Intro to the craze

So I have a confession. I'm a little obsessed. I find it nearly impossible to shop without coupons. Don't get me wrong. I do not consider myself an "extreme couponer" by an means. I'm a regular girl with a family and a full time job. I do not have time to sit in my basement and go through millions of ad copies to clip multiple coupons. I also don't buy what I don't need. However, I do experience a rush from saving money. I get a sense of pride when leaving a store and seeing how much I have saved just from clipping a few coupons. It does take some time and dedication but only as much as I'm willing to give. As I said, I'm a mom and I work so I have to be smart with my choices.

I decided to start this blog to track my grocery spending over the next year and see exactly how much I was able to save with coupons and smart shopping. I will say though, I'm an equal opportunity couponer. I have a VERY hard time going into any retail clothing store without some kind of coupon. Same thing goes for eating out. That being said, I will be sprinkling in my other saving adventures and sharing some of my resources so that you can take advantage as well!

Alright, enough with the introduction. I'm going to get the ball rolling with my first few grocery trips. I had the idea to start this adventure on June 15, 2011. I have made three shopping trips since then and here is how things ended up:

• June 15th: Farm Fresh

Sub total $114.31

9 Coupons = 2x $8.50 (F.F. will double manufactures coupons up to $1.00 on Wednesdays)

Total $97.31

• June 20th: Bloom

Sub total $87.41

3 Coupons= $ 17.4o ( including one for $15.00 off groceries from Bloom )

Store Savings Card= $11.06

Total $ 58.95

• June 26th: Farm Fresh

Sub total $185.36

8 Coupons= $ 13.70

Total $ 171.66

That's all for the moment. I'll include some of my resources and tips in the next post. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!