I haven't been mentioning my latest obsession because quite frankly, I can't imagine people really care. Today however my coupon shopping has taken me to a level that is just too good to pass up.
Using a combination of manufacturer coupons, doubler coupons that Albertsons puts out occasionally, and a promotion Albertsons was having (buy $10 worth of participating products and get $3.00 off automatically) I bought everything you see above for $2.49. Go ahead, take a second look. I DID buy two extra newspapers for the extra coupons in it so you can add $1.00 to that total. Still, the hot dogs alone were $4.00 full price. I figure $3.49 is still a respectable total. My total savings was $75.92.
I have seen posts like this before and thought, sure, that's great, but how do you feed a family on BBQ sauce and pudding? The more you do it though the more you realize you are just stock piling things for future meals. Pudding goes in a fruit salad I make. BBQ sauce for pulled pork and chicken. Thousand Island Salad dressing for our favorite taco salad. Boca burgers and hot dogs because it's summer! (With those two things I figure I can feed our family for around $2.00 for the meal. Not per person, the whole meal.) That way next time we have a hankering to BBQ I already have everything, it was ridiculously cheap, and there is no last minute grocery shopping to be done.
Coupons have changed the way I shop. They have halved out grocery bill and I'm getting way more stuff. You pay with your time but I figure as a stay at home mom it's a way I can financially contribute to our family. Plus, it's fun and addicting!
p.s. If you want to get information about local deals, go to www.frugalchicliving.blogspot.com. This is a Liberty Lake gal with three little boys who will do about 90% of the leg work for you. She is my new personal hero. I also have her button on my side bar.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A new way to shop
Posted by Sara Jones at 11:14 AM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
I bow down to you and even though I have always prided myself on being a shopper extraordinaire you have definitely taken it to a new level and have me newly addicted as well. I have been calling friends and neighbors for their double coupons and have printed off a million coupons on-line while I wait. It really doesn't suck getting things for free does it.
About 2 months ago, I decided that I was going to be a "thrifty" shopper and cut coupons, etc. When I started doing it, I realized that it wasn't worth it for us, because a lot of the coupons foods are "boxed" foods that we don't typically eat. And, I felt like I would be buying stuff that I dind't typically buy so I would still be spending the same. Why can't they do coupons for fresh produce, dairy, or meat?
Wel, you have inspired me to give it another try!
Carrie, I agree with you that a lot of stuff isn't what I would feed our family. I can honestly say that I'm not feeding us any differently though, I'm just planning a lot more. Better menu making, using what I have, and keeping my eye on things I want. There are SO MANY yogurt coupons out there, good healthy cereal, the Boca Burgers I bought, health and beauty items, etc., that I do think it's worth it. I have found that most of my extra budget is spent on produce, dairy, etc., and that the bargain shopping fills in the misc. menu items that I used to pay top dollar for. It might not be right for everyone but I do think we pretty healthy and cheaply now!
Interesting enough, I am just getting to read yesterdays paper and I see the Albertsons deal you mentioned. I am definitely interested in it!
My question for you...did you do it at night when Greg was home? I am usually having to speed through grocery store aisles so that my girls don't lose it before I am done! If I can go by myself, I think it would be more productive!
Also, I have the "doubler coupons" as well, but how exactly does it work and what does it work on?
Isn't it addicting? Although I do have to admit I was much more gung-ho in the beginning, and it became a little wearying. Now I'm better at identifying what deals are worth pursuing based on my current needs and schedule.
My friend Sheila lives in CDA and has a great blog for local (and online) deals as well. http://nwdealseeker.blogspot.com/
Post a Comment