Sometimes You Get Lucky

      A creative approach to couponing that is helpful & stress free, is to search your local store's sale paper or online database, so you cans compare store prices and to ensure that you are getting the most of your product at the cheapest amount. Sometimes you get lucky and have a coupon for an item that is already on sale! This means you are getting the name brand item at its lowest price possible!
       As I flipped through Family Dollar & Dollar General sale paper, I realized that two of their sale items, also had  a coupon in the past Sunday's paper. Note: It is best to purchase your Birmingham, Mobile Press Register or local newspaper on Sunday's at Dollar Tree. Regardless of how much the newspaper company may charge for you to purchase a Sunday paper at the kiosk, Dollar Tree sells their newspaper for only $1. Below is a breakdown of the items I purchased from Family Dollar & Dollar Tree. Always remember that couponing is a stress-free hobby that allows you the opportunity to save.
~ HAPPY SHOPPING!

Retail Value $37.17 ~ Paid $23.92 ~ Saved $13.36

Details:
Tide $5 on sale - $2 coupon = $3 per item (Family Dollar)
Dr. Pepper 10 - FREE with a coupon inserted in Sunday paper up to $1.99 value
Scott Paper Towel 9pk $5 on sale - $1 coupon = $4 per item (Dollar General)

Buy One Get One (BOGO)

Today, I ventured out to Publix in Tuscaloosa, AL, to purchase a few items for the Thanksgiving holidays. I was surprised to see so many items I needed for Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) until I lit up like a Christmas Tree :) In the shopping spree, I only purchased BOGO items, which in turn is good, if not, better than finding the perfect coupon for the items you use!

The steps I took in selecting the items I needed were visiting Publix website at publix.com. On this site, it allows you to create a printable grocery list. The icons are labeled 'BOGO' and 'Weekly Ads'. As I scrolled through the sale items, I simply put a star by the items I am interested in purchasing. BOGO are a great way to increase your stockpile (items stored in a cool dry place for future use), but only purchase items that you or your family will use! There is no need to purchase cat food, if you don't have a cat, lol! Below is a photo of the items I purchased, along with my total savings.

Paid $27.94 ~ Saved $24.26 (Publix)


Items Purchased:
Cool Whip Topping
Elbow Macaroni
Spaghetti Noodles
Publix Brand Sweet Tea
Sargento Mild & Sharp Shredded Cheese
Publix Brand Small Chocolate Milk
Publix Brand 2% 1/2 gallon milk
Aunt Jemia Pancake Syrup
A-1 Steak Sauce
Pam Cooking Spray