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Each week, I'm learning how to use coupons better. What the various coupon blogs tell you is to use coupons to stock up then you just buy what you need to round out your meals, milk, bread, veggies and fruits. That's a little easier said than done when on a budget, but I'm getting better at it.
This past weekend, I spent $60 at another store where I'd purchased the bulk of our groceries, including meat, veggies, cheese, butter, etc. They were having a Founder's sale with some really great buys.
But I had two coupons called Catalinas (they come out with your bill when you pay) worth $12 that would be expiring so I wanted to make sure I used them this week, too. Yesterday, I pulled out the Safeway flyer and checked a couple of blogs as I wrote my grocery list and matched coupons to the items.
Here's what I bought:
1 16 oz package of slicked turkey breast
1 16 oz package of sliced ham ($1 off coupon)
1 loaf whole wheat bread
1 package hamburger buns
2 Kaiser rolls from the bakery
1 bottle of Heinz ketchup
4 bottles of Kraft BBQ sauce (3 $0.75 cent coupons, 1 $1 off coupons)
2 bottles of Sierra Mist Soda (Buy one get one free)
5 boxes of Kelloggs Cereal (Buy 5 save $5 plus 2 $1 off coupons)
1 Pedigree Dentastix ($2.50 coupon)
1 dozen eggs
1 gallon of lowfat milk
2 Del Monte Fruit Natural Peach cups ($1 coupon)
1 lb of strawberries (Free with coupon)
1 3 lb bag of red delicious apples
Add to that the following coupons: a coupon to double 4 manufacturers coupon (came out to an additional $2 off), a $10 Catalina from the recent Living Well promotion where you buy $30 get $10 for your next visit and a $2 Catalina from an Arrowhead water promotion.
Want to guess how much I spent?
Here's a hint: I saved 86% on my grocery bill.
My OOP (out of pocket) for all the above items was $9.61. I also came home with a $2 off Catalina for buying the Kraft BBQ sauces that I can use on my next visit. Not bad!
Of the above items, the only thing I normally don't buy is soda. But the Sierra Mist was on sale for $0.88 a bottle so I got two bottles for that price. The kidlets were thrilled to see that since soda is such a treat around here. And I only buy the refrigerated fruit cups (my girls love them) when they are on sale and have a coupon to couple with it.
I'm actually having fun shopping. It takes a little time to make the list, but worth it in the end.
And if you like chocolate, be sure to visit this website. Every Friday during the summer they will be giving away a free candy bar. I already got mine this morning!
Hope you have a great Friday!
