Dollar Tree Grand Opening

The Dollar Tree opened today in the town that I live in. I am very excited to have the store back in our town. We have had one previously, but it closed due to a building lease issue. The Dollar Tree has great finds so I was very sad when it closed. 

Today was the grand opening so of course I had to go check it out! I took my coupon binder and searched for great buys and savings.  Of course everything in the store is only $1, but coupons make that $1 even less! 

I bought eight Oral-B toothbrushes. I used the B1G1 Free Procter & Gamble insert from January. Eight toothbrushes for only $4 is a pretty good stock up price!

I also found another gem while I was browsing the Dollar Tree aisles. I bought six bottles of the six count Advil and used my $1 off any Advil product to get them absolutely FREE! I love FREE! 

This Savvy Saver Shopper is pretty excited to have a new store to coupon at.  

Cut the Cord

Do you cringe at the sight of your cable or dish bill?  I cut the cord to my satellite bill 5 years ago.  I was able to save by subscribing to Hulu Plus, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.  I bought a Roku streaming device and I signed up for Hulu Plus.  With Hulu, I was still able to enjoy the weekly television series I had come accustomed to watching for only $7.99 a month.

Hulu is an online video service that offers a selection of hit TV shows, clips, movies and more. Instantly stream any current season episode of primetime TV shows like Family Guy, Modern Family, Scandal, South Park, Grey's Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine,The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Colbert Report and many others. Catch up on series including American Horror Story, Sons of Anarchy and The Good Wife, and classic titles including Lost, Law and Order: SUV, The Office, I Love Lucy, Frasier, Star Trek and Family Ties. Enjoy full episodes and clips from Saturday Night Live. Explore a wide array of acclaimed movies and documentaries, including hundreds of titles from The Criterion Collection. Discover Hulu Original Series like The Awesomes and A Day in the Life. 

For just $7.99 a month, Hulu Plus subscribers can access premium programming anytime on internet-connected TVs, smartphones, game consoles, set top boxes and additional devices, in HD (when available).  You can get 2 free weeks by using my referral link:  http://www.hulu.com/r/dd6gSw

Change is difficult and it took some getting used to, but the saving was well worth it.  I was paying over $100 a month for satellite and as a Savvy Saving Shopper, I knew I was throwing money away.  I also have a Netflix account at a cost of  $7.99 a month.  I mainly have Netflix so my child can watch cartoons, but we are able to watch movies and other television series.  I cut my monthly cost from $100 down to only $16 for what I was pretty much watching with the satellite anyhow.

Since not every show I watch was available on Hulu or Netflix, I take advantage of my Amazon Prime account.  You can receive all the benefits of Amazon Prime including FREE Two-Day Shipping for eligible purchases, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Instant Video, and the ability to borrow books from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library for $99 a year.

If you are looking for a way to make room in your budget, you may consider cutting the cord on cable.  It may be scary at first, but the savings are well worth the adjustment period, and you will soon be asking yourself why you didn't make the switch sooner!

CVS Stock Up Prices 1/29/15

Today I scored a great FREEBIE! Our store has recently rearranged the beauty section and marked a lot of items up to 90% off. The lipsticks were on clearance for $0.83 and I had a $2 off of two Cover Girl products so they were FREE! The Loreal foundation was on clearance for $1.33 and I had a $2 Loreal coupon making it FREE! 

I also stocked up on Ragu spaghetti sauce. It is on sale this week 2/$3 and if you spend $10 you receive $3 back in EBs. I bought 7 jars and used three $0.75 off of 2 Ragu coupons. I paid $8.25 and received $3 EBs making each jar only $1.17!!

I also took advantage of the Purex laundry detergent sale. It is on sale for 2/$5. I used a $1 off of 2 coupon to get each one for only $2! Great stock up price! 

I believe my trip to CVS was a success today as a Savvy Saving Shopper! 

Dollar General Savings 01-28-15

I ventured out today with my infant child and my coupon binder!  Typically, I only go out with my binder when it is just me.  A lot of the stores I frequent, do not have large enough carts for me to place the car seat in so I try to only coupon when I have someone available to watch my kiddo.  Today, I decided to give it a whirl.  I admit we went very early, so she was freshly fed, dry, and the stores were not crowded.  It was definitely an experience to make it all work, but we managed!  

Today Dollar General has a coupon for $2 off of a $10 pre-tax purchase.  I took advantage of that coupon offered and I bought 4 Oxi Clean Laundry treatments and a Comet spray cleaner.  The total before tax was $10 ($10.83 with tax).  I used $3 Oxi Clean laundry coupons and the $2 off $10 DG coupon.  I only paid $2.17 (including tax) for all four items!  I basically got them for $0.50 each!  I would say that is definitely a worthing Savvy Saving Shopping experience!

Dollar General is also offering $5 back when you purchase $15 of Procter & Gamble items.  The fine print states that it must be $15 after all coupons.  I did not have a plan worked out before I got to the store other than the plan above, but I thought I would give it a whirl.  The Gain fireworks were on sale for $4.50 each and I had $3 off of 2 coupons.  My total was $27 pre-tax for 6 Gains and after $9 worth of coupons my total was $18.  I paid $19.49 after tax.  I received my $5 coupon.  I then used that coupon to buy the 2 Downy's pictured.  The Downy is on sale for $3.95 each and I had $1 coupons along with the $5 coupon from my previous purchase, and therefore only paid $0.97!  So I ultimately paid $20.46 OOP for 2 Downy's and 6 Gain Fireworks ($2.56 each).  

I admit, I didn't feel great about this purchase when I checked out and heard my total.  I told myself I could do better getting the total down to $15 after coupons, but $2.56 per bottle was really not a bad price.  The purchase price was cheaper than if I would have bought the items at Walmart.  The Gain fireworks are $4.44 each at Walmart but Walmart does not offer the $5 back.  All in all it was a savings.  I believe my frustration was more of the higher out of pocket that I spent than anything else.  I realized any transaction that I try to do with this offer will be higher out of pocket than what I typically pay due to the $15 after coupon stipulation.  When I shop I try to get the total as low as possible so this was quite a challenge for me.  However, if you are in need of the P&G items, this may be an opportunity to buy what you are already in need of and take advantage of the $5 back.  

CVS Shopping Trip 1/27/15

The items above were purchased on my CVS shopping trip with a retail value of $154.71! I paid $32.20 out of pocket and received $9 back in Extra Bucks to make my total only $23.20! 

I bought Axe Body Wash that retails at $5.29 each. They have a sale going this week B1G1 50% off. I used two $1 Axe body wash manufacturer coupons and a $2.65 CVS coupon from the magic machine. I paid $3.55 OOP for two Axe body washes and I received $2 back in EBs making each bottle only $0.78!! 

Loreal Advanced Hair Care products are on sale for $3.99 this week. I used a $4 off of two shampoo/conditioner, a $2 off styling product coupon, and a $3 off of $10 Loreal hair care CVS coupon from the magic machine. I paid $3.22 OOP! 

My local store is also doing a beauty section make over so they had many beauty products on clearance 70-90% off. I bought Sally Hansen hard as nails nail polish for $0.33 a bottle. I bought Sally Hansen vitamin nail growth for only $0.69, and the retail price was $6.99!! I bought all of these items on a great clearance close out and paid only $2.86!

As a Savvy Saving Shopper, I typically have a plan when I go into a store, but I also take advantage of those unadvertised finds!  Today when I went into CVS I had a general idea of items to look at and then I added the clearance finds to my plan once I price checked the items! I hope you find gems like I did on your shopping journey! 

 

Finish Dishwashing Tabs

Finish dishwashing tabs are $2.96 for a 20 count box at my local Walmart.  I had ten $2.15 coupons for Finish that I ordered so I could get each box for only $0.88. On my Walmart excursion today, I was happy to find that the price of the Finish was still $2.96 a box! I bought ten boxes! My total rang up to $32.04 and after coupons I only paid $8.76!! $0.88 a box is definitely a stock up price for this Savvy Saving Shopper!

Price Changes

About a week ago, I wrote about ordering coupons. I received my coupons over the weekend. Included in my order were $1 Tabasco sauce coupons. This morning I was excited to go couponing at Walmart and score nine bottles of Tabasco sauce for FREE with my coupons. I got to Walmart only to discover that the rollback price of $1 is no longer active. Each bottle is the regular price of $1.34. My heart sunk as I knew my plan would not work! 

I did not purchase any Tabasco sauce on my shopping trip today. I decided to check the prices at two other stores before making a buying decision. The coupons do not expire until the 15th of February so I have time to hopefully find a better price. I also know that if I do not find a cheaper price that $0.34 per bottles is still a great stock up price!

In the game of couponing and saving, the prices change. The key to saving is stocking up when the items are on sale and can be matched with your coupons. I order coupons regularly and typically get them in time to take advantage of the sale price. One must be able to have a back up plan and roll with the changes! 

Flexibility

While I fully planned on sitting down today and lining up my shopping plans for the week, it just didn't happen. I spent my morning traveling home after a quick weekend trip. I had to get laundry going. I threw dinner in the crock pot. I am also a mom pretty much on my kiddos schedule. 

I did get to cut coupons while my little one napped! 

I had quite the mess going on, but this is real life for me! I cut and organize! I know not everyone prefers this method, but this method is what works for me!  I hope to have a little more time in my day tomorrow to share some plans and hopefully some Savvy Saving Shopping with you tomorrow! I am glad to report that my coupon mess from earlier is now organized and ready for business!! 

Insert Day

Today is Sunday, and that means it is coupon insert day!  I admit, I love the feeling I have each Sunday morning waking up and knowing that the sales have changed and there are new inserts for me to use!  If you coupon already, you know that you must have the paper today, or two, or three.  If you are thinking about beginning, go out and buy a paper today.  Look over the sale circulars and coupon inserts.  Do you see anything that might match up?

My weekly shopping plans begin on Sunday.  I look over the ads and the coupon inserts.  I circle the sale ads and write notes about what coupons I have.  I also look at what should be in my local inserts and determine which ones I did not receive in my region.  I may make notes on my circular since I am currently on a coupon subscription plan from another state to remind me of a possible match up.  This will be my last shopping week before my January totals are ready.  I must say, my stats for January are pretty darn good.

I went out of town for the weekend with my coupon binder in tow, and I was able to give someone a crash course in how to coupon and save money.  I have also been helping another dear person in my life begin their Savvy Shopping journey via text.  She was amazed that when she went to the store with the plan I had worked out for her, it worked out to the exact penny that I had told her it would.  I also received a call while I was out of town from a new client requesting my Personal Saver services.  I am very excited to take on another client and help them begin their Savvy Saving journey.  I love being able to not only do this, but help others.

Today begins a new week of sales and coupons, so if you need help getting started, please feel free to leave a comment and I will be glad to help you with Savvy Saving!

Exploring Options

I must admit that I was never one to shop at Dollar General. The one in our town was never really clean and the prices seemed to be higher. A second Dollar General was built in our town, and I must admit I never even went to check it out. It's been opened for a few years now I suppose and I recently went in a few months ago for the first time.  I did this because I had many in my couponing classes that shopped there and had questions. The only way I could give honest answers was to shop there and know for myself.

I have been surprised with the sales and the cleanliness of the new store. (Both stores are still open in our small town.) I shop the sales regularly now. I must admit that some prices are still higher than our Walmart prices, so it is important to know the pricing of items you intend to buy.  

Earlier this week, I took advantage of a sale Dollar General offered. They had a one day coupon offering $2 off of a $10 purchase. I used that coupon stacked with manufacturer coupons to get my total down from $10.83 to $1.89 including tax. The savings allows me to try different products! I basically bought 4 items in this transaction for around $0.50 each! 

Couponing has taught me to step out of the box and explore what other stores have to offer. I pretty much know the prices of the items I buy for each store in my town (the price sheets are in my binder) so I am able to know if the price is indeed a sale price. Please note that just because an item is on "sale" it may not truly be a sale price! Saturday's Dollar General offers $5 off of a $30 purchase and matched with manufacturer coupons you might be able to save!

Take A Shelfie

Have you tried the app called Shelfie?  I love this app!  It is so simple to use and an easy way to earn extra money!  I find it very frustrating to go to the store only to find the item I need not in stock.  If the product you are looking for is not on the shelf, take a shelfie!  You will basically take a picture of the barcode with the empty shelf in the same shot.  You will select your location and press submit.  Easy peasy!  You earn points for each selfie that you can redeem for coupons & gift cards.  I have submitted my points for Amazon gift cards and have redeemed my gift cards without issue!

As a Savvy Saving Shopper, I use different apps to maximize my savings.  This app is great to earn a little bit of money without spending any money out of pocket!  You can earn as many points as your time allows.  Don't miss out on such an easy earning opportunity!  Get Savvy and Start Saving with a Shelfie!  You can download the Shelfie app in the App Store or Google Play.  You can also learn more at www.takeashelfie.com

Be A Blessing

I have worked hard over the past few years finding the best deals and stocking up items at rock bottom prices.  I have acquired a very nice stockpile of household essentials.  I typically have at least twenty-five bottles of detergent in my laundry room at any given time.  I know that sounds crazy to many, but it is my reality.  The key to saving money is buying the items you know that you will use when they are on sale, and you can match the sale price with a coupon to score a rock bottom price.  You are at the stores mercy when you pay full price for the item because you need that item at that time.  My skills have allowed me to have all of our essential items on hand at any given time.  Sales are cyclical so I am able restock as my items dwindle.  My items dwindle with regular usage, family sharing, and gifting.

Once a month, I try to be a blessing to others and I make up and gift what I call a Blessing Basket.  The basket is made up of all useable household items and essentials.  The actual basket itself is typically a laundry basket, but I have also used re-usable shopping bags.  The basket is filled with a months supply of items including:  detergent, dish soap, razors, shave cream, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, lotion, etc.  I give away a basket to someone I believe can benefit from the items.  The basket is in no way a fix all for whatever the recipient is experiencing at that time, but I hope that I am able to relieve some stress.  May be their budget is super tight that month, and this basket will help them not have to come up with the money for these items.  May be they have been taking care of a loved one, and this basket can save them time they really don't have.  There are endless reasons of why someone may need something, but the key is being able to help in some way.  I am thankful that my skills allow me to not only help my family, but be able to help others I don't even know.

I encourage each of us to make this world a better place by being a blessing to someone as often as we can.  It doesn't have to include money.  Listen to someone who needs to talk.  Smile.  Open the doors for those behind you.  Help someone to their car with groceries.  We may never know what others are truly going through so do your best to make your time or encounter with them positive!

Receipts

As we all go throughout our day, we all accumulate receipts.  We get receipts for breakfast, cokes, lunch, groceries, prescriptions, etc.  I wonder how many receipts we actually accumulate within a years time.  My question to you is, what do you do with your receipts?  Do you throw them away? Do you tell the clerk you do not need it? Do you collect them at the bottom or your purse or wallet?  Whatever your answer may be, if you are not earning money from your receipts, you are missing out!

I use two apps with regards to my receipts to earn cash back.  I will admit that both are pretty slow earning, but hey you weren't doing anything with them before!  All it takes is a snap of your receipt that you already have!  It is simple!

I'm getting paid for my shopping with an app called Receipt Hog, and you should try it out.  All you do is take picture of your grocery receipts, and Receipt Hog will pay you.  It's that simple.  If you submit receipts regularly, you can earn spins at the "Hog Slots" slot machines, where you can earn more money or even have your entire shopping trip paid for!  When you sign up for Receipt Hog, we will both receive extra spins at the "Hog Slots" when you submit your first receipt with this referral code: slif5303     You can download the app here:  http://app.receipthog.com/download

Another app that I am getting for my shopping with is called ReceiptPal.  This app not only allows you to submit your regular receipts, but you can also email your online order receipts.  You are also entered into a weekly drawing for $250 with each receipt that you submit.  

I use the same receipt for both apps and it only takes a minute or so.  If you are not doing this with your receipts, you are literally throwing money away.  It is easy. It is free.  It is fun!  Get Savvy and start Saving after your Shopping!

Just Another Day

Now that I am a stay-at-home mom, all of my days seem to run together.  I am convinced that I do laundry all day everyday, and that the twenty bottles of laundry detergent in my laundry room are in fact a necessity.  With my first child, I took the regular maternity leave and eased back into the work world.  This time around, easing back into the work world wasn't an option, and with the family dynamic changing staying home seemed like the best option.  I must say though, staying home is definitely a challenge for me.  I have the type of drive and personality where I must accomplish something during the day.  I believe this drive is what is behind my saving ways.  I can see if my well thought out plan was a success or not by looking at the receipt.  I can substantiate an accomplishment.

I also know though that I am blessed to have two of the biggest accomplishments in my life.  The hugs and kisses I receive remind me that the biggest job I will ever have is raising these children into respectable adults.  I shape not only who they are now, but who they will be.  In order for my children to be responsible adults in life, I must teach them responsibility at home.  Staying home allows me to be present for all of the moments in their day big and small.  I am able to take my son to school and pick him up each day.  I never thought much about this part of my day, until I had job where I was unable to do so, and my son was quite upset.  At his age everything matters.  I've heard that you must listen to all things they have to tell you, even the little things, so they will come to you with the big things, and at his age all things are big things.  I remind myself of this each night, as he tries to come up with another excuse to not go to sleep!  Tonight I smiled to myself as he came to tell me that his name just isn't cool enough.  As we discussed his name further, he informed me that all of the Power Rangers have cool names.  I laughed.  At that moment I knew, me being here for all of these moments is the right thing for us.  I also realized tonight that that alone is enough.  I am enough!  I cannot substantiate my job as a mother in a black and white sense.  I can, however, substantiate my accomplishment each day as a mother with the love and laughter.

Spend A Little Save A Lot

Coupons vary by region, and unfortunately the regional coupons in our Sunday paper do not always have the coupons that I need.  I pay for a coupon insert subscription each week where I receive a total of four copies of each insert.  I also order single coupons from a website that offers that service when I need to stock up on items.  I have also ordered coupons from eBay for items I need to stock up on (mainly Huggies).  

Tonight I ordered a total of 35 coupons (four specific items), and I paid $7.58 including shipping for this order.  These coupons value $130.  So spending a little bit of money out of pocket up front will definitely save me a lot!  I will be able to stock up on Huggies, dishwasher tabs, razors, and tabasco sauce (my husband uses it on everything!).  The $1 off 1 tabasco sauce coupons were $0.11 each and I ordered nine (due to availability) for a total cost to me of $0.99.  Walmart currently has the tabasco sauce on rollback for $1.  I will go in and purchase 9 bottles, pay with my coupons, and pay $0 at checkout!  I am able to basically buy 9 bottles of tabasco for the price of one since I paid $0.99 for the coupons.  A great savings and stock up price!

I post different buys and saves in a Facebook group that I have.  I also post which store and coupons I used for the transaction.  Many times, I have someone ask where I got the coupons I used because they don't have those.  Everyday I state that I order coupons in addition to the ones I receive from our areas Sunday paper.  Everyday I see the puzzled looks and hear the confused remarks when I state that I order coupons.  Yes, you can STILL save money even when you purchase coupons.  I think it is important to only order the ones that you will definitely use before they expire since it is a cost, but it is a great way to increase your savings.  You will also want to make sure that the item(s) you are wanting to stock up on are or will be on sale when you get the order in.  Savvy Saving Shoppers spend a little and save a lot!

I Live In A Small Town and Save

I do not live in a big city with multiple grocery stores.  I do not live in a big city with even one grocery store that doubles coupons.  Saving money is still possible and an a reality in smaller areas.  I live in a town that has two grocery stores, a Dollar General, a CVS, and the newly opened Super Walmart.  Gasp, our town just got a Super Walmart.  I am still able to be a Savvy Saving Shopper without a large selection of stores to shop from.

I subscribe to a coupon subscription where the coupon inserts from each Sunday paper are mailed to me.  I currently receive 4 copies of each insert.  The inserts I receive are mailed priority mail from Florida each Monday so I receive an envelope full each Wednesday or Thursday.  Delivery day is definitely a happy day at my house.  Coupon inserts vary by region, and that smaller area I told you I live in, well it doesn't always have the scheduled inserts for that Sunday paper or even the coupon I need.  I know what you are thinking, this girl orders coupons to save money?  Yes, I do.  I pay approximately $11 a week for my coupon inserts (this price includes priority shipping) and I still save money.  

Here is an example:  I received my weekly inserts in the mail and they contained a Huggies coupon for $3 off of a package of diapers.  Mind you, this coupon was not in my coupon inserts from my area Sunday paper.  CVS had diapers on sale for $8.99 (which is also the regular Walmart everyday price) and if you spend $20 on selected items, you can receive $5 in Extra Bucks (CVS money).  I bought 4 packages of Huggies.  I used four of my $3 Huggies coupons and I stacked it with a $5 off of $30 CVS coupon that I had.  My total was $18.96 after coupons and tax and I received $5 back to use on a future purchase at CVS.  My diapers were only $3.49 each.  The four coupons that I used thanks to my coupon subscription paid for itself with my $22 savings!  So yes, even though I pay for a coupon subscription, I am still able to save money!

Each week I cut coupons, organize my coupon binder, and scan the sale circulars.  I am able to get most of the sale circulars in the Sunday paper along with my coupon inserts.  The grocery store sales change each Wednesday morning.  I scan the ads, look through my binder for matching coupons, and circle items in my ad.  I  scribble all over the ads how many I need, what coupons to use, and what the total should be.  I also spend time calculating the best method for checkout.  Should I check out with all of my items in one transaction?  Should I break my transactions up?  I spend a few hours each week working on a plan, but those hours are definitely worth the saving!  

It is a process and does require a bit of time, but it is worth it in my book.  I started out as a Savvy Saving Shopper as a hobby and almost five years later, it is a way of life.  I shop, or should I say save, each week.  I have a very nice stockpile full of our household essentials. I recently realized that I really do not need anymore shampoo/conditioner, body wash, dishwashing detergent, etc. at this time, but it was and is hard for me to see those deals and not want in on that save, and that is how my Personal Shopper services came to life!  I now help others stretch their budget and score the "saves".  It is a Savvy Saving way to Shop!  

Personal Shopper Trip 1/17/15

As a personal shopper, I was excited to shop for a new client.  The new client was different from my usual clients, because this client is a family of 9!  I believe this family currently has 8 children and another one on the way!  I cannot imagine what this family spends on the necessities of life.  I was eager to help this family stretch their hard earned money.  The client paid $100.  I kept $25 for my service fee and had $75 to shop with.  I was able to purchase all of the item in this picture for only $74.19 for $251.43 worth of product!

I am curious as to how long this purchase will go for the family.  What I would consider a "stock up" is probably just normal usage when a larger number of people are utilizing the items.  I truly enjoy couponing, and I am so glad that I am now able to help others be Savvy Saving Shoppers!

Cash Back Savings

There are many apps and websites you should be using to earn cash back.  Being able to earn cash back on items you are purchasing anyway seems like a no-brainer!

Do you shop online?  If so, do you check Ebates before making your purchase?  Ebates partners with different retailers and pays you the customer, cash back when shopping online.  Ebates sends you a check with your earnings approximately every 3 months.  I have received over $300 since signing up!   If you are going to shop online, maximize your get Savvy and start Saving when Shopping!

Ibotta is an app that I use to earn cash back and maximize my savings.  Before you go shopping, find rebates on your favorite brands, discover new products, and unlock cash back by completing fun tasks. Unlocked rebates will show up on your Ibotta shopping list. After shopping, tap the Redeem button, take a picture of your receipt, and verify your purchases.  Within 48 hours, you'll have the cash deposited into your Ibotta account. No points. No credits. No other made-up currencies. Real cash.  100% of your earnings can be transferred to PayPal or Venmo as soon as you’ve earned $10. And if you’d prefer to use your money for a gift card, you can do that too!

Snap by Groupon is also a cash back app similar to Ibotta.  Browse the offers before you shop, purchase a promoted item at any store, Snap a photo of your receipt, and get cash in your account!  Hit $20 and request a check!

The website and apps listed above are not all inclusive.  There are many apps and websites out there that you can use.  I listed the ones I actually use and have actually received cash back from!  If you shop online or in stores, stretch your dollar further by earning cash back!

Savvy Saving Shopper

Personal Shopper

I am also a Personal Shopper for those who want to save money. Couponing requires time, effort, organization, etc. to really benefit a person.  Not everyone understands the coupon logic, has the time or desire to scan the sale circulars, and cut coupons, etc. This is where I am able to help!

This client paid $100. The $100 included my $25 fee and $75 for me to shop with and deliver the "savings". I was able to buy $196 worth of product with the $75!  I was able to help stock the client up with household essentials at a great savings!

The key is to buy items when they are on sale and you can purchase the items at rock bottom prices by utilizing the sale price matched with coupons.  You are at the mercy of the paying the stores full price when you only buy items as you need them.  Couponing requires you to change your way of thinking when it comes to shopping ~ you have to think like a Savvy Saving Shopper!

The Beginning of Savvy Saving Shopper

Welcome to the Savvy Saving Shopper blog!

I love to shop, and I shop often, but I choose not to spend a lot of money when I shop.  Did you catch that?  I choose not to spend a lot of money shopping.  I am one of "those" savvy saving shoppers that utilizes coupons at check out!  It is truly a thrill for me to watch the total on the register go up as my items are rang up, and then go down as my coupons are scanned.  It is a challenge for me each time I go shopping to spend very little out of pocket.

I started "couponing" about 5 years ago.  I had a friend tell me that her sister lived in a large city and was saving a ton of money using coupons and that I would be good at it.  Later that evening, I began researching how to coupon.  I immediately went out and bought items so I could make a coupon binder to keep me organized.  (I am a very organized and everything has its place person).  My binder was created, including a table of contents, and was soon full with coupons.  I went shopping and slowly started scoring buys that saved me money on household essentials.  I was hooked!  It was a natural sort of "high" each time I saved money.  Last year, I tracked my savings for the entire year, and the results were astounding!  The "sale" price of the items totaled $4,107.66 and after using coupons and utilizing store reward programs, my price only came to $193.71!!  I coupon for household items - the items each and everyone of us uses and we all need.  I "choose" to not pay full price for the necessities we use.

I have an ample amount of items in my stockpile that my family uses, but I also share with others.  I am able to make what I call "Blessing Baskets" for others thanks to my stockpile full of items.  I try to give one basket away to each month to someone I believe can benefit from the items.  The baskets have been a hit.  I also give baskets out as gifts during Christmas to friends and family, and they LOVE them.  I love that I save money and can choose to spend my money on other things, and I love that I am able to help others!

I hope you will join me as I document my journey of Savvy Saving Shopping trips!

Savvy Saving Shopper