Couponing: I'm learning

So I've been couponing since November. My pantry is pretty full and I have learned quite a bit.  Couponing  is work, between clipping, finding the best prices, printing online coupons,  organizing and figuring out which store to shop at each week, it is demanding.  You always reap your reward in the long run, with the exception of those days when you go to the store and the item(s) aren't there. Uggh I hate that.  Sign up for the emails from manufacturers they will often give you great coupons before most people get them.  It doesn't hurt to ask a manufacturer if coupons are available or where you can locate them.  Most companies have coupons available. If you contact the customer service department of many companies they will offer you coupons.  This is beneficial to you as the customer, and them as the manufacturer because it makes you spend more money with there brand. Marketing tactic for them, lower priced item for you, winning situation for all.  Only buy what is on sale or you have a coupon for.  This a biggy, it's annoying sometimes cause those Oreo's always seem to call your name, but you must stick to your list.   Never throw out a coupon, unless it's expired.  This I learned from TLC's Extreme Couponing. Even items that your family may not use, can be donated to charity and you can also make money  off of them to apply torwards other items.  Don't discount the little guys.  Many small stores offer products at lower prices and you can often get them for free when using a coupon.  One of my favorite couponing sites couponmom.com calls it strategic shopping, and that is exactly what it is.  Making a plan and sticking to it, so that you get the best deals possible.   


With all of that being said I had a great haul this week at Meijer's . Which totaled for $51.71.

- 5 boxes of Kellogg cereal
- 1 box Domino Cane Sugar
- 1 Truvia Sweet Packs
- 5 cans of Spagettios
- 1 Yoplait with granola 4 pack
- 2 bags of Doritos
- 2 bottles of Tropicana orange juice
- 5 packages of cookie dough
- 3 boxes of Mrs. T Pierogies
- 2 bags of Rhodes Frozen cinnamon Rolls
- 1 Amy's organic frozen pizza
- 1 Amy's Organic frozen entree
- 5 boxes of Pillsbury toaster strudels
- 3 bags of Ore Ida Potato products
- 2 bags of Betty Crocker Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
 - 2 fresh broccoli crowns
-3 packages of fresh strawberries

 How I did it: Meijers doubles coupons up to a dollar.  I am enrolled in Meijer's m-perks program. I only bought what was on sale or I had a coupon for.


I still have a little shopping to do for meats. Couponing combined with my recent views of shows on the Food network, has made my cooking a lot more creative and innovative. Meaning that many items have multiple uses. Last month I spent $250 for a month of groceries and had tons left over, but my ultimate goal would be to spend  $75 a month on groceries.  I know I have a long way to go, but being frugal creates so much inspiration.

Peace and Love,

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks