Wow, two trips to Publix in two days–I hardly know what to do with myself! Lucky for me, my sister-in-law is visiting this week and kindly offered to watch the girls both days so I could grocery shop in peace.
Today’s savings were slightly better than yesterday, though in my newfound Weight-Watchers enthusiasm I couldn’t help but go a little crazy stocking up on all the yummy-looking berries that were on sale this week! I also took advantage of the sale on block cheese since it doesn’t go on sale nearly as often as the shredded stuff.
On a whim–perhaps some kid-free-induced high–I also decided to make a little video of my shopping trip. I think it is important to show that not only is it possible to shop with coupons and still find healthy options, it is also okay if not every shopping trip is some dramatic 90% mega savings bonanza.
I get a lot of emails from readers frustrated that they aren’t saving more, thinking that they are doing something wrong. I say this all the time, but I will say it again. Dramatic savings take time. In the meantime, you still have to eat. Be consistent and disciplined (meaning stay away from impulse buys) and you will see your monthly bills start to drop substantially. It will happen, but not overnight.
And now that the lecture is over, here is what I got on my shopping trip today:
At Publix I spent $39.76 for $86.42 worth of groceries, a savings of 54%.
Grocery Breakdown: Powerade ION4 or Powerade Zero, 32oz, BOGO @ – $1.25 $1/5 Powerade ION4 or Powerade Zero printable Final price: $0.42 each Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bars, 7.8-10.8oz, BOGO @ – $3.49 $1/2 Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bars Target printable Final price: $1.24 each Alexia Frozen Snacks, 7.7-8oz, BOGO @ – $3.59 $1/1 Alexia Frozen Item Facebook printable $1/1 Alexia Frozen Items printable Final price: $0.80 each Rosetto Ravioli, 19-25oz, BOGO @ – $3.99 $1.50/2 Rosetto Frozen Pasta Printable Final price: $1.25 each Wet Ones Moist Towelettes, 48 ct, BOGO @ $2.59 Final Price $1.29 each Publix Chunk Cheese or Shredded, 16 oz – $3.99 $1.00/1 Any Brand Cheese 1 pound or larger Final price: $2.99 Breakstone’s Cottage Cheese Cups-$2.79 $1.00/1 Breakstone’s Cottage Cheese Cups (SS 5/22/11) Final price: $1.79 each Red Raspberries, 5.6-16oz – $2.00 Blueberries – $2.00 Blackberries – $2.00 California Strawberries – $2.50 each
And now it’s your turn! Seeing others’ examples is one of the best ways to learn new couponing strategies, hints, and hot deals. If you have a blog, please link up your coupon savings here. If you don’t have a blog, feel free to share your shopping experiences in a comment below.
Shopping list prepared at:
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Kelli June 23, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Ruth, Thank you for, first, for moving to SWFL; second, shopping in my Publix. You have truly inspiried me to start couponing, with a little help from the store manager. Your explanation on the coupon policies, and practial ways to save money helps alot. With a 17, 14 ,and 3 year old they can eat more than you can keep stocked up. Can’t thank you enough. I pass your web sites on to whomever I can. Thank You, Thank You!!!!!
JRFrugalMom June 24, 2011 at 3:14 pm
You did fabulous, and look at all of those quality products. I have yet to get to Publix for the current ad, but I have the coupons printed and ready to go.
I would like to invite you to link up your savings at the Weekly Savings Linky @ Frugality Is Free .
Brittany June 24, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I just wanted to say thanks again for your website. I continue to visit it multiple times a week and I am impressed by how well you explain everything (better than any other coupon site out there). Thanks again!
Honey Smith June 25, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Great video-thanks!