As a new stay at home mom and a family on one salary, I've been trying to find ways to cut costs and spend less. I have always been amazed at the deals and savings the ever so skilled couponers find. I have never been one to use coupons because 1.) I'm not very brand specific, but there aren't usually coupons for things I buy 2.) I don't understand how buying 4 boxes of cereal to save 65 cents is a good deal 3.) if I cut coupons, I usually forget to use them and 4.) Even though I despise Walmart, it still seems to be cheaper than all the other stores, even with coupons.
I decided this weekend that I would give the whole coupon thing another try. I know that Kroger doubles coupons everyday so I decided this Monday was the perfect day to start. With my coupons, I was going to have a savings of over $15. WOW! So just like every Monday morning, I loaded up the kids and we headed to the grocery store. It usually is a very pleasant experience. However, this week, both kids were melting down by the time we left since we spent so much extra time searching the store for all the products (that I don't usually buy) because I had coupons. It was fun picking out stuff and seeing the price and then realizing I was going to get things for free or next to nothing! I quickly decided that maybe couponing was for me after all. Until I checked out and NONE of my coupons doubled. Turns out they don't double coupons over 50 cents. There was no fine print on the coupons alerting me to this so I guess it is store policy. After talking to the clerk and a customer service person, I tucked my tail and headed out in almost tears at the thought of blowing the whole month's grocery budget (on things I don't typically buy) because I got over zealous about my coupons.
Needless to say, it was a lesson learned and I will go back to shopping at Walmart and buying mostly off brand stuff (got to have my brands for some things, promise) and continue finding other ways to save a penny (like not going out to eat or watching cable tv).
Anyone have any coupon tips that might convince me to give it a second try?
1 comment:
You crack me up! I am the exact same way and have also often wondered how buying 4 boxes of cereal to save 65 cents is a good deal and also, most of the coupons I collect are for things we don't even need!!
I have tried, but I am not good at it at all!! But there are people who do it and do it well...let me know if you find good any tips!!
Love that I am not alone in this :)
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