My new favorite blogs? Couponing and money saving blogs. Thanks to Wendy I have been introduced to a lot of new sites that I never knew existed. There are plenty of opportunities to save out there, it just takes a little time and effort. I had gotten lazy about grocery shopping. It was all about convenience for me. With prices continuously going up in every single part of our budget, it was definitely time to make a change.

My first "coupon experience" was two weeks ago at Safeway. They were having an excellent sale on meat, I had a few coupons, and they had a few "combo deals" that I took advantage of. The total bill was $153 but after savings, coupons and combo deals I ended up paying $72 with a savings of $81. Not bad for my first time. When I was loading my groceries I was checking my receipt and saw that they had missed one of the combo deals. Cheated me out of $5! I debated on whether or not to go back in- it was raining, windy and I just didn't feel like it. Then I thought about how much $5 could buy and decided to go back in. I had my receipt and a copy of the weekly flier. I found the manager and asked him if I had misunderstood something in the flier. He looked at the flier, looked at my receipt, then looked at me like "Are you serious?" And I looked at him and said, "It's 5 bucks." And he said, "Yeah, you're right." And he gave me $5.

This week it's Triple Manufacturer's coupons at Harris Teeter. I got everything organized today and I'm headed there tomorrow. I've also been taking advantage of the weekly 40% off coupons from AC Moore and Michaels. They have so much more than crafts and decorations there. You can find toys that are great for OT, picture frames, gift ideas, make-your-own jewelry and more. (Don't tell anyone but the last 3 birthday parties we attended- I got the gifts 40% off at AC Moore.)

I have started buying many things in bulk at Costco. This takes a little planning but it beats running out and paying grocery store prices on laundry and cleaning supplies. It also takes time- especially when you buy meat that has to be separated and prepared for the freezer. (You have to watch your prices, though, sometimes they get you if you don't.)

I've really been having fun with this, as hokey as that sounds. It feels good to be making these changes, and every little bit helps.

Hugs~

Linda

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for the shout out! I'm so excited for you! And $5 is $5 - good for you for going back in.

    I sometimes use the 40% off coupons to buy the three packs of simple canvas bags. I use them to wrap craft supply birthday gifts for kids. I usually throw in a couple of fabric paints, so the kids can decorate the bags, too.

    What a great post to wake up to - you made my day!

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  2. Way to go!! I've been shopping like this for years and it does make you feel good! By taking time to do this, cooking your own meals at home, saving money on extra work clothes, and not paying for child care you can save as much as you would make if you had a job outside the home.

    I love stores like Safeway that put your savings right on your receipt so you can see in black and white how much you saved. And go back in for $5??? You bet. If they overcharge me .50 I let them know. I may not make a special trip back in for that amount but next time I go in I take it with me. There are two stores here that will double your money if they overcharge and that's the way it should be. He should have been very apologetic.

    But the deals in our area have been fewer and fewer. No one doubles much less triples coupons anymore. Sad.

    We don't have Costco :( and Sam's is almost always a rip. There are a few things there that are a deal but mostly not. I've talked to the store manager and he says most people don't realize they are not getting a deal so they aren't changing their prices. For that reason alone I do NOT like shopping there. I only get what is really a deal or I can't get elsewhere.

    I've always bought a lot when something is on sale. I remember YOU making remarks about my pantry when you were here but I buy extra when it's on sale. I know your pantry isn't very big but you have closets in the basement that will serve I'm sure. And that way no one sees how much you have stashed away!!

    Way to go and Happy bargain hunting!

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  3. Oh how I wish that we had different stores here!! We pretty much just have HEB and Walmart and that means not enough competition to drive down the prices. Double coupons!! Ya right!!

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  4. Dangit! I missed triple coupons. Shoot!

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