Thankfully, I persevered and returned in full force this week. And, I'm proud to say did much better. Here's the results...
I haven't reached my goal of saving a minimum of 50% each week, but, since this is only the third time I've tried this, I think I'm doing pretty well. Also, I signed up online for CVS's Extra Care Bucks (ECB), and I can't wait to start using that program to save even more. Everything I've read says that once you get rolling with the ECBs you pretty much get things for free. Although, I have read online that some people have problems redeeming these at their local CVS. So, I'll just be praying for the best.Speaking of redeeming.... that reminded me of a BIG complaint I have. Three weeks ago when I started this coupon crusade I went crazy and printed off every grocery coupon I could find online. Then I carefully planned out my shopping trip and happily headed on my way.... only to find out that NONE of my grocery stores will take the computer printed coupons. I was so MAD! I wasted all that time, paper and ink for nothing. Every time I asked what the problem was they told me it was because people were photocopying the coupons and cheating the system. SHAME on those people for ruining a good thing for everyone else. Now I'm stuck with newspaper coupons only... not always the best selection. Oh well, in spite of all that I think I'm still doing well, and I hope as my skills improve so will my savings.
Check out the savings other smart shoppers found here.
3 comments:
Hi, I found your blog thru Money Saving Mom. $30 is a great start to savings! It will get better as you become more familiar with your stores and accumulate more coupons. You will love saving at CVS and the good news is that CVS does accept internet coupons!
I know exactly what you mean about the printable coupons. It could be worse though, at a couple stores here if you get a kid who doesn't want to bother scanning your coupons they will say the store doesn't accept any coupons. Calling the manager over cleared things right up. If you are in doubt, ask a manager! You can even call customer service to clear things up if you don't want to seem like a difficult customer. (Especially if you are in a small town.)
Congratulations! I figure any savings is better than paying full price. ;-) It's taken me about a year to get to where we are at about half what we used to spend a month on groceries. It can take a little while, but personally I figure as long as almost everything I buy is through shopping smart - ie buying on sale, with coupons, with something that will be rebate-ready or better yet, a combination thereof - then I've done what I set out to do.
It can be really hard for me to see "only" 20% savings when I've seen some of them where I've had 40% or more savings - but then I look at what I bought and I made sure to get the better deal (better price per unit, for instance), even if I didn't "save" according to the computer printout. Don't just judge your accomplishments on those receipt percentages - you're doing GREAT because you are planning, thinking, and trying to save more! :-)
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