Harris Teeter Triples: Trip 2

Day two of triples - This time I was more focused on buying stuff that were essentials rather than just the stuff that was free or close to free. Most of that stuff was gone so I was glad that I went for that on the first day.   The cake mix, coconut and bread are for things I have to make this weekend. I didn't want to have to make a separate trip to the store. I also didn't have coupons for them.  Those three things alone added about 5 dollars to my bill.  

Here is the breakdown of what I bought and the coupons used:

4 Zatarains Rice 1.25 each $.75/2 (2) 0.50 for 4

1 Chex Mix Bars 2.50   0.60 0.70

2 Lipton Tea Bags 1.35 each 0.50(2) FREE

6 Sargento Cheese 2.00 each 0.75/2 (3) $1.75 for 2

1 Frozen corn  $2 0.55  0.35 

2 Sausages 2.50 each 0.35  (2) 1.45 each

2 Butters 3.69 each 0.55  (2) 2.04 each

2 Sugars 2.79 each 0.65/2 1.81 each

2 Choc chips 2.79 each 0.75/2 1.67 each

3 baby meals 2.00 each 0.75  (3) FREE

2 frostings 1.99 0.55 (2) 0.34 each

1 black pepper 1.65 1.00 0.65

1 coconut 1.97 1.97

1 bread 0.97 0.97

1 cake mix 1.99  1.99

Total Spent: $28.82

Total Saved (with coupons and sales): $52.24

Acquiring Coupons

There are many places to get coupons - online, newspaper, magazines, regular mail.  If you utilize all of these resources, pretty soon you will have more coupons than you know what to do with.

ONLINE -  There are many good coupons sites that you can visit.  Some that I like are Coupons.com, smartsource.com, couponbug.com, couponloop.com and afullcup.com.  There is also an online coupon database at hotcouponworld.com.  

Another great way to get online coupons is to go to the websites of products that you use a lot.  On many of these sites, you will find coupons. You can also sign up to receive their emails which also many times contain coupons. In order to avoid getting a bunch of these emails in your regular email, I suggest setting up a gmail or yahoo account solely for the purpose of getting coupons.  

Be sure to note that you can print most online coupons twice.  After you have printed it once, hit the back button and refresh to print it again.  There are a few coupons that you can print unlimited, but those are not found very often.

NEWSPAPER -  Sunday newspapers are great for coupons and a quick way to build up your supply. You easily make back your money from the cost of the paper with one or two good coupons. If you get a paper and see that it has great coupons that particular week, it is a good idea to get one or two more.  We are supplied by my in-laws and neighbors with extra copies so we aren't spending any extra out-of-pocket other than the one we buy.  Maybe you know someone who doesn't use their coupons who would be willing to share with you. 

MAGAZINES - Here is another great resource. There are many magazines out there that you can sample for free and even some that you can subscribe too.  Be sure to check inside for coupons. There have been several times I have received a magazine only to forget to read it and months later find a bunch of coupons inside that have already expired!

REGULAR MAIL -  There are many websites and blogs out there (like goodorfreedeals.blogspot.com or moneysavingmom.com) that tell you about free samples that you can get.  Many times a coupon is included with the sample. There are also many offers that you can sign up for where the company sends you a coupon through the mail. I have received coupons for several "Try me free" things.  

Harris Teeter Triples : Trip 1

Harris Teeter is tripling coupons(up to 99 cents - 20 at a time) starting today and running through Tuesday.  I find triples a great time to stock up on "extra" and "side" items.  These are things like condiments, quick lunches, sides (like rice, boxed potatoes, pastas), cleaning supplies, and stuff that I wouldn't ordinarily buy  but will if it is free or close to free.  You can often get really cheap cereal during this time.  

I went first thing this morning.  Here is what I bought:

3 Betty Crocker Warm Delights 1.89     55 cents (2IP)     0.24 each

  50 cents (1) 0.39 each

2 Frosted Mini Wheats 3.39(BOGO) $3 off 2(1) 0.39 for 2

3 French's Fried Onions 2.00 75 cents off(3) FREE

3 Beech Nut Banana Cookies 2.00 75 cents off(3) FREE

2 No Yolk Egg Noodles 2.39 75 cents off (2IP) 0.14 each

3 Totino Pizza Rolls 1.09 35 cents off(3) 0.04 each

6 Sargento Cheese 2.00 75 cents off 2 (3) 1.75 for 2

6 Green Giant Vegetables 10 for $10 $1 off 2 (2IP) 0.50 ea. for 4

1.00 ea.for 2

3 Grands Biscuits 0.78 50 cents off (3) 0.28 each

2 Veg-All Frozen Vegetables 2 for 2.00 55 cents off(2) FREE

Grand Total:  8.08

Amount Saved with coupons and sales:  74.30

(***An extra 4 dollars was immediately taken off my total because I bought 10 of the items on one page of the ad. I think it is on page 3.***)

The prices I listed are the current price.  Some of these items were on sale.   You definitely maximize your savings if you can match up a coupon to an item while it is on sale!!

The numbers in parentheses after the coupon amounts are the number of coupons I used.  If it says IP after it, that means it is an internet printable coupon and it is possible you can get that same coupon too.  If you are interested, I can help you find it if you will email me and let me know.  

Why the blog??

 I love finding a deal! Yes, I know that I am probably known as a coupon geek, but I really don't care.  I taught middle school math for 7 years and my favorite chapter of all to teach was the one on comparison shopping.  I even took the kids to a local grocery store on a field trip to practice comparing prices firsthand.  You could probably say it is just in my veins.  After taking a few years off to get married and have kids, couponing is now becoming a regular part of my life.  It does take time. It is a lot of work. It is very rewarding.  For me, it has become a part of my stay-at-home job description.  Savings during a single visit to the grocery store can at times be equal to what I would make subbing for a day, minus the transportation and child care costs.  I realize that couponing isn't for everyone and I don't expect you to do it.  But, if you have questions or want help, I am here for you! I have learned a lot from reading other people's blogs and would like to share that information with you. It is amazing how much can be saved with a little bit of extra work and some planning.