Couponing Chronicles Part 1

So I always thought the whole coupon idea was SUCH a hassle and not really worth my time to sit there and sift through things and then clip them out.  I mean, I sit in the grocery store anyway and search out the best price for that week on whatever item (I'm not brand loyal, I go for the cheapest!) so I didn't really see the point when the store brands are the cheapest and just as good if not better than the brand names.

But this past weekend I was watching this show, "Extreme Couponing" on TLC and it REALLY had me intrigued.  I mean these people take couponing a bit too far (aka stockpiles of groceries taking up their house and spending 70+ hours searching for coupons per week!) but when I saw their grocery bills and what deals they were getting, I was hooked!  One woman spent $600 and only paid about $40 for it after in-store specials, her store card, and coupons!!!

So yesterday while my husband kept our little guy occupied, I scoured the internet looking for coupons and went through the few that I had from just random places.  I got to tell you, its really a pain in the butt doing it internet only!  But I did find some great sites that were a little helpful:

Coupons.com - Show you local coupons which you can use in stores in your area.  All you have to do is check the box next to the ones you want and then print them out at the end!

UPromise.com - Here you can upload coupons DIRECTLY to your store savings card so you don't have to clip them and scan them in-store.  Plus they are partnered with online shops so when you make a purchase through that shop, a percentage of your purchase goes directly into a college savings account!  Plus you can ask family and friends to join and help you out!

DealSeekingMom.com - This website is great to let you know what coupons are available out there at any given time.  The only coupons you can use are the online ones that other users link you to.

Today I wanted to put my couponing skills to the test.  I had about $10 worth of coupon savings and was hoping for another $10 because my local Giant said that they double coupons.  We got there and did our shopping and then at check out I scanned our coupons and they weren't doubling (And the only one that did double was the only one that said, DO NOT DOUBLE)!!!  Oh I was so mad!  Turns out that the store has a policy that they only double coupons up to $1.  How ridiculous is that??? NOWHERE on any of the sign-age or anywhere in the store does it say that.  If I wasn't with my little guy and hubby didn't have to get to work in a hour I would have put up more of a fight.  But I am writing to Giant and complaining!  Anyway, rant over.

But here are the results from the first coupon shopping trip:


Saved almost $20 from our coupons, in-store specials, and our bonus card!  So I got $80 worth of groceries for $60.  Not bad!  Plus gas points to boot!  But I'm going to do more research to see who actually doubles ALL coupons and we might be shopping there from now on!

More Couponing Chronicles to come!