So I have to make a disclaimer: I am pretty sure my hesitation to previously use coupons is due to my lack of math skills...and today, I think that theory was confirmed!
The only preparation I did beforehand was deciding what coupons I was going to use (based on the items I needed) and cutting them out. So, as I go through Target gathering up these items I realize that I must buy TWO of each item in order to use the coupon. Ok, no problem....wait, there is a problem! I ended up spending $243 in one trip....how is this saving me money?? I started to become skeptical and felt the need to abort the mission! :) I found myself looking at the value of the coupon, the requirements needed to use the coupon, and feverishly trying to calculate and determine how to get the biggest bang for my buck.
Ex. If I have a $2.00 coupon for shampoo, and I must buy two of them. Is it better if I buy two regular size (12oz) bottles or two jumbo (25oz) bottles of shampoo....do I really need that much shampoo right now?? But if I have a coupon, why not get it, right? RIGHT? ...or if I get $3.75 off of toilet tissue when I buy two packages of 8 rolls or more, do I get two 8 roll packs or two 12 roll packs? Do I really have to do the calculations for all of this? ...Did I already say how terrible in math I am?
These are the thoughts racing through my head as I crunch numbers on my iPhone and wipe sweat from my brow! This is my punishment for cheating my way through 6th grade math...I just know it!
My typical spending habits at Target include a monthly trip which costs me roughly $150...sometimes $200. So when I get my total, after coupons, from the cashier I had to do a double take at the debit card keypad.
All the way home, I was scratching my head wondering how I just saved money when I spent $100 more than I usually do. So, once I unload enough toilet paper, paper towels and shampoo to get us through the apocalypse, I examined my receipt more closely. Here is what I came up with:
If I would have purchased my normal quantities, I would have spent $208 and would have to return for additional supplies in about a month. With the quantity purchased, in order to utilize my coupons, I spent $243 and supposedly saved $21.45...I am assuming these supplies will last me 2 months. So, in one year I would spend $2500 making a monthly trip to Target, but with coupons and only having to make this trip six times a year I would spend $1458...for a total savings of $1042. Is is worth it? At this point, I am starting to buy in...but I still have a few questions and concerns. If I am going to buy bigger quantities, why should I use a coupon vs. going to Sams Club or Costco? ...Maybe my investigation should go further!
...This is to be continued....
I feel your pain. I seem to spend more trying to save. I need someone to tell me exactly what coupons to use and what to buy.
ReplyDeleteCoupons are tricky. Investigate for us all!
ReplyDeleteAnd if you shop at Target that often you should get the Target RedCard Debit card. Can only be used at Target. Comes right out of your account. And you save 5% every time. Why not save 5% when you shop there anyway. I saved about $60 last year and I got it in July/August.
ReplyDelete