I may have mentioned before that TLC's show, Extreme Couponing, is a new favorite of mine. I sit there in awe when I watch these people saving 90% + on their groceries. And it's made me curious if I could save money too. I know I'll never be able to save the kind of money these folks are saving. I simply don't have 40 hours a week to devote to coupon clipping, organizing, searching the internet for the best deals, driving around to multiple stores, and going on several shopping trips per week {nor would I choose to spend my time that way even if it were an option}. Besides, gas is expensive, y'all! And since we live FAR from town, I'm quite sure that a good portion of the money I'd save by shopping multiple stores, would be spent on the gas to get there. But as I said, I'd be happy just to save a little.
Now, before we go any further . . . If you you are a couponer of any caliber: READ NO FURTHER. Please. Because my savings are going to sound so incredibly puny and ridiculous to you. Pinkie swear? Okay. Moving along.
So, last month I started by purchasing a Sunday paper. I have never used coupons before, but I knew the paper would be a good source. And then I went to Safeway.com {because I typically shop at Safeway} to see which digital coupons I could find {that I would USE ~ that is key}, and load directly on to my store card. I then made sure to document all grocery purchases. No more "It's only a gallon of milk, I don't need to count that". Nope, I wanted to know *exactly* how much I was spending. And when I looked back through previous months' receipts and statements, I was amazed at just how much I was spending. Much more than I had thought.
Anyway, by simply paying attention, clipping some coupons, and actively trying to find the best price on items {some items aren't negotiable for us, we tend to be brand picky}, I saved close to $200 last month. And I am hoping to save more this month.
Today, I was excited to go grocery shopping.
Now, before we go any further . . . If you you are a couponer of any caliber: READ NO FURTHER. Please. Because my savings are going to sound so incredibly puny and ridiculous to you. Pinkie swear? Okay. Moving along.
So, last month I started by purchasing a Sunday paper. I have never used coupons before, but I knew the paper would be a good source. And then I went to Safeway.com {because I typically shop at Safeway} to see which digital coupons I could find {that I would USE ~ that is key}, and load directly on to my store card. I then made sure to document all grocery purchases. No more "It's only a gallon of milk, I don't need to count that". Nope, I wanted to know *exactly* how much I was spending. And when I looked back through previous months' receipts and statements, I was amazed at just how much I was spending. Much more than I had thought.
Anyway, by simply paying attention, clipping some coupons, and actively trying to find the best price on items {some items aren't negotiable for us, we tend to be brand picky}, I saved close to $200 last month. And I am hoping to save more this month.
Today, I was excited to go grocery shopping.
I even stocked up on items that I didn't need right now, but will in the future {think multiple bottles of shampoo and conditioner that happen to be on sale now, but may not be the next time I need them}. Or, yeah, the four hundred million bottles of Coke. I'm still not sure how these people get all of these items for free. But I'm working on finding that out ;)
My goal today was to save 30% of my grocery bill. The most I've ever saved was 26% {and it's embarrassing how excited I was about that} , so this was a bit of a stretch. But . . . I did it! 30% ~ nearly $86. And we hadn't been to the grocery store in almost two weeks, so we needed a LOT.
If you've made it this far, congrats ;) And also, think about using a coupon or two. I promise it'll make you really happy to see your savings.
