The Magic of Coupons

Okay, okay...so I didn't get around to posting my blog about coupons yesterday.  That's because I didn't actually go shopping like I had intended.  I DID, however, go shopping this morning...so, let me enlighten you on the magic of coupons!

See all of this stuff....?

The retail price of all of this stuff was $118.84!!! It's no wonder America is in the middle of a depression...er, recession...I MEAN we are out of the recession....*raises eyebrows*  Would you be interested in knowing how much I paid for this selection?  In 2 stores and 4 transactions I paid $62.36.  For those of you who aren't that great at math (don't feel bad, I spent 15 minutes figuring this out AND am looking at my notes as I type) that means that I SAVED $56.48 or roughly 48%.

I'm actually a little aggravated because I bought a 20 lb bag of dog food (NOT pictured) at full price so that messed up my savings a little bit.  BUT, the massive puppy (4 months, 34 lbs!) has got to eat, too.

Life isn't like the Extreme Couponing shows that you see on television.  TRUST me, there are limits and people who use coupons despise people who clear the shelves.  Coupons are one of those things though that can really help to stretch your budget and do NOT involve that much time.  I will admit that the first week I organized my coupon binder and went through all of the "deals" in the Sunday ads I spent quite a bit of time on it.  Now, it's second nature. Sure I ONLY saved $56.48 today, but if you can learn to save like that every time you go grocery shopping you will be saving at least $100.00 each month.  *If you only go grocery shopping once a month then you obviously don't have children...*

And now, for all of you who keep scrolling up and squinting at the picture I will give you a breakdown.  If you don't want the breakdown, then you should PROBABLY stop reading right about.....here!

Kroger Transaction #1


5 cans Swanson Beef Broth
5 cans Swanson Chicken Broth

Used 2 "$0.50 off 5 cans" coupons (which doubles to $1.00 at Kroger)
+ Kroger's $5 off 10 participating items EVENT

Retail: $12.63   Paid: $3.03


Kroger Transaction #2


6 Boxes Kleenex Tissue
2 Boxes Annie's All Natural Mac & Cheese
2 cans Hormel Chili with Beans (I won't eat that but I know the kiddos and boyfriend will!)

Used 2 "$0.50 off 3 boxes Kleenex" (each doubled to $1.00), 1 "$0.75 off 2 Mac & Cheese", and 1 "$0.55 off 2 cans Hormel Chili"

Retail: $21.28  Paid: $5.67


Kroger Transaction #3


2 boxes Cascadian Farm Organic Cereal
4 bottles of Dawn Dish Detergent
2 bottles of Suave Kids Shampoo
5 cans of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
5 cans of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 gallon of milk

I used 2 "$0.75 of 1 Cascadian Farm", 4 "$0.50 off one Dawn", 1 "$0.75 off 2 Suave", and 2 "$1.00 off 5 cans"

Retail:  $35.36  Paid: $17.66  (no coupon for the milk :-(  )

Walmart Transaction #1 (and only)


1 box saltine crackers (no coupon :-( )
20 lbs Iams Puppy Chow (no coupon :-( )
4 Halloween Card Kits (reg. $0.97...I paid $0.24 ea)
1 Red Bull Energy drink

Couponed items begin here:
3 Carefree Pantiliners
6 cans Dole Pineapple
3 Hormel ComplEATs
6 Colgate Toothpaste
5 Colgate KIDS toothpaste

Retail:  $49.57  Paid:  $36.00


Used 3 "$0.50 off any Carefree", 3 "$0.50 off any 2 Dole", 3 "$0.55 off one ComplEAT", 6 "$0.50 off any Colgate"  and 5 "$0.50 off any KIDS Colgate"

Whew...that made my head hurt to type it all out like that!  Anyway, if I get some positive feedback on this post I will continue to keep you all informed of my future couponing endeavors.

Until next time....