I did it. I started the "Grocery Game," the results are pictured above. Even before I got to the store I found myself frustrated and doubting that I would even notice a big enough savings to make all of the clipping coupons and getting organized worth it. While shopping, I was annoyed that I couldn't find the right brand, I realized I forgot to write down some of the quantities, I learned that Knoll and Lipton are the same brand, the deli lady gave me twice as much lunch meat than I asked for, and I felt ridiculous riffling through my list/notes/etc...
When I was finally checking out, I was thankfully with a super friendly cashier. I told her it was my first time with the coupons/grocery game, she "plays" too, so she was very helpful and comical. People started lining up behind me, she kept giving me notes, like "just ignore them," and "yeah, I get glares too" (because it took a few minutes for her to sort out the other store coupons etc). Anyway, I started to sweat and feel uncomfortable as the ladies behind me tapped their toes until... the cashier told me that I saved $85.83! So, it doesn't compare to Tarena's $300.00 :) But, not too shabby for my first try. I walked out feeling excited about next weeks trip to the store. I would say it was worth all of the blood, sweat and tears, but thankfully it was only a little sweat.
6 comments:
Awesome job Nicole :) that's a huge savings...
I need to learn to play that game!
I need to know more about this "game"! Fall break starts next Thursday, lets connect via the phone (I would give anything for it to be in person!)!
Love ya!
Ashley
Yeah! Great for you!! :-)
It definately takes a bit to get used to how it all works, what works at what store, etc. Keep it up!! :-)
AWESOME JOB NICOLE!!!
No, seriously, that is wonderful!
I think you saved more than I did my first time! And remember I am buying for more people (although I think Kelly could count as atleast two people, right?! =)!)
Tips:
Did you write down your list? You should print it...it makes it much easier when you need to know the exact item on sale.
Yes...it is ALOT to learn at first and it can be frustrating...especially when they don't carry the exact item that is on the list. But you will get really good soon and you will learn not to sweat it if you don't do perfectly...I NEVER do...I always forget something or don't end up getting everything.
You will have to add the Rite Aid or Walgreens list when you get the hang of Albertsons...I can't believe how much you get FREE and it is great to get mascara and stuff so cheap! =)
Don't worry about making people wait. Albertsons has the "three's a croud" rule, so they will call up more cashiers, they are used to people having a lot of coupons, and if you put all your Safeway & Freddy's coupon items at the end of the line it will help the cashier out more so that they don't have to stop and enter the value change or hunt for it on their computer as they didn't realize that it was something they needed to change. I now just get so excited about how much I am going to save that I remember that when the cashier is taking awhile and the stares of anyone behind me seems to fade...or after they hear how much I saved!!!
Oh, and you will have to enter my email addy as your referral if you haven't already...I love getting free weeks!
So excited for you and your great save! Way to go Prov 31 woman!
ps...we should totally go together when I am in town in a few weeks! =) I need to get my parents going on it too! =)
It gets easier. I fumbled around, dropping coupons and cards my first time! I was nervous and a little embarrassed to make the people behind me wait. Then I went through this phase where I was buying things that we never use just because I could get it for so cheap... ha. I think I finally really have the hang of it. Anyone who is annoyed quickly becomes jealous when they hear how much we save! Boo ya.
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