I've been obsessively reading coupon blogs and newspapers and grocery websites. I am determined to become a crazy couponer. It has fascinated me for years but I finally have the fire to figure it all out. It's not a quick process to learn. I imagine it's easier if you are lucky enough to live in a city catered to by those websites telling you what to buy and when based on coupons and sales. I wouldn't know. But it turns out there are some awesome bloggers out there. Of course. Bloggers rock my pink socks!
I never in a million years thought I would really figure out how to buy my groceries for free. But yesterday, I did it. Big binder in hand. In Rite-Aid for the second time in my life (the first being last week). Kelloggs cereals are buy one, get one free. Which is a good deal by itself. They sell for about $4.75/each. But I had a few coupons for $1/2. Taking my total for two boxes from about $10 down to under $4. Or less than $2/box. That's an even better deal. BUT...thanks to reading blogs....I knew to look for the boxes that were labeled "Try Me Free." I knew that I could buy that box, mail in for my rebate, and get a check for $4.49 back from Kelloggs. So in a few weeks when that check arrives, I will have made about $0.35 on each box of cereal. That's right...they PAID me to buy cereal. A PROFIT. I did this transaction twice, buying a total of four boxes. So I saved nearly $20 and profited a buck and change!
Now I am not running to the bank with my quarters. But that sure beats paying $5/box of cereal. It's not that I am opposed to paying for things. But realizing that I can pay a whole heck of a lot less for things makes me realize just how much money I have thrown away for no good reason. I have seen the light, my friends! In just two little weeks I have learned to buy toothpaste and cereal for free. This is going to be a very lesson-filled year...I can feel it. Bring it on, 2011. I'm so ready!
The funny thing is that I gave all four boxes to my father because I am gf and can't eat them. Even funnier was the lengthy (in case you've not yet noticed, all of my stories are loooong) explanation to dear old daddy-o regarding why I was buying cereal I cannot eat. As always, he was amused.
23 comments:
I am really interested in doing this! Being newlyweds in a few short months, I imagine we will be on a tight budget and I was thinking that this might be a help. Keep us posted on what you get!
Good for you! Do you mind emailing me some of the sites you've found helpful? Thank you, dear friend. xo xo
You are my hero! I love cutting out the coupons on Sunday morning from the paper and I usually remember to take a few with me to the store but having them pay you is "priceless" and the fact you can't even eat them is hysterical :)
That is so impressive!!!
Congratulations! I've always wanted to game the system, so to speak. -Tracy
too funny! here's to saving $.....even if the product is unedible for the consumer ;)
That is the BEST feeling, now you can buy more pink socks
xoox
SC
Oh sweet home alabama. Here's the voice of contrary for ya. Just do me a favor...try to get in a check out lane that doesn't have a lot of people in it.
I mean this in the most loving way because you know I love you as much as my luggage, but you are not going to be a very popular person come grocery shopping time. I just about go into a panic attack when I get stuck behind someone using coupons. Holy crow...if someone pulled out a binder with said coupons...that would be it. I'm sure I'd have an anneurism.
Oh my goodness, I am laughing out loud that you can't even eat them, but gave them to your dad. That's the best part! Good for you!
My goodness! That's very impressive, GREAT for you!
This is so new to me, in Australia, we see people talk about grocery coupons in America on television shows but we don't do it here at all. I'd do it, i have lots of cereal hungry mouths to feed.
Loved your reality television show post, gosh that is funny. I loathe reality television, if they get paid for it, sorry, you'll get judged, or you know, don't do it, like the rest of the world??!!
Love Posie
They paid you to buy cereal, that's so awesome! I do a little couponing, but I haven't been paid to buy it...yet! I wish you luck on your new project!! Visiting from Tatertots & Jello
That's awesome. My daughter is an avid couponer getting things free. She donated close to a thousand dollars worth of stuff to a womans shelter this Christmas...she only paid the tax just under 75 bucks. It's amazing you never have to buy deodorant, womans products, washing detergent again...it will all be free. If you beleive what you give comes back ten fold....then you should be getting something pretty darn soon!
The secret is finding places that will take two or three coupons for one item...which is called stacking!!
All the best to you!
Hugs Giggles
To Funny~ Have you seen that show on A&E (I think) about the people who are obsessed with couponing? They can get thier bill down from $400 to like $3.00. One guy bought boxes and boxes and boxes of cereal that he donated to a shelter.
Keep us posted on your new obsession- aimee
haha you go girl! How did you find the coupon bloggers in your area?
That's awesome! I was giggling about you trying to explain to your dad about buying cereal that you can't eat!
I replied to your comment on my blog : )
I love this post! I am also determined to start coupon-ing .. your story is quite impressive :)
It is crazy that cereal cost $5 a box - I buy a lot of cereal! I have never heard of "try this box for free" Thanks for the tip!
Susan,
http://entertainexchange.blogspot.com/
Party and Entertaining Inspiration
Ever since I watched that crazy coupon show I have wanted to become one, what blog did you find to help, I was so inspired! Good job!!
Way to go! And I bet your father was amused by your story.
I love great coupon stories like that!
Amie @ http://www.kittycatsandairplanes.blogspot.com/
This is one of my new years resolutions! I am lucky I live in a city where a few websites tell me what is on sale in my area and even links to extra coupons. I saved $22 on my last grocery bill. Not earth shattering but not too shabby either!
This is awesome! I just started making coupon envelopes.
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