Couponing Day #1

After watching many episodes of extreme couponing on TLC, I realized that saving money by using coupons was a great way to shop. I was not looking to buy a 100+ sports drinks, but I was interested in getting some of my monthly essentials for a bargain. In the past I never thought about using coupons, I would go into a Target store and buy body wash, shampoo, toothpaste and snacks without thinking about the price. At the end of my shopping trip I would usually spend $100 for very few products. My first experience couponing was entertaining but it was also met with some resistance from a condescending cashier that almost turned me off to couponing all together.

This is how it began. Before my camping trip with my family, I went to the store to buy a newspaper. I had forgotten that it was only Thursday and that only Sunday papers have coupons. I left the store empty handed, but as I was driving home I noticed a bag full of newspapers by the side of the road. I decided to pick them up. When I got home I opened the bag and started separating the inserts. It felt like couponing was meant to be! Then I began to separate my coupons, and of course I wasn't able to finish because we had to hit the road for camping.

We went camping for 3 nights and 4 days. The entire time I was looking forward to getting home and finishing couponing.

When I got home on Sunday I finished clipping my coupons and I was exhausted!! Also, I went and bought 5 papers $3 each for new sales. I was disappointed because they only had one insert and they were all the same. On Monday when I got home I began to plan out my shopping trip. The stores I was going to go to were Target and Walgreens.

Target Shopping List

• Schick Disposable Razors (buy one get one free)
• Olay Soap ($2 Target Coupon and $2 Manufacturer Coupon)
• Advanced Hair Care (Target Coupon, Manufacturer Coupon)
• 3 Tide Detergents ($3 off Manufacturer Coupon) 

Savings: 54%


Walgreens Shopping List

• Venus Razor sale $9.99 ($2 register rewards, $3 Manufacturer Coupon)
• 2 Herbal Essence Products Sale 2/$6  (manufacturer coupon $1 off)
• 4 Finesse Products sale $1.99 (manufacturer coupon $1 off)
• Tampax Pearl sale 2.99 (manufacturer coupon $1 off)
• Always Pads sale 2.99 (manufacturer coupon $1 off)
• Covergirl Mascara buy one get one free (Manufacturer coupon $4.00 off) 
• 3 Puffs Tissues sale 79 cents (Manufacturer coupon 25 cents off one) 
• 2 Old Spice Body Washes sale 2/$7 (Manufacturer coupon $2 off) 
• 2 Gillette Body Washes sale 2/$7 (Manufacturer Coupon $2.00 off)
• 2 Planter's Peanuts Products sale 2/$6 (Manufacturer coupon $1.00 off) 

Savings: 57%

My first two trips were pretty successful at both stores I saved 50%, I realized this was a great way to shop for products I use. Below is a picture of my first haul. This was only the beginning of my couponer days. 

First Time Couponing Success