I started on this journey to reduce our monthly expenses about three months ago. I stumbled upon frugal hacks and later found money saving mom. It was like a whole new world. I can't believe the difference in our budget.
One of the first lessons I learned was that there are tons of coupons available online. I printed so many coupons. I then spent all those coupons - not really the best use of said coupons. I am not proud of the grand total. I remember my DH saying, "You spent how MUCH?" And I said, "But, I saved $$$$ :) ."
The second lesson I learned is that is critically important to organize coupons. Many frugal bloggers were raving about their coupon binders, but I was reluctant. I couldn't really see myself carrying around a zippered three ring binder full of coupons. My solution was to purchase two 4x6 photo albums. One for food. One for cleaning, personal care, and laundry. They work for me. They fit in my purse. They are easy to use. They are discreet.
The third lesson I learned is to combine coupons with sales. I've been doing well with this. I enjoy saving lots of money on my groceries. I really enjoy the cashiers' reaction.
I want to share one of my best bargains yet.
Let me preface this by saying I don't do CVS or WalMart. I don't want to go into my reasons, so let's just leave it at that. Let me also say that I know it is probably cheaper to make my own laundry and cleaning supplies, but I simply don't have time for that.
My main stops are HyVee and Target. I work full-time and I want to spend as much time at home with my DH and soon to be here LO (little one). So HyVee and Target it is.
On Sundays I scour the store ads. In the Target ad I discovered that Pledge products were on sale for $3.25 and Cascade was on sale for $3.50. I knew I had filed coupons for those products. I checked it out and I had so many Pledge coupons.
One of the first lessons I learned was that there are tons of coupons available online. I printed so many coupons. I then spent all those coupons - not really the best use of said coupons. I am not proud of the grand total. I remember my DH saying, "You spent how MUCH?" And I said, "But, I saved $$$$ :) ."
The second lesson I learned is that is critically important to organize coupons. Many frugal bloggers were raving about their coupon binders, but I was reluctant. I couldn't really see myself carrying around a zippered three ring binder full of coupons. My solution was to purchase two 4x6 photo albums. One for food. One for cleaning, personal care, and laundry. They work for me. They fit in my purse. They are easy to use. They are discreet.
The third lesson I learned is to combine coupons with sales. I've been doing well with this. I enjoy saving lots of money on my groceries. I really enjoy the cashiers' reaction.
I want to share one of my best bargains yet.
Let me preface this by saying I don't do CVS or WalMart. I don't want to go into my reasons, so let's just leave it at that. Let me also say that I know it is probably cheaper to make my own laundry and cleaning supplies, but I simply don't have time for that.
My main stops are HyVee and Target. I work full-time and I want to spend as much time at home with my DH and soon to be here LO (little one). So HyVee and Target it is.
On Sundays I scour the store ads. In the Target ad I discovered that Pledge products were on sale for $3.25 and Cascade was on sale for $3.50. I knew I had filed coupons for those products. I checked it out and I had so many Pledge coupons.
I was so excited to use those Pledge coupons.
So, here's the breakdown...
I purchased five Pledge products at $3.25 (I can't remember the original price). We use the wipes in the car. They are awesome!
Original cost
5 x 3.25 = $16.25
I used one BOGO coupon -3.25
I used two$3 off two -6.00
I used two$3 off two -6.00
Total coupon savings = $9.25
Final cost = $7.00
Price per product = $1.40
The Cascade was on sale for $3.50 and I had one $2.00 off coupon. So it cost $1.50. We usually buy the Sam's Club dishwasher detergent and it works well. But, when I compared cost/load the on sale Cascade was as good a deal as the non-sale Sam's.
Ah, I feel like I finally know what I'm doing when it comes to this coupon thing and boy is it satisfying.
1 comment:
Great deals, LO7A! The beginnings of this frugal life are full or trial and error, aren't they? But, it's just so exciting to nab a good deal! When I shop without coupons....it's so boring! I don't get great cashier response, but I go home on a natural high....like a hunter heading home with a prize.
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