So, for the last three weeks I have been majorly into couponing! I've always been a bargain shopper....I love thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, consignment shops, sales, free stuff, rebating at Walgreens, etc! It really must be a genetic predisposition...my dad has always been a bargain grocery shopper and mom has always led me down the path to thrift stores, consignment shops and yard sales. My grandma was thrifty and my aunt and uncle love a bargain or good deal to this day. It wasn't until recently that I realized there were more bargains out there than I ever could have imagined! I've discovered the power of coupons, double coupons, weekly sale ads, bogo (buy one get one), tear pads, and free samples. I've had to admit that Wal Mart doesn't always have the very best price after all. I tend to be obsessive with a new project and this one is no different.
I've given it my all and I've gotten a lot back in return! I've lost a little sleep, spent way too many hours clipping, reading, researching, shopping and organizing. But that's okay, I figure this is the learning process and soon it will be second nature.
Let me tell you about a few of my really good deals. We'll forget all the free products I've gotten because well, Free is Free. You just can't get much better than that and sometimes getting an item for a few cents makes more of a statement than Free.
Bold 'N Spicy Chex Mix: Half price at Meijer this week. Regular price- $2.18. Half price- $1.09. Coupons- 50 cents off. Doubled at Meijer- $1.00 off. Total cost- .09 cents.
Gum Toothbrushes- 2 pack: Rite Aid regular price- $3.99. On sale for $1.99. Rebate in their monthly rebate catalog- $1. Coupon- .75 cents off (thanks Dad, he had to mail that one to me, it wasn't in our regional inserts). Total cost- .25 cents or 12 1/2 cents each.
Can it get any better than that?
This can be an extremely time consuming undertaking but it's also rewarding and fortunately I have the time to devote. Mostly. I'm just trying to figure out how these companies are making any money with all the stuff they give away.
3 comments:
I've heard of talented couponers actually getting money back at the checkout.
Have you heard of the Dollar Stretcher website? I get their e-newsletter. They have a lot of great dollar stretching ideas. I just never seem to have the time I'd like to have to put all the ideas into practice.
Oh yeah, it does happen....Walgreens actually gave me two bottles of Tylenol PM Gelcaps AND 72 cents back!
I can totally see why couponing would be fun. Remember "Tippy Turtle"? He tried to take a package with a balloon to the post office and when it floated off the scale he demanded the post office pay him. hahahhaaa
Post a Comment