The coupon club...

I am learning to "coupon" shop... I always thought it took more time and energy than it was worth to use coupons.

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But thanks to some really good friends, and super nice coupon bloggers who have shared their talents and knowledge; I am learning the value; and some of the skills it takes to seek out a thrifty deal! I can understand the concept of being able to stock up on some items when I can get them for less and not have to buy them again until they are on sale, and not having to pay regular price, but buying only when they are a great deal, because I don't HAVE to have it since I stocked up.

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What a great way to get a home storage built up for pennies on the dollar. It is taking quit an education to learn how to find the thrifty deals, but today I felt my first real rewards from the time I have put into it.

Original price $152.14

I Saved $108.00 in combining coupons (doubled at 2 stores) and preferred card savings, and in store sales.

I paid $44.14

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(I got 10 boxes of cereal (.90 ea), 20 cans of tomato sauce, 3 big bags of dog treats, shampoo, conditioner, mousse (free), Lysol disinfectant wipes (.99 ea), ziplock sandwich bags, fusion after shave (my goof... I thought it was shaving cream, the teenager should be shaving any day now... so I will keep it and spoil him with shaving balm for .50 ea), soft scrub scrubbie pads (free), excedrine menstral (free), chloraseptic sore throat relief liquid lozenges, tooth brushes, and 4 bags of Bliss chocolate candy (I thought the Easter Bunny might could use these).

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AND an extra bonus I was really happy about...

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Albertsons has a gas reward program that you earn discounts off gas for money you spend on groceries (and they use the price before the coupon savings...yippee), and I used my card to take advantage of those savings and I filled up my gas tank for $1.48 per gallon today!

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My MIL will be so proud of me! She started teaching me everything she knew about saving pennies and building up home storage when we moved to Idaho almost 6 years ago, and it is just now all starting to come together for me in a bigger picture! Thanks Mom D for always being willing and patient teaching me all you know... I can't wait for canning season!