Savvier at being frugal

Today, we got some pretty good deals at Kroger. Here's what we got for $3.43 OOP after coupons and Mega Sale $5 back for 10 special purchase items.

Kroger Mega Sale items:

Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk : $0.50 ea after MS discount - $1 off 2 coupon = 8 free cans (using 4 coupons)
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose : $1.50 ea after MS discount - $1 off coupon (it says for whole wheat only but they let me use it for unbleached so YMMV) = $0.50 for 5 lb flour
Quaker Quakes Rice Snacks = $0.50 ea after MS discount

Kroger Non Mega Sale items:

Eggland's Best : 2.69- $0.35 off coupon x 3 (11/9 insert) = $1.64
Kroger Peeled Baby Carrots 32 oz : $0.79 (manager's special)

Total = $3.43 after coupons and Mega Sale discount


Compared to last year, we've definitely scaled down on the amount of coupon shopping that we do this year. Like many coupon shoppers, we came to realize that time spent looking for and clipping coupons as well as planning transactions and trips add up. Sometimes, we see a deal and say to ourselves ok we have to go get it today before the deal ends or the item sells out. Trying to catch a deal often means more frequent shopping trips to the grocery store costing us both gas and time. We used to justify these trips by saying yeah but we saved so much money in the end. True, but why stress yourself out if there are smarter ways to get the job done. Now we plan purchases around the things that we need, not just what's on sale. We also decided to start using cash and not credit card to make our purchases. This, in addition to cutting down on the number of shopping trips we make, definitely help us keep track of both money and time. Now we have more time to do the things that we enjoy like cuddling on the couch with a hot cup of chocolate and a good book, watching movies at home on weekends, and chasing the cat down as she tries to run away with my hair band ...