So as I slowly begin to compete in the sport of couponing, I am finding small successes each week.

On my first trip to Publix a couple of weeks ago, I spent $69.19 and saved $37.12. That’s 35% savings off what would have been my total.

Then I went to CVS and bought around $20 of Loreal makeup (3 items plus 3 coupons!) and got $5 in Extra Care Bucks. The next week CVS had a deal on Coke 12-packs: Buy 3 at $10, get one free. Basically 4 12-packs for $10, which is a steal. I used my $5 in ECBs and got 4 12-packs of Coke for 5 bucks!!

I decided that I needed to organize my coupons better, so I bought a coupon organizer and set it up by categories. Then for each category, I arranged the coupons from soonest due date to furthest due date. I also made sure to leave the back section for “Miscellaneous.”

Today I went to Kroger first and spent $193.00. I had 15 coupons and saved $40 between my Kroger card and coupons. I bought 93 items, so that averages to less than $2 per item!

Then I went to Publix to take advantage of their BOGO deals and spent $63.87. I only had 3 coupons, but everything I purchased was either BOGO or on sale. I saved $47.27.

So for a total of about $260, I got enough food to feed the family for 2 weeks PLUS stocked up on several pantry items like Pastaroni, Mac n cheese, and cereal. Now $250 is my budget for two weeks, so I feel like to got that plus much more, which means I am saving!!!

My pantry is fuller than it’s ever been! (The pictures are a little grainy since they’re from my cell phone, but you get the idea.)