The Penny Pinching Side of Katie

I know it's been a long time since I have blogged. I have no excuses and no justifications as to why it has been so long. Maybe I needed some inspiration to get started again and yesterday I found that inspiration!

You see, I have dabbled here and there with couponing since the beginning of the year. However, I really never had those mega-deals that you see on TLC's Extreme Couponing (nor will I ever need that much stuff in my life) so I even began slacking in the coupon department. That is until I made my first "real deal" at CVS a couple of weeks ago (I don't really remember the exact amount but I paid $12ish for $42ish worth of products). This past week I went back again with coupons and ExtraCare Bucks (ECB) in hand and once again left with some great products for next to nothing prices. I haven't been buying anything that I didn't need or that someone in my immediate family didn't ask for (yes, my mom and dad are now owners of $0.24 toothpaste and new razors...all brand name stuff I might add).

Yesterday I headed back to CVS for my weekly fix (I actually can't wait to go to CVS at the beginning of each week....kinda sad but it makes me very HAPPY). After three successful weeks, I thought I would blog about my shopping adventures and hopefully you will see what you are missing out at CVS if you are not already couponing at the "Greatest Place on Earth" (hmmmm.....did I just steal that from somebody??). If you are already CVSing then maybe you will see something that you missed!  WARNING: If you could care less about the details of my shopping trip please scroll down till you see the totals for the day!!

Here is how it went down yesterday: 

1. Prepped for about 35-40 minutes (looked at CVS's weekly ad online, checked out www.southernsavers.com, cut my coupons, and made my list)
2. Went to CVS and scanned my ExtraCare Card for any coupons (FYI, they weren't that good this week) 
3. Started shopping.....and as I did this, I double checked everything with the weekly ads 
4. Bought the goods! I made 3 separate transactions yesterday for better savings. Here is a breakdown of  the purchases:

Transaction #1:

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle & Aussie Hairspray: 2/4.97 – $3.00 coupon – $1 coupon = 2/$0.97 

Lady Speed Stick:  $2.79 - $0.50 coupon = $2.29---ECB $1

Softsoap Hand Soap: $2.00 - $0.35 coupon = $1.65---ECB $1

Softsoap Body Wash: $3.00 - $0.75 coupon = $2.25---ECB $1

Crest ProHealth Toothpaste: $2.99 - $.75 coupon = $2.24---ECB $2

Crest ProHealth Mouthwash: $2.99 - $.75 coupon = $2.24---ECB $2

Kotex Panty Liners: $3.49 - $1.00 coupon = $2.49---ECB $2

Total before coupons: 22.23

Total after coupons: 14.13

ECB from last week: $6

TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: $9.91 ($8.13 plus 8% tax)

ECB Back: $9

Also received a $4 off your next $20 or more purchase coupon!

Transaction #2 (needed a few things for the office):

CVS Green Label Paper Plates 100 count: $2.99

CVS Plastic Forks: $2.49 – B1G1 half off = $1.24

Total before discount: 5.48

Total after discount plus 8% tax: 4.57

ECB from Transaction #1: $4

TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: $0.57

Also received a $4 off your next $20 or more purchase coupon!

            Transaction #3

            L’Oreal EverSleek Shampoo: $6.99 – $2.00 coupon = $4.99---ECB $2.50

            L’Oreal EverSleek Conditioner: $6.99 – $2.00 coupon = $4.99---ECB $2.50

            Schick Quarto Titanium Razor: 9.79 - $2.00 coupon = $7.79

Total before coupons: 23.77

Used one of the $4 off $20 coupons: 19.77

Total after coupons: 13.77

ECB from Transaction #1: $5

TOTAL OUT OF POCKET: $10.35 ($8.77 plus 8% tax)

ECB back: $5

I know that is a lot of information! But here is the number I really like:

Total Out of Pocket for the Day: $20.83

 Total Number of Items Purchased: 13

TOTAL COST PER ITEM: $1.60

Left over for next week: One $4 off a $20 purchase and $5 ECB

That’s right people I have $7 shampoo for $1.60!! CRAZY! Now I just have to wait till Sunday to start planning again.