Racking up the Savings...

Practically since Hubby & I started dating, we've discussed the fact that I don't really have a hobby. Sure, I love to read and I love to shop and I love to do all sort of other things, most of which end up costing money that I don't really feel like I should be spending. Well, as of a week ago I think I found a hobby that won't cost more than about $3 a week but will actually make us a whole lot more money than that!

Yep, I'm venturing into the world of couponing. Now, I'm fairly sure that I won't become one of those crazy (but incredibly smart) ladies who are able to get $150 in groceries for like $0.25--but since I really do enjoy shopping I figured this would be a good way to make a game of it. With some help from a high school friend & Money Saving Mom I started researching what was possible and I think I'm totally going to get the hang of this. To start, my friend recommended buying our local paper and one other paper that is available for purchase locally which is from a larger metro area. Those 2 papers cost me about $3 total.

Armed with my coupons from the Sunday papers along with those from some on-line sites I started formulating my plan. I met up with my friend Megan and she gave me some pointers on what to buy and on how to check out. She was amazing & only spent $14 but saved $83.91. On my first coupon-toting trip to Walgreens (or WAGS as those in the coupon game call it) I spent about $38 but saved $46!!! Wow!

I'm new to this so I forgot to take a picture of my loot, but here's what I walked away with for $38...2 Shick men's razors with an extra refill in each (so 4 razors total), 1 5 lb bag of Gold Medal Flour, 2 boxes Fiber One cereal bars, 1 package Ponds makeup remover wipes, 2 EOS lipgloss, 2 Dove Bath Wash for Women, 2 Dove Bath Wash for Men, 1 Old Spice Deodorant, & 1 Bausch & Lomb Contact Solution.

Seriously, if I had paid full price for that my total out of pocket expense would have been at least double! Everything I purchased are items we currently use; maybe not the exact brand but I didn't buy anything that won't be put to use almost immediately. In addition, everything I bought except for the deodorant and contact solution was either free or extremely discounted after all my coupons and Register Rewards.

I'm by no means an expert, but I'm learning and I can't wait to see the results. Of course I have a bit of an incentive. Hubby says that I get to keep the difference between our new grocery/household expense and our previous monthly average for those same items! Hopefully I'll be able to fund my other favorite hobby...shopping for clothes & shoes!