Coupon Me Not

First of all, I have to say that I have sooooo much respect for the cost-shaving and coupon-cutting moms of the world. There are thousands of blogs and websites available with tips and tricks to help a non-couponer like me get started.

That being said, I have officially failed at the process.

My friend was able to save $60 off of her $100 grocery bill on Sunday. A-MAZ-ING. Inspired by her success, I decided I would give it a try.

All in all, I spent six hours yesterday scouring the internet and newspaper for coupons. I made a menu, wrote out a list, and with coupons and frequent shopper card in hand I headed to Kroger.

Walking through the store, I was mindful of store specials as well as the coupons I had in hand. I'm a big supporter of supermarket-brand items. As long as they meet the standard criteria I have set in my mind, they generally cost significantly less than the national brands. So when I could, I purchased store brands. I utilized what coupons I had, and I made the most of Kroger-Plus deals.

As a basis of comparison, two weeks ago I saved $50 on my grocery bill and stayed right at my budget of $100. My bill for this grocery adventure was $184 and I only saved around $15.00. Needless to say, I went over my weekly budget.

I left the store frustrated, mentally tired, and humbly ready to admit defeat. I don't know where I failed because I didn't indulge in any impulse buys.

Upon reflection, the experience was not a total bust. I found a wonderful meal planning website, Meals Matter, that helped me prepare my grocery list so I didn't over-buy. I did buy healthy foods for my family, including some gluten free treats for N. I have a plan for our meals for the next seven days, so we don't have to go through the nightly "what do we eat" conversation.

Here are some of the sites I visited to help me through my introduction to couponing. Perhaps you will be able to navigate more efficiently than I did and can share some of your wisdom with me.
Coupon Mom
Money Saving Mom
KC Penny Pinching Mama
Meals Matter
Mommy Savers

Good luck in your own couponing adventures!

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama