Alright, I've got the bug

That's right, I've started faithfully using coupons! I'm a bargain hunter from way back, but coupons always seemed like too much work. Well, in this budget tightening time, I've reconsidered. And? It's not as much work as I thought once you get organized.

My first shopping trip:
(Note: driving around to many stores that are far apart isn't saving, as it will cost you in gas. That said, Walgreens is across the street, Dillons down the block, and Hy-Vee less than 5 minutes away, so for me it's feasible.)

Walgreens:
2 Mott's Apple juice (64 oz) reg=$2.98 ea, sale=2/$4, 2 coupons for $.55 ea
In the end: $1.45 ea, 51% off

1 reynolds wrap (70ft) reg=$3.59 ea, $.80 store coupon + $1.00 manufacturing coupon
In the end: $1.79, %50 off

3 softsoaps (7.5 oz) reg=$2.79 ea, stor coupon $1.80 ea
In the end: $.99 ea, 65% off

3 Hunt's tomato sauce (8 oz) reg=$.99, store coupon $.60 ea
In the end: $.39, 61% off

3 doritos crackers $.30/ea (Mike begged)

Total Spent w/tax: $10.61
Total Saved: $13.68, 56% off


Dillons:
2 Quaker instant oatmeals reg=$3.99 ea, $1.99 plus card savings + sale of buy 2 get $1 off + $1 off 2 Quaker oatmeals coupons
In the end: $.99 ea, 71% off

4 Life cereal reg=$2.85 ea, $.35 plus card savings + sale of buy 4, get $4 off + 2 $1 off 2 Life cereals coupon
In the end: $1 ea, 65% off

1 pkg frozen shrimp reg=$9.99 ea, $5 plus card savings
In the end: $4.99 ea, 50% off

2 Pillsbury 4pk crescent rolls reg=$1.39, $.14 plus card savings
2 Pillsbury pizza crust reg=$2.89, $1.64 plus card savings
4/$5 plus $1 off when you buy 4 Pillsbury products + 1 $.25, 1 $.60, 1 $.35 coupons doubled to $2.20
In the end: $.45 ea, 62% off crescent rolls and 84% off pizza rolls

1 lrg bag shredded Kroger cheese, reg=$7.59, $1.80 plus card saving
In the end: $5.79, 14% off

1 bunch tomatos reg=$2.66 ($1.77/lb), $.77 plus card savings
In the end: $1.89, 29% off

2 lemons reg=$.40 ea, $.04 plus card savings ea
In the end: $.38 ea, 5% off

2 mini pizzas reg=$1.38 ea, manager's special for $.59 ea
In the end: $.79 ea, 43% off

cage free eggs: $2.69
bag yellow onions: $1.99
oregegano: $1
carton skim milk: $1.49
powdered sugar: $1.45
cupcake liners: $.89
Kroger heart healthy bakng mix (generic Bisquick): $2.69
Jiffy apple muffin mix: $.63
Jiffy blueberry mix: $.63

Total Spent w/tax: $39.69
Total Saved: $27.79, 42% off


Hy-Vee
3 frozen veggie steamers reg=$1.19, on sale for $.88
In the end: $.88 ea, 26% off

Rubbermaid 1.23c Premium Easyfinder Lid, reg=$3.69, on sale for $1.65 + $1 coupon
In the end: $.65 ea, 82% off

3 Barilla 16oz pastas reg=$1.49 ea, on sale for $.99 ea
In the end: $.99 ea, 35% off

10 Yoplait reg=$.54 ea (I believe), on sale for 10 for $5, $1 off if you buy 10 + $1 off 8 Yoplait
In the end: $.30 ea, 44% off

1 pkg Charmin Ultra 9 roll reg=$7.49, on sale for $4.97 + $.25 coupon
In the end: $4.72, 37% off

2 EZ Ziploc reg=$3.19, on sale for $1 ea + 1 $1 off 2 coupon available in store
In the end: $.50 ea, 84% off

Basil= $2.98
Celery= $1.50
Head of garlic= $.24

Total Spent w/tax: $21.48
Total Saved: $35.48, 62% off



All Totaled: $71.78
All Saved: $76.95, 52% off