Monday, November 2, 2009

Proudest Day

Maybe today isn't the proudest day of my entire life, but I am feeling pretty good. Why, you ask? Because I just got back from the grocery store where I spent 85 CENTS for all of this:

Yes, that's right 85 CENTS! I promise I won't share every good deal I get, but I was pretty proud of myself for this one! I was actually planning for it all last night as I was sleeping. While this may not be all that exciting to you, for a stay-at-home mom with nothing better to do (yeah, right), this was very exciting!

I started coupon-ing at the end of last month when I saw how successful my friend was. I feel like I have been spending WAY too much on groceries, and I wanted to cut down on that cost. I just added up my numbers for October, and I did a complete double take! I actually recounted the numbers because I didn't believe it. Here are the numbers:

Average grocery bill per month for the past 6 months: $403.74 (WAY too much for 2-1/2 people)

October grocery bill: $288.33

Amount saved by using coupons and shopping sales: $307.24

HOLY COW!!! Can you believe those numbers? I couldn't either- I can't wait to show Ben and tell him how awesome I am!!! Not only did I spend TONS less, but the biggest differene is that my cupboards are FULL- I put a lot into food storage this month, I bought almost all name brands, and we have TONS of food to eat!!!! Thank you soooooooooo much for helping me out and giving me the encouragement to do this, Jen N!!!! I was a total skeptic, I did NOT think using coupons would work- and look at what I have been able to accomplish in just ONE month!!!! Thank you also to my in-laws who have started giving me their coupons so I can save even more!!!!

I have a ways to go before I reach my goal, however. I want to get down to $200 a month. Whew- that will cut my food budget in half. I will post my monthly totals, and if you want to know how to get into this whole new world of saving money (tax free!), let me know and I'll answer your questions. I'm so excited about this!!!!

8 comments:

  1. I totally want to know. I just went to a couponing class and I feel very overwhelmed. Please help because I suck. Seriously I will have you over for lunch if you will teach me. SERIOUSLY!

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  2. That is great Christina, I too save a lot with coupons, even for Gluten free and organic foods, they are just more online than in the newspaper. I'll keep watching to see how much you save. Way to go!

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  3. Melissa- You are another great inspiration of how to shop to save!!

    Jen- I will totally come over!!! I'll e-mail you!

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  4. So I want to know more specifics. Do you buy lots of fresh produce? Are you making things like bread instead of buying? What about meat? Are you getting coupons from just the newspaper? If so do you have a subscription or are you just using the free mailers that come weekly?

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  5. For you Seattle'ites my sister uses this great site to find deals:

    http://www.centsibleinseattle.blogspot.com/

    You have to search a little bit to find your store, but once you figure it out, it should be great!

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  6. What site are you using for the coupons... I know there is one my sister uses in AZ but was not sure if there is one here!! That is great!

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  7. Never mind I just read all your comments :)

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