Recently, a blog, written by Mary Ann Romans, “New Grocery Shopping Techniques 2” got me thinking about using coupons and if they are really worth the effort. The blog claims coupons are not worth using anymore. I currently belong to several coupon trains and cut up several newspapers inserts each week. I spend 2-3 hours a week staying organized. So I started wondering if maybe she was right so I tried a little experiment. How much can I save using as many coupons as possible? Can I still get freebies or items we use under $1?
I decided to try this experiment at Wal-Mart and Target. My first stop was Target. This was a regular store, so I didn’t concentrate on groceries, only toiletries and pet food. I spent $2.24 and received 31 items which totaled $25.19. My Target allowed the overage to be subtracted from the bill. They also allow manufacturers coupons to be stacked with Target coupons.
Here’s what I found:
2 Shout trial size for .97 each
$1.00 off coupon
Overage .06
2 Clean and Clear face soaps trial size for .87
$2.00 off 1
Overage $2.26
1 Revlon Fingernail Clippers for $2.34
$1.00 off coupon from a newspaper
Cost $1.34
2 Tylenol Extra Strength Trial size for .97
$1.00 off coupon
Overage .06
2 Johnson’s Baby Shampoo trial size for .97
$1.00 off coupon
Overage .06
2 Band-aids trial size for .89
$1 off coupon from the 5/18 newspaper
Overage .22
2 Johnson’s Melt Stress Away Lotion trial size for .89
$1.00 off 1
Overage .22
2 All 20 oz detergent for $1.00
$1 off coupon
Free
2 Degree Deodorant for Women Trial size for .99
$1 off 2 from newspaper
Cost .98
1 Dove Deodorant Trial size for .99
.75 off coupon from newspaper
Cost .24
1 Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion Trial size for .97
$1 off from newspaper
Overage .03
1 Men’s Degree Deodorant Trial size for .99
.75 off from newspaper
Cost .24
1 Temptations Cat Snack for $1.69
free coupon from newspaper
Free
10 Meow Mix Can Cat Food for .52 each
free coupons from newspaper
Free
So in this shopping trip, coupons were worth using. I was able to feed kitty for free. I also received a bunch of free or almost free toiletries that will give me money to be spent on something else. Many of the toiletries are great to keep in the diaper or sports bag for emergencies. Let’s not forget the travel bag either. I have also found that its easier to give the kids trial sizes of items. By doing this, it doesn’t hurt the wallet as much if a trial size deodorant or lotion gets lost of left behind at a friend’s house.
Your new freebie is New York Pizzeria Dip n Sticks. Fill out the survey and they will send you a coupon for a free box.
Check back for my next blog for details on my shopping expedition to Wal-Mart. Find out how I bought $70.19 in groceries for only $22.13 and $42.05 in household items for $4.20 using coupons and sales.
Check out some other ways to save big:
What’s Happening at the Mall?
What’s Happening at the Mall? Part 2
Clearance on Baby Clothes
Time to Stop Up on Candles