In my previous blog, Freebies at Target, I stated that I am trying to decide whether or not it’s worth it to spend 2-3 hours a week organizing my coupons. Can I really cut down our grocery bill by using coupons? In my Target experiment, I saved $22.95 when I bought cat food and toiletries with my coupons. Next, I went to Wal-Mart. I divided my groceries into two categories – food and household items. I bought $42.05 in household items for $4.20. I used 32 coupons.
Here’s what I found:
10 cans of Meow Mix Cat Food for .46 each
10 free coupons from the newspaper
Free
2 Bags of Purina Cat Chow for $3.66 each
This works for dog food too.
$4 coupon
Overage .68
(If you don’t own a pet, consider purchasing these and donating them to an animal shelter.)
2 Edge Shaving Cream Trial Size for $1.47 each
$1 off coupon from the newspaper
Cost .94
1 Addidas Deodorant Full Size for $3.74
Free coupon from the newspaper
Free
2 Redzone Body Wash Trial Size for .97 each
$1 off coupon in 6/1 newspaper
Overage .06
2 Degree for Women Trial Size for .97 each
$1 off 2 coupon from the newspaper
Cost .94
1 Degree for Men Trial Size for .97 each
$1 off coupon from the newspaper
Overage .03
3 Gillette 2-1 Body Wash for Men Trial Size for .79 each
$1 off coupon in 6/1 newspaper
Overage .63
3 Kotex Pantyliners Trial Size for $1.00 each
$1 off coupon
Free
2 Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Trial Size for .97 each
$1 off coupon from samples received in the mail
Overage .06
1 Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion Trial Size for 1.47 each
$1 off coupon from a Food Lion Coupon Book
Cost .47
2 Johnson’s Soap Buddies for .94 each
$2 off 2 coupon
Overage .08
2 HP Everyday Packs of Printer Paper for $3.97 each
$3 off coupon which expires 12/31/08
Cost $1.94
Wal-Mart is supposed to accept internet coupons. If you have a problem, print out their policy and bring it with you.
At Wal-Mart, again I was able to feed kitty and pick up our toiletries for free or at least pocket change. This frees up money for other things. This week, I was able to purchase an inflatable pool for the backyard with the money that I saved using coupons. Even if I bought the generic or store brand, it would not have been as cost effective as using the coupons.
Your new freebie is for dog owners. Bio Spot is giving away a three month supply of Spot on Flea and Tick Control for dogs, just for filling out their survey. If you don’t own a dog, consider ordering it and donating it to your animal shelter.
Part of three of this experiment is all about my grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. I will explain how I bought $70.19 in groceries for only $22.13.
Check out some other ways to save big:
Freebies at Target
What’s Happening at the Mall?
What’s Happening at the Mall? Part 2
Clearance on Baby Clothes
Time to Stop Up on Candles