It’s certainly been a hectic year. Jai and I have both been working overtime, so there haven’t been much shopping trips to report recently because we’ve mainly been eating takeaway. I hate wasting money like that, but when I’m stressed out I think, “If I can just get X finished, then tomorrow I’ll have more time.” Except X turns into Y and Z, because there are never a shortage of projects in need of attention. When working overtime means that you have to order a pizza for dinner, any extra money you would have made is negated by ordering out (and then some). So as I get a better schedule established for myself, the first order of business is to pick up some groceries!

I had a bunch of free coupons that I wanted to use on Tuesday, as well as one or two necessities to pick up. You’ll notice that I didn’t buy any fresh food – that’s because Safeway is having a grand re-opening today, and there will be a bunch of great deals and special coupons available during tonight’s re-opening party, so I’ve been waiting until then to pick up produce, meat, etc.

So on Tuesday’s trip, I visited Rite Aid and Safeway and bought $76.65 worth of groceries for $11.24.

First stop, Rite Aid:

Total spent: .33 cents
Total before coupons: $5.33
View receipt

I wasn’t aware of this, but Rite Aid does a special sale on the first Tuesday of every month where you receive an additional 20% off everything – so this was good timing!

1 6-pack of toilet paper – on sale for $3.59 after 20% off discount
16 oz of Epsom salts – need these for my foot – bleh! On sale for $1.35 after 20% discount.
1 packet of Ramen noodles – needed a filler item to get my total to $5 or more, and Ramen is one of my favorites – it’s often the cheapest thing you’ll find at a store, as well as yummy! On sale for .39 cents after 20% off discount.

I then used a $5 gift certificate that I earned during the last “Gift of Savings” rebate promotion, bringing my total down to .33 cents.

Next stop, Safeway:

Total spent: $10.91
Total before coupons: $71.32
View receipt

Got:

1 Marie Callendar Pot Pie – remember how I mentioned that I entered the “Delicious Moments” contest because they were offering a free coupon booklet to the first 75 who uploaded videos? Well, this was one of the coupons from that most-generous booklet: bought one pot pie on sale for $3.00, used one free product coupon from the “Delicious Moments” booklet. Final price: Free

1 Marie Callendar Shrimp & Pasta Frozen Dinner – on sale for $3.00, used one free product coupon from the “Delicious Moments” booklet. Final price: Free

1 Marie Callendar Pasta Al Dente bowl – on sale for $3.49, used one free product coupon from the “Delicious Moments” booklet. Final price: Free

1 Banquet frozen dinner – on sale for $1.00, used one free product coupon from the “Delicious Moments” booklet. Final price: Free

1 bag of Banquet Honey Wings – on sale for $7.99, used one free product coupon from the “Delicious Moments” booklet. Final price: Free

2 bottles of Coffee-Mate – on sale for $2.49 each, used two $1/1 printables, which doubled. Final price: .99 cents each.

1 Healthy Choice Natural Entree – on sale for $2.50, used one free product coupon from the “Delicious Moments” booklet. Final price: Free

1 Healthy Choice Lemon Pepper Fish Frozen Dinner – on sale for $3.00, used one free product coupon from the “Delicious Moments” booklet. Final price: Free

1 package of Smuckers Uncrustables – on sale for $3.00, used one free coupon that I got during a recent online promotion. Final price: Free

1 Healthy Choice Honey Ginger Chicken Frozen Dinner – on sale for $4.19, used one free product coupon from the “Delicious Moments” booklet. Final price: Free

1 Healthy Choice Pumpkin Squash Ravioli Frozen Dinner – on sale for $2.50, used one free product coupon from the “Delicious Moments” booklet. Final price: Free

1 foil roasting pan – I actually bought this for my Christmas tree! You see, I have a potted pine tree outside that I pull in and decorate for Christmas. Since it’s a live tree that needs to be watered, I have to stick something underneath it so that my floor doesn’t get soaked. This was the best thing we could think of to use! Price: $3.79

1 box of Always pads – on sale for $5.49, used one free coupon that I got with my free “Being Girl” sample pack. Final Price: Free

1 box of Olay makeup removers – one of the few things that I’m brand loyal to. Frugality is all about getting the best value for your money, and since this is one of the only makeup removers that doesn’t give me a huge rash on my face, it’s the best value by far! Price: $7.19

1 bottle of Herbal Essences conditioner – on sale for $3.49, used one free coupon that I received during their Facebook “Free Coupon” promotion. Final price: Free

1 box of Little Debbie cupcakes – on sale for $2.84, used one free coupon that I won in the “One Million Cupcakes” sweepstakes. Final price: Free

3 boxes of Lunchables – on sale for $3.29 each, used three free coupons that I won in a blog giveaway from Cha-Ching on a ShoeString. Final price: Free

Two of my “Free product” coupons were doubled, saving me an extra $1.00. I’ve mentioned to cashiers before that I didn’t think that free coupons could be doubled, but at least two cashiers have said otherwise – I need to look into it further. There were also some additional savings because a few of the “Free” coupons automatically deducted the full value of the coupon, even if the sale price of the product was lower, resulting in overage. I’d love to interview a professional that works on the coding of coupons to learn more about why coupons scan the way they do – so if one of you is reading this, email me!