{a lesson in frugal shopping}

This post could just as easily have been titled “my disappointing day at the stores”.  But really and truthfully, it’s not that big of a deal…and it’s definitely not to first time I’ve written about my less than stellar shopping experience.

If you’ll recall my shopping list from earlier in the week, you’ll probably notice that I was NOT able to get everything I wanted to pick up this week.  I figured this would be a good opportunity to point out one very important fact that every couponer, newbie or seasoned veteran, must live with.  Sometimes, the stores just won’t have what you set out to purchase.  In this particular case, it was completely my fault because I waited until late in the week (think Saturday night) to do my shopping.  The fact is, I had a very successful shopping trip at Kroger on Monday of this week and we’ve been busy since then.  Getting to my CVS and Walgreens shopping just wasn’t high on my list of priorities.  I wanted to make sure to get some of the deals this week…and that’s what I did.  I got some of the deals. 

Overall, I was pleased with my trip.  I spent just under $3 for everything pictured.  And I have $9.50 in register rewards to get me started next time I go in.  My Walgreens was sold out of the Butterball Turkey Bacon on sale for $0.99 this week, so I asked for a raincheck that I can redeem this next week (hopefully).  I also wasn’t able to pick up the ZzzQuil at CVS, so I grabbed a raincheck for that item as well.  It’s always a good idea to ask your cashier for a raincheck if the store is sold out of the product you’re looking for.  And in the past, I’ve even requested a raincheck for items that I intended to buy, but when I reached checkout I realized that I didn’t have the coupons I needed with me.  I simply explained my faux pas to the cashier and received a voucher to use the next time I’m in the store.  Voila!  Using this option has helped me out many times in the past.  Just remember to get back into the store before your coupons expire, otherwise those rainchecks are kinda useless!

All in all I’m ok with how this shopping day went.  I’m looking forward to a couple of the deals being offered this week!  Going to be stocking up on some more freebies.  And this frugal mama LOVES freebies!  😉

Happy Saving,

Melony

PS:  Please ignore the colorful tablecloth….it’s one of the vinyl ones you can buy for super cheap at walmart and my kiddos use it on the kitchen table when they use markers, colors, paint, or play with playdoh!  😀