My new OBSESSION

OK, it is time to admit it, out loud......I AM OBSESSED with coupons.

I had a friend show me a web site in the beginning of December called www.grocerygame.com. And that is how my obsession started. I am learning how to combine coupons with sales and other promos in order to get the best "deal" available. It is a fun challenge, and I love it! I have saved a ton of money over the past 8 weeks, have built up my food storage (I officially am no longer intimidated by all things food storage), and have felt like I am helping my family.

My average savings is about 57%. Sometimes it is higher (like 78%) and sometimes it is lower (48%), but it most often is around my average. I have been able to get things like shampoo, conditioner, styling gel, hair spray, hair putty, powerade, candy bars, bar soap, rice cakes, hand soap, cough drops, and children's medicine ALL for FREE. (not kidding!). Our grocery bill is down about 48%(that is TOTAL $ OUT OF POCKET) for January. In summary, we are saving money, being obedient to the prophets counsel, and ENJOYING the process.

Most people think I am crazy. (Maybe I am). They think it takes a TON of time, but in reality it doesn't take too much time at all. I spend about 1.5 hours cutting, sorting, and filing coupons(which I choose to do- there ARE faster options). I spend another 1/2 hour doing my shopping lists and getting coupons ready for the stores I am going to. Then maybe another 2 hours actually shopping (I am a bit of a "lynette" I go shopping alone- so I don't always hurry :). All this doesn't always happen on the same day, so it doesn't feel like too much time to me. But EVEN if it did, it is only about 4-5 hours a week. AND here are some VERY real examples of my receipts.......(please keep in mind that the SAVINGS build, meaning the LONGER you shop this way the BIGGER the savings get.)

Week 1- Albertsons spent: 90.32 SAVED 66.27
Kroger(like Smiths) spent: 56.01 SAVED 54.65

Week 2-Tom Thumb spent: 135.83 SAVED 130.79
Albertsons spent: 85.43 SAVED 100.89

Week 3- Walgreens spent: 29.89 SAVED 86.68
Kroger spent: 21.04 SAVED 23.17

Week 4- didn't shop****************************************

Week 5- Albertsons spent: 70.70 SAVED 90.56
Target spent: 7.31 SAVED 31.86

Week 6- Albertsons spent: 39.78 SAVED 60.16
Tom Thumb spent: 64.73 SAVED 120.72

Week 7- Kroger spent: 8.58 SAVED 17.99
Tom Thumb spent: 86.43 SAVED 125.80

Week 8- Albertsons spent: 43.43 SAVED 59.40
CVS spent: 0.43 SAVED 93.87

Now, I have just given a FEW examples every week. AND not always the best ones (although the CVS deal WAS pretty amazing). I have tried to show an average of what my receipts look like. Some times I go to 3 stores each week, sometimes all 5, and then sometimes its just 2. But that is my choice- I choose which deals I am willing to run after and which ones don't matter. These prices and savings totals also include ALL cleaning products, medicines, toiletries, ect... ANYTHING that you buy at the grocery store.

According to this web site- sales at grocery stores go in 12 week cycles. Patrick and I decided to keep our grocery budget the same for the whole first 12 weeks in order to build a well rounded "stockpile" (i.e. Food Storage). After that the name of the game will be "HOW low can your bill go". Even still, I am impressed with my efforts and accomplishments as far as our savings is going. At the end of the 12 weeks, I am going to do another post with pictures of my food storage, and $ totals.

I also want to mention, that we DON'T eat out anymore- Patrick takes a lunch everyday, and so does KK. We are going through Quite a few groceries this way- BUT when you calculate the savings of buying a few extra groceries THIS way, the savings is all the motivation we need. :)

Call me If you want to learn more about this! I would be happy to help you all save too!

Lauren

PS- A few "other" extras I have recieved because of this OBSESSION
* gas for 0.68 cents a gallon (on 1 ENTIRE fill up)
* a new WOK pan valued at 70.00 for FREE
* Restaurant gift certs (date night!) for 92% off