Saturday, May 2, 2009

Gettting started with the whole couponing thing?

I have been struggling to get started. My view of coupons has changed. I used to think it was too much of a hassle to cut and clip and keep track of and then use coupons, but when I SEE the savings, it is SO worth it.

Last Monday was my first official coupon clipping day.

I bought a Sunday paper at Family Dollar on 48th for, you guessed it, a dollar. I only clipped coupons of stuff that my family will use. I know there are many who clip EVERYTHING, remember I'm still learning....maybe I will....one day.

Today was my first official coupon shopping day.

Walgreens (I have NEVER shopped at Walgreens before...am I weird?):
I bought 26 items and the bill came out to $87.50 without coupons. WITH coupons it was $53.59! I saved $33.91! I know it's still a big bill but, I'm measuring progress, I USED COUPONS!!!! AND I'm still learning how to "use" coupons and shop to my monitary advantage. So, I'm sure I committed some couponing blunders...but you gotta start somewhere!

I don't know if this has already been posted on this site but I found a great little helper to get you started on the road to being, what CouponMom.com calls a Stategic Shopper. It's only eight pages, well worth the read, and it is very helpful in how to "Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half." I'm going to get busy making a little Price Book! I'm glad they didn't suggest keeping all the prices stored in your head...I have a terrible memory.

Anyway! Get Saving!

4 comments:

  1. HA! Welcome to the cool world of couponing, Becky! Sounds like you got some awesome deals.

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  2. Sweet work! We should go shopping together sometime and share sweet deals! I have always loved and used coupons, but now I'm getting back into couponing hardcore.

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  3. I bought Stephanie Nelson's book when I first started using coupons seriously and it was a huge help. A lot of the tips are common sense but it's weird how it takes someone else to point out common sense ideas to me.

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  4. I have my price book that I used the prices from the north Walmart as a start. I would gladly email you it. crsvitak at windstream dot net

    It is an excel spreadsheet.

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