My very first coupon experience...

[PerriWinkle47]

Can't really say that I can BRAG about my experience last night, but it was the first time I put an effort into looking for bargains, and trying to use some of the coupons I've accumulated in the past couple of weeks.

SAFEWAY had a $5 event. It's still on until the end of tomorrow. I ended up buying "some" stuff that I really didn't need, and I know I have to be careful with that. And I'm not totally sure how well I did on saving money for the things I did purchase, so maybe you guys can help me out. Overall, according to my receipt, I saved 33%. I "tried" to compare prices online and through flyers before purchasing. Was going to go to Superstore after Safeway, but it was getting late.

Anyway, here's how I did....

Brown Minute Rice, reg $4.99, sale $4.55, $2 coupon = $ 2.55, saved $2.44
H. Harvest Spagetti, 2 boxes, reg $2.96 ea = $5.92, sale $2.50/ea =$5.00, coupon $1, paid $4.00, saved $1.92.
Betty Crocker Cake Mix, reg $2.84/ea, on sale for $1/ea, no coupon, paid $3 (I should have bought more), saved $5.52
Betty Crocker frosting, reg $3.59 paid $2.50, saved $1.09 no coupon.
White and brown bread, reg $1.69/ea, paid $1.25/ea, total paid $2.50, saved $0.88, no coupon
Danish pasteries, reg $3.29/ea, on sale $2.50/ea, pd $5.00, saved $1.58
Garnier Nutrisse Hair Colour (for my daughter, 29 today), reg $10.99 on sale for $8.99, saved $2.00
Just for Men, hair colour (for ME lol), reg $10.79, on sale for $9.79, coupon $1, saved $2

And lastly, something for me to truly brag about.... since it's my daughter's birthday today, I wanted to get her some flowers. Safeway had some on special for $5 ! Wow, you can't beat $5 right? 7 stems, mix of alstro and roses. But last night, nobody was in the flower dept, and they only had one bunch left!! Not the colour I wanted. I explained this to a staff person, and she was VERY VERY helpful. I wanted to change the bunch a little bit and put in some red roses. I ended up getting a bouquet of 3 stems of Alstro and 4 roses, 3 red, and 1 white. A similar bouquet, pre-made was selling for $15.99, I got it for $5!! Awesome deal on that I think!

Total savings came to $20.72. If I had not requested assistance and purchased the $15.99 flowers, .. well that would bring total savings to $31.71.

I KNOW I can do better than this! Just need your opinions and advice!

But overall, I was happy that I saved THIS much. On my first trip out.

Don't worry, I won't be this detailed in other posts, I'm just new to this, and excited about it.

[abbieluke11]

Hello there! I am new to the whole coupon thing too! I find it really helpful to read the "Deals" thread. There all of the flyers and good deals of the week are posted. I then make a list of things I need to buy over the weekend/during the week based on what coupons I have.
You saved $30!! Woohoo! you have to start somewhere right!!

[coupon girl]

way to go your on your way

[i_love_to_save]

Nice savings....way to go on the flowers!!!! Welcome to SC, and keep checking other posts as well that helps me a lot, when i need to know which store is having a sale on what!!!

[hogama]

Yup -- you're hooked!! haha

Welcome to Smart Canucks!

[frugalmom]

Great start.

[freebies258]

isn't it exciting when you get all those deals with all those savings!
wtg!

[canadiantania]

Good for you and happy birthday to your daughter!

[orv]

Great first brag!! the savings only get bigger and more fun!

[middleclassmom]

http://cerealcouponsonline.blogspot.com/

the link doesn't provide any coupons.

[sarah_300c]

Good for you! Any deal is a good deal!

[moefox]

it's getting into the mindset that makes you take advantage of and recognize all the great deals out there, and it sounds like you're already there.
Every little bit counts, awesome job on the flowers!
Happy Birthday to you daughter

[glenglen]

looks like your in the swing of things it's a great thing to save money for the family,I sure wish there was this couponing thing when my kids were still at home we would have saved so much and had alot more things that we needed,although I do send alot of care packages for them,best of luck couponing.

[Koolaid]

You did an amazing job!!!!!! Trust me it takes quite a bit to navigate through all of SC...take it one step at a time....bet you soon you will be posting over $100 coupon savings!!!