I literally came home from work, went to the garden, snapped some photos and came in to load them when my mom asked if I wanted to go to Publix. Mind you, before I go to Publix I usually make a list of exactly what I want and I go ahead and pull the coupons I want to use and file them in the front of my coupon organizer.
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| It fits so well in the purse. And yes, that is Elliot in the back. |
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| Look it expands! And yes, Elliot's tail is in the photo... |
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| "Today's shopping coupons" |
However, yesterday I didn't have the pre-planning time. Mom gave me just a few minutes to put on my shoes, and do a quick scan of the sale paper. So, while I was in the car I started mentally listing what I needed to get.
The result? I used 4 coupons, purchased 7 items, paid $8.57, saved $15.43 or 64%
The biggest deals were the Marie's salad dressing for 65 cent (I've done this deal before), and Dove deodorant for 75 cent.
The next big deal I got is not squirmy boy friendly, so you have been warned...
I got a great deal on tampons. Alright, squirmy boys, get your giggles and groans out. But, mostly I'm speaking to the women here. Girly products can be a serious expense sometimes. Especially the good stuff. Publix had all of their Playtex gentle glide, and Playtex sports tampons on sale B1G1. So on top of that I have a $1 off each. The bottom line: Two boxes of tampons for $1.14 each. Are they my favorite brand? No. But, they are at least a close second.
Just think, if I can save 64% without much planning, what can you save if you take just a little time to plan?
Brilliant work! I've been using a clipboard, but I think a coupon organizer might be just the ticket. I also tried a trick from my mom today: I did a loop in an area around my apartment. I started at Target while carrying sale papers from another local grocer called Rainbow. Turns out Target had some slightly better prices, and it added up. Then I went to our local Aldi, where I saved a dime on milk, fifty cents on eggs, and a few bucks on ground turkey. Since the places are so close together, I feel like I can justify the expense of gas, esp. if I only go out once every week or two for groceries.
ReplyDeleteAre you participating in a CSA coop this summer? We signed up for the first time with a farm in Wisconsin, just over the river from us. For $250 we're splitting a share with a friend and won't need our regular vegetable purchases from the grocery stores for four months! I can't imagine how long a snow-free Southern farm could keep its CSA subscriptions going.
Thanks for the great ideas, and keep us informed!
Molly the little accordion file expando was only $1 at a Dollar Store or Dollar General. My mom actually gifted it to me. I really like it. Keeping it in my purse ensures I always have the coupons with me if I somehow have an impromptu need for items.
ReplyDeleteI also like it because when I'm just vegging out in front of the TV, I can pull it out and take one section at a time and just flip through them really fast to check the expiration dates. Doing this also helps me commit them to memory.
I'm actually very unfamiliar with CSA coop. I may need to check that out. I'm currently trying to grow some of my own veggies this spring/summer. I need to post an update about how our first week has gone.
Thanks for sharing your insights! I learn so much when we chat :)
K
Also, I generally stick with Publix and CVS because they are literally both on the same road that my neighborhood shoots off of. I think it is smart to try and either plan to shop at a circle/loop of places, or near you. I would not recommend to anyone driving all over town for deals. Pick a few places on a path and stick with that or else you are burning precious gas fumes away with your money.
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