include automatic savings or sale price savings.) I also had the gift card, so I did keep my actually spending below my budgeted amount. I kept all of my receipts and made a quick spreadsheet to track totals.

Here is my latest example (ignore the crappy picture of my store room):


I bought this today at Smiths for $5.56 (that includes my tax!) I saved $14.05 in coupons, and then there was an automatic $5 that was taken off at the register. 4 boxes of Toaster Studels, 3 boxes of Electarsol tabs, 2 cans of Hormel chili, and 1 box of Post Raisin Bran.

So, many may argue if it is worth it? Yes, it does take time. Yes, sometimes I make an extra trip to the store on occasion. And yes, the coupon policies are forever changing. But my answer is "YES!" It is worth it for me and my family. What deals have you scored lately?

SCORE!

Today's awesome deal. I bought 8 boxes of General Mills cereal, 4 cocoa puffs, 2 trix, 2 banana nut cheerios. Each cereal was $2.50; when you bought 4 boxes, you get $4.00 off making them $1.50 a box. Then I had coupons. So, 8 boxes cost me $7.72 (that's with tax included).

BUT WAIT, there's more. As I was walking away, the cashier said "Wait." and handed me a catalina for $5.00 off your next purchase. SCORE! I didn't see a catalina on pinching your pennies. I told her I didn't know there was a catalina. She said "Neither did I. Merry Christmas!" So, today, I really paid $2.72 for 8 boxes of cereal. Great deal, huh?

One last time - I promise!

So I wanted to blog one more time about couponing. (I know, I know - but it's the last time, really!)

Here is the picture of what I bought yesterday at Albertsons.


Going from left to right, 1 box of toaster pastries, 2 cans of frosting, 2 cookie mixes, 2 warm delights, 2 40 oz. packages of Bisquick, muffin mix, 10 yogurts, 1 box of granola bars, 1 box of strudles, and 2 packages of biscuits. (There was a total of 25 items.)

The total came to $18.08 (tax included) - the savings from Albertsons was $37.21.

Today, I went to do all of my regular grocery shopping and compared prices with WinCo. If I would have shopped at WinCo for these items, the total would have been $33.06 (tax included). If I would have used my manufacturers coupons at WinCo, the total price would have been $26.96 - so I still saved $8.88!

I figure every little bit saved helps my family, even if it's just a few dollars. Everyone can do it!!! Just ask me how.

My sister blew me out of the water though. I look forward to six months down the road when I will be able to do as well as she is doing right now. By then, though, she'll probably have the stores owing her money!!!

Coupons again - check it out!

Okay. Here is my trip today. I would have liked to do better, but again, I am just learning.

In this first picture (or first trip), I bought 1 lb. ground turkey, 3 lite cool whips, 2 packages of Lipton dried soup mix, 4 packages of cream cheese, 6 boxes of crystal light on the go, and 2 packages of cubed steaks (1 large, 1 small).


The total came to $19.47.

This next picture's purchase was 2 packages of Lipton dried soup, 2 cans of refried beans, 4 jars of peanut butter, 4 packages of marshmallows, 1 package of cream cheese, dreyers ice cream, snuggle fabric softener sheets, 2- 1 lb. packages of ground turkey, and stew meat.

The total here is blurry, but it is $19.70.


And finally, my kids really needed some 'fun' cereal and I was out of cake mixes (a staple at our house). This was not the best deal, but still okay (4 stars and not 5). 1 box of Cheerios, 1 box of Cocoa Puffs, 1 box of Trix, and 2 cake mixes.


The total came to $6.75.


I also bought a gallon of milk - $2.12 (including tax) - not the best, but I was already there.

SO, The grand total that I spent WAS $48.04.

NOW FOR THE GOOD PART!!! Here is what I saved:
Preferred savings: $49.69
Manufacturer's coupons: $14.25
Store Coupons: $20.00
TOTAL SAVINGS: $83.94

SO, if you are still thinking that you would like to do this, please email me at jolleys136@hotmail.com and let me know. If there is interest, I can put together a 'beginner's couponing class' or even just email you the forwards that I get for the great deals of the week! Let me know how I did this time!

LATEST COUPONING TRIP

My sister Robyn is a coupon queen! She is awesome and though I am just getting started (I think that I've only been 4 or 5 times), I enjoy it and can't wait to do it more.

This weekend I started my coupon binder - a work in progress. This will take me quite a bit of time to update each week, but then I will also be able to save SO much money!

Here is the picture of what I bought last night:
I bought 5 boxes of cereal (2 Raisen Bran, 3 Honey Bunches of Oats), 2 lysol wipes, 2 packages of toilet paper, 4 packages of Easter candy (2 butterfinger eggs and 2 starburst jelly beans), 1 dozen eggs, Reynolds Foil, and Colgate toothpaste. My grand total - $8.75 (that includes tax).

So, you tell me - how did I do?