The past 6 months, I have put everything I spend into a spreadsheet to see where I'm saving money & exactly how much. I was worried at the beginning, as the first 2 months didn't seem like much. I would find some good deals here & there, but my average was saving about 50%. When you're on a fixed income, like we are...it's not enough.
I took some time off from my blog to focus on saving even more. I'm told if one can save more than 60%, you're considered an extreme couponer. I'm proud to say, even with my first few months in the start of the year, my overall average is now at 81%. It took some time and lots of practice but I think I have this coupon thing right where I want it. I have a great stockpile, I share with others and Ken and I have met some great people.
I've spent $1500.00 OOP, which is $250.00 per month or about $62.50 per week.
Does it sound high to you? Would it still sound like a lot if I told you that over 6 months, had I not combined coupons with sales, my retail cost would have been $14,500??? You heard me....in 6 months, I had amassed a stockpile valued at $14,500.00. Would it help if I told you I could not shop again for 6 months and be just fine? It's true!
I have purchased everything my family needs to include:
Normal groceries: Everything from snacks, condiments & baking to gourmet cheese & lunch meat
Spices: Lots & lots of spices
Meats: Steaks, Roasts, Chicken, Hamburger, Ribs, Whole Roaster Chicken, Breasts
Health products: Allergy, pain meds, vitamins, sleep aids, sham/cond, feminine, deodorant, body wash
Beauty products: Mascara, eyeshadow, concealer, nail polish, foundation, liner, lipstick, hair dye, skin care, razors
Oral Care: Toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, toothbrushes
Paper Products: Toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, tissue, foil, Ziploc bags, cups
Laundry: Dryer sheet, fabric softener, laundry detergent, stain remover
Cleaning: Sprays, scrubs, air fresheners, sponges, dish soap, hand soap
I have enough to keep my family fed well for 4-6 months & we're well past comfortable for over year on anything else. I have been able to give to my neighbors & friends "just because I can" and I have been able to help several needy families personally with groceries & necessities.
I don't shelf clear and I don't hoard...but I also don't buy one of something either, especially if it's free or a money maker.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
What Would You Pay?
It's been awhile, but I've gotten so good at not paying for groceries every week at Publix, I had to update you on what my weekly amounts look like when I shop on Thursdays these days! I took time off from blogging deals to focus more on savings 85% or more on all my shopping.
What I purchased:
10 Sweet baby Rays BBQ Sauce
6 Kraft Dressings
10 A-1 Steak Sauce
2 Stayfree womans products
2 French's Mustard
2 Rolls of Bounty Paper Towels
4 Boxes of Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes
10 Reynold's Wrap Foil
1 Playtex Sippy Cup
1 Kraft Shredded Cheese
While it may not seem a lot, I promise if you went to the store right now and bought everything in the picture all at retail price, with no sale & no coupons, you would pay $140.63 for everything shown. You all know me better than that, don't you?
I separated everything into 2 transaction and by doing this I was able to use 2 of the $5/$30 purchase from Publix Q's that we're on the Sunday papers this past week (1 for each transaction).
1st transaction cost me nothing out of pocket and in fact they paid me $4.47 to take it all away.
2nd transaction cost me $4.46 out of pocket.
Together with both transactions, Publix gave me everything you see AND a penny to shop today! Anyone can do this!
That's 100% savings.....now I need to have a BBQ with all the sauce and foil :)
Just a side note...I know it seems silly to have that much BBQ sauce, salad dressing & foil...but if you could get it for free and share it with those in need, why would you pass it up?
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Crowdtap: Let your voice be heard and get FREE stuff!
Crowdtap is a social marketing platform that enables you to be rewarded for ideating and promoting with leading brands, entertainment properties, non-profits and startups. As a member you earn cash for rewards and charity for taking surveys, sampling new products and promoting your favorite brands.
Print Your Coupons Now!
It's the end of the month, don't forget to print your coupons before their gone forever!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
EXPIRED FREE Petit Filet of Beef Tenderloin HURRY
Like Chatel Farms on facebook now
If you do, you'll be able to print a PDF Q for and one variety of Petit Filet of Beef Tenderloin. This surely won't last long, so do it fast!
Holy Moly - Free dinner! Q's like this are rare!!!!
They carry these at Wal-mart and Kroger stores, but please know that the Walmart coupon policy states that they will not that Internet coupons for Free items...hmm waiting to see what Chatel Farms is going to do about this one.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Free Subscription to Maxim
Free Subscription to Maxim
My hubby loves this mag and I have to admit I also enjoy a lot of the stuff they print in there. Lots of articles you don't see anywhere else.
Country Bobs Sauce FREE bottle
Country Bobs Sauce FREE bottle
Fill out the form and they'll send you a coupon for a FREE bottle. You can get this at Walmart!
One (1) coupon per household, with address verifyed by the US Postal Service.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Creme of Nature New Fragrance Shampoo sample
FREE Creme of Nature New Fragrance Shampoo sample
*Please give credit for items you re-post to FreeGoodiesOnTheGo
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Free Eyeglasses!!!!!!
Coastal Contacts is at it yet again. On Thursday, March 31, they're giving away another 10,000 pairs of eyeglasses starting at 12pm EDT (11am CDT). One free pair per household.
Free glasses include frames and standard 1.5 index lenses. You pay for shipping, which ranges from $10-$15, plus any upgrades like bifocals, thin lenses, or anti-glare or scratch-resistant coating.
I just ordered mine from their last giveaway the other day and they are due to be here on April 7th. I would have paid almost $200.00 had Coastal not been offering them up for free, as my insurance has no vision-ware coverage.
I suggest you go to their site and pick your top 5 pairs of frames and get familiar with the ordering process. Frames that are not eligible will say no coupon applicable, so pick another pair. Do not place them in your cart. The site is reset often and you will lose anything in there.
1. Make sure you go like Coastal Contacts on Facebook to get the code (FREEUSA was the last one).
2. Know your prescription for your eyeglasses, you'll need this to get the right lenses.
3. Know the distance between the centers of your pupils. They call this the PD, or pupil distance. They do have a nifty trick on their site to help you with this one.
Once you have those three things, place your order at CoastalContacts.com after 12pm EDT on Thursday. Don't panic, they won't be sold out in minutes. Be patient, the site gets busy, after-all it's free glasses :)
CoverGirl wants you to like them on Facebook and tell them what YOU want in a Mascara. You could win a LashBlast Volume Mascara just for being honest. Each month they also give away 1,000 products and I have to tell you, I love their stuff!!! They switch it up all the time, so make sure you don't miss anything.
Hurry over and take a peek!