Did my first coupon shop today...

[littlemommac24]

and I think I did ok. I've spent the last two weeks reading this site, visiting other coupon sites, perusing ads, and generally stuffing my brain to overwhelming with information. I shopped today because 1) I had grocery money and 2) because I finally got some coupons in the paper! Anyways, after church today I spent about 1 1/2 hours reviewing my store lists (Kroger, Walmart, and CVS), comparing them to the coupons I had, and making my grocery list. I was frustrated because my SS and RP inserts did not have all the coupons they were supposed to have. I realize that there can be regional differences but it is still frustrating. And I'm getting the biggest city paper I can. Things should get better with that because my grandma is sending me her coupons. They should be better stocked. I crossed off the things I decided not to get due to missing coupons. I clipped all the printed coupons that I planned on using, got my folder ready with the store lists, my hand-written list, the coupons, and the coupon policies for my 3 stores. Off I went!
I started at CVS because I had no perishables to get there. I was very frustrated because it took me 45 mins to walk out with three different products. The Aleve was not the deal it was supposed to be, there were no Chex in the store, and the prices listed by the items didn't match with the items on the couponmom pages or in the ads. So, I got what I could. I was happy with my $5 ECB and plan on using that later.
I went to Walmart after that. I was surprised that things went quite smoothly there and I got everything on my list. The only hiccup I had was that a few of my coupons didn't scan. But the cashier just plugged them in manually. No big deal.
I ended up at Kroger as my last stop. I knew this leg of the trip would be long because I was doing the bulk of my trip there and I use WIC tickets. Checkout is always a pain. Anyways, I didn't have many MFC coupons but I did have some Kroger coupons that were pretty nice.
So, after 3 1/2 hours shopping, 15-30 mins putting groceries away, 1 1/2 hours of preparations today, plus all the hours of preparation I did on research, I saved 32% at Kroger, almost 50% at CVS, and $9 off of the sale prices at Walmart (no idea on the %). I still spent some money but I think I did decently with coupons. I already feel like I have a decent stockpile going. I usually hate grocery shopping with a passion, but this go-round was kinda fun. Hopefully, I can get a better handle on what I'm saving vs spending the next time.

Courtney

[shallen3]

Great job! It will take you a good 4-6 weeks to build your coupon stash up and as you do you will start to notice you have more and more coupons to use each week. I have always hated any kind of shopping but I have to admit it can be fun now. It is like a game to me now. Keep readng and feel free to ask if yur not sure about a deal.

[mnm'z]

You did great, IMO! Remember this was your first time out and your deals and time spent will improve as time goes on. Derek Jeter wasn't a pro the first time playing either... Keep in mind that it might take a full 6 months to see significant savings out of your pocket, but you will see more food and H&B items come into your house for the same dollars...

[lisabr]

Shopping is always alot more fun when you know you are saving money on just about everything you buy! You should see the happy looks on my families faces when they say they need or want something, and I say "I have a coupon for that"! Because they now realize their chances are much greater of them getting what the want when I have a cpn for it, and even better if there is actually a sale on it! You did great on your first trip, it does take some time to figure stuff out and accumulating your cpns just to make your first cpn trip. It is a little daunting when you first go out to the stores with your cpns and lists. But, you have now passed that first hurdle and you are now on your way to bigger savings!! Good job! It still takes time to get your lists together and everything, but you will get better and faster at it the more you do it. Before you know it you will be standing in a store explaining all the in's & out's to someone else that is just starting out! And any amount of money you save (no matter how small) is still money saved and it will add up over time to become a significant amount saved.

[tiggy]

it will get easier and faster for you soon. you did great. remember the prices listed here are estimates, drugstore prices are always higher here than listed. depends on where you live. and as for the prices not matching the ads, carry the ad with you in the store and ask about it when they ring you up. i've noticed sometimes the sale price doesn't match and i say something.

any money saved is great. i'm happy if i save $1 or $50. all depends on what i set out to get. i drive by stores all day every day so stopping a few times a week is no problem for me. i do better at the grocery store when i make a coupon only trip. that's when you see the savings without having to think about it. i will get all my good deals at once and then go back another day to get the rest. i buy meat only at one store, everything there is high but the meat, go figure. then i do the couponing at other places.

[momz]

Hi,
I can relate to this!! Especially the I hate grocery shopping with a PASSION! It is getting better as I see the extra items I have gotten already.
I can't do 3 stores in a day. Right now I find it easier to learn one store for food and a drug store.
It is frustrating by the time I am ready to go the shelves are bare for items I had planned on, and it throws me off track completely.
I have also learned to add at least a 1.00 to the lists here on the site. If I get to the store and find prices too high I leave.That stinks as your looking for a deal and they are out of it. I got brave and ask for rain checks which have really come in handy! Ask for more than you plan on buying as you may end up with more coupons the next time you shop. I have had items go on sale and I have that raincheck and the deal is better than the first time. I guess its all give and take up and downs but the up;'s are awesome!
Seems this is going to take us time to get used to, hopefully we will have less prep time soon!
Good luck, sounds like you did great for just starting!!!!
!

[dp38587]

Great job! It will take you a good 4-6 weeks to build your coupon stash up and as you do you will start to notice you have more and more coupons to use each week. I have always hated any kind of shopping but I have to admit it can be fun now. It is like a game to me now. Keep readng and feel free to ask if yur not sure about a deal.

I'm with you.....HATE shopping, rather I used to hate it. It's a startegy game now and I enjoy it.

Deb