Fun with $20

Back in January, I decided it was time to do an experiment and begin using coupons. It took several weeks to find the right websites, and get the hang of collecting coupons and making lists using the weekly store ads. However, I decided it was worth it even on my first shopping trips. Other than saving the money by shopping sales and using coupons, my favorite part was no longer doing one huge trip to Wal-Mart every week for everything. Shopping this way meant I could now shop at Publix! While I am still shopping at Wal-Mart occasionally, I am now becoming familiar with other stores and will make weekly trips to Publix and Kroger, and the occasional stop at CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid.

Tonight's trip (with the spoils pictured above) was some of the best fun I have had so far. Total spent out of pocket: 19.38. Total saved: 71.33. This trip was full of a lot of snack food, but part of the idea is stocking up: we still have a lot of meals from the cupboard to last us through the next week or so. These snacks will keep us going for several more weeks, so I can use my grocery $$ the next couple weeks on meal staples.

Part of the fun tonight was watching the cashier and the guy who bagged my groceries. It took about five minutes for all of the coupons to be calculated, so the bagger just stood back and kept watching the register. I'm sure he was curious how it would all end up. The cashier handed my receipt to me and said, "Wow. 71 dollars."

My thoughts exactly.