Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Why I Clip Coupons


I paid $4.58. for everything in the above picture.

Ok, I'm just going to come right out and say it. I am a coupon freak, and I am not ashamed of it.
I am one of those people who will stand in line at the grocery store, and hand the cashier 30 coupons. People moan and groan and try to stare me down, but I can honestly say it doesn't bother me. When the cashier hands me my receipt that says I saved 50-60% on my grocery bill, I just smile and skip to my mini van. Ok maybe not skip. That would just be weird. :)

I have been shopping with coupons for about a year now, and have built up a pretty nice stockpile of foods and supplies. Do you know how nice it is to run out of something, and not have to drive all the way to the grocery store for it? Just a quick trip to my basement (which keeps me in shape btw) and I'm back to my cooking, laundry, dishes, whatever.

So all to say, I wanted to show you why I (and thousand of other money saving mommies) do what I do.
The picture above is my latest deal from Rite Aid. I paid $4.58. for 6 bottles of Nivea body wash, 4 packs of pads, and a pack of toilet paper. The toilet paper wasn't that great of a deal but we needed it that day.

I would have paid $60.19 (before tax)
But everything was on sale and I had a coupon for everything (except the toilet paper. But it was still on sale)

A coupon in and of itself won't really save you that much money, because you could still buy the generic brand for the same "after coupon" price of a name brand. And that is, IF you want to buy the generic brand. Combining a coupon with a sale priced item is when you can really start saving money. I also use the Rite Aid Rebate program, and Register Rewards deals at Walgreens.
I never thought I could get free toothpaste or shampoo from a drugstore.
I have even MADE money on certain items. These are called "money makers" in the coupon world.
Last summer I got bottle after bottle of free barbeque sauce, and A1. I have saved about 80% or more, on (good, name brand) dishwashing detergents and laundry soaps, diapers.
It is so worthwhile to buy a few Sunday papers every week, (more if there are good coupons that week)
I would love it if you were able to start saving 50-60% on your monthly grocery budget too. This is why I'm writing this post.
But instead of writing it all myself (because my wrist is starting to hurt) I am going to post a link to my favorite blog. The lady who taught me almost everything I know about couponing. Drumroll please... Cheri Mindi.

http://www.momsneedtoknow.com/new-start-here/

It may seem overwhelming at first, but if you are organized, and willing to dedicate an hour a week preparing your shopping trip, you will save SO much money per week. Which in turn frees up your budget a little to make room for that trip to Disneyland or that $50. jar of eye cream, or...well you get the picture.
I know I sound like a commercial. Ok, I'll stop now.

Happy couponing!




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