Couponing 101: Part 5

We are on Part 5 of my Couponing 101 series.  If you are just joining us, you can go back and read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 to get started. 

I mentioned in Part 3 of my series that one of my favorite coupon sites is Frugal Coupon Living.  I shop at Publix and she lists the sales for them each week (she also lists several other grocery stores if there is not a Publix near you).

Savings Example

I wanted to show you another example on how you can save BIG money each week with coupons.  This posts lists the deals from Feb 23/24 to Mar 1/2. 

Silk Soymilk - 1/2 Gallon $5/2
$.75 SS 2/6
$.75 Publix Coupon Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer
=$1

Remember that you don't have to buy two to get the sale.  So Soy Milk is on sale for $2.50 each.  If you combine 1 coupon from the Publix Yellow Advantage Flyer and 1 coupon from the SmartSource in the Sunday paper on 2/6 you can save $1.50.  So that Soymilk which was $2.50 is now only $1! 

There are a ton of couponing sites out there, so search around and remember that all the work is already done for you.  You just have to find the website that is right for you and keep saving those coupons!

Tracking Your Savings

So now that you have saved some BIG money, how can you keep track of it?  A reader (and friend) reminded me last week about making a spreadsheet.  It can be as simple or as detailed as you would like it.  The spreadsheet that I used just tracked my total spent and total saved on groceries and toiletries each week.  If you shop at a store that lists your total savings, it is as easy as looking at your receipt for the amounts. 

If that is not detailed enough for you, you can track the savings on each item you purchase.  That may take a little more time, but then you can compare how much you spent on it the next time it is on sale. 

I hope this Couponing Series has been helpful for you.  I'll continue to add to it each week.  Next week I plan to post about how to save money and shop at CVS for FREE!