A Well-Planned Grocery Trip

After a few weeks of staying out of the grocery store (my February challenge) I planned a trip with a list and coupons.  I chose one of my favorite local stores that frequently has "buy 1 get 1 free" and "buy 2 get 3 free" (C-R-A-Z-Y) deals.  This week they are also doubling coupons.  I made my list from the sales ad and went through my collection of coupons.  I had a good assortment of matches and thought it could be a successful trip.  I would be able to purchase usable items at discounted prices and refill the bare spots in the fridge and pantry.  They weren't too bare just enough that some people could notice their favorites were not present.

I finished work early on Thursday and picked Megs up after rehearsal.  She went along and we spent an hour strolling through the store.  I sent her with the ad and coupons for things that she would enjoy selecting.  Checking out seemed to take as long as the shopping, not really it just went SLOW b/c I had nearly 20 coupons that required some manager approval several times.  Luckily it was not a busy time in the store and we didn't hold anyone up.

Meagan marveled at the length of the receipt.  I was thrilled with the basket full of groceries that I saved more than I paid for.  My coupons/savings total was $152.11.  I swiped my card for $151.34.  This required another manager approval (turn of a key in the cash register) because my payment was less than my savings.  Do you think I wanted to dance in the checkout line?

Broken down into coupon vs. store sales ad savings:  sales ad savings = $118.92 leaving $33.19 in coupons.  I don't always take my coupons along.  This trip will be motivation because I turned 18 coupons into $33 off my bill.  It took me about 45-60 minutes to gather those little golden slips of tender.  $33/hour is a pretty good return for my time.  That's a pedicure or almost a full tank of gas.  Either way, I have satisfaction from the time well spent.

I almost forgot, at the end of my receipt is another $2 coupon on my next trip to my now FAVORITE store.  See you there???