Three more days!

Ok so I've tried to extreme coupon this month and while I have had some success it's not easy, yet! First, it is tough staying disciplined. You must plan it out. In week two I tried to get everything in one trip. Big mistake!  For me, it works best to shop twice a week and only stock up on what is almost free, or it ruins the budget. I have three days left and if I don't spend more than five more dollars I will end the month feeding a family of four that LOVES to eat on $400.  Wish me luck. :)

Extreme couponing

Today is day 7 of my extreme couponing and I ended the week with $62 of savings. I Spent $75.69 on $137.69 worth of groceries/toiletries. My best yet!! But I still feel like I can do a bit better. I shopped mostly at Lowes Foods this week with two trips to the Dollar Tree and one to Walmart.
So today I am reloading. I've printed most of my coupons and I've check out the sales and I really think I can actually start stock piling groceries. My goal is to stick with the $75 budget, but get more food with it and start a grocery closet for donations. Wish me luck!

Happy shopping!

March Madness

Well, it's March 1st, and I am gearing up for my first month of extreme couponing! I read an article last week about the 4 stages of couponing, and I realized that while I have always used coupons and have done well with my budget, I have never been an extreme couponer. So, I read the tips, clipped my coupons and made my list.

My first trip was this morning at Lowes' Foods, and I saved 41.91 and spent 39.85. That's about 51% savings! The only thing I bought that wasn't either on sale or on sale with a coupon was a gallon of milk for 3.79. I am thrilled!! Now, this kind of couponing does take a bit of work-- I spent about three hours this week getting organized and preparing my shopping list. But it was so well worth it!

This was just day one of week one so I have a lot of "month" left, so I will keep you posted on how I do.

Here are a few of my best buys.
Sara Lee coffee crumb cakes $1.00 each (reg. $3.99)
Tyson honey dipped chicken 3.19 (reg. $6.49)
Martha white muffin mix .69 (reg. $1.19)
Maxwell house coffee 5.99 (reg. $10.29)
Velveeta singles 1.49 (reg. $3.95)

Happy Couponing!
Karen