My first days couponing...oh boy!

[AKMCGRATH]

I tell ya, trying to learn all the language and in-and outs of the couponing world feels like college education. Only, all the classes are deemed worthy to take.

First off, I want to thank everyone who imparts this invaluable, life lessons in couponing. It has changed my world in less than a week!

So, I tried to do my homework. I signed up on many coupon sites to try to take it all in. So much info did I try to cram in my first few days of reading and clipping that I was literally woozy. BRAIN OVERLOAD
To try out my new education, I took my notes and coupons in hand and headed over to Walgreens.

Since I didn't want to tie up the line and had passed the cosmetic counter lady a time or two and exchanged friendlies, I decided to take my items to her.

I told her I was new at this and I hoped I had figured things out correctly. She couldn't have been nicer or more patient with me.

So, a few of the things I got on my FIRST trip was Complete Contact Solution, which was free with RR. I got a Tone body wash that was .99 aft RR and free Scuuncis (sp?).

Due to my due dilligence and some smarty pants couponers, I know I can use a Walgreen's coupon with a manufacturers.

At my store, there happened to be a Bayer 24 pack of aspirin. Only this Bayer was special. Not only was it special because it was a box of double (not 2 boxes, just double in size), but it was special because it happened to be on clearance for $2.19 from $3.69. So...I used the $2 off Wag's coup along with the manuf. I paid only tax on 3 boxes.

I also had a $4 Advil coup off 2 and they had an add for $4.99. Plus, there was a RR attached. So I ended up paying .50 ea.

The next day, rinse & repeat and I added some more great deals, paying with my reigis rewards and getting some new ones.

On I go to Walmart. To make this story shorter than the last (and thanks for hangin in with this excited as hell newbie!!), I get some kick ass deals, such as Degree BOGO. I was able to use it on 2 twin packs (but the next day they would allow me only one, stating they shouldn't have done it-Is that correct, b-t-w?). There was also some on clearance for 50% off, making them $1.50 each. However, I also had .75 coup's.

At this point, I ran into another couponer (I ran across a few and struck up a little convo, trying to glean any advice, etc. It seemed they, too were quite new. At least that is what they told me ) I asked her if I was correct, thinking BOGO would apply to these on clearance. She said they should, as long as the coupon says otherwise. She grabbed two and was done, so I grabbed 2 more (four in total, and all they had left).

Also learning, unless it states different on the coupons, I can use them for trial size items, which I did for some products, making them free.

The next day I went back to Wally World and got some more items, such as the deodorant I mentioned, only more ph products, as I call them (personal hygene). The cashier was a sweet girl, but everything semed to go wrong for her in ringing up many of the coup's.

There was no line when I started, but ther sure was one when all this was taking place. I felt bad for everyone and apologized. The lady behind me started to get pissed after a while and said it wasn't me. When the manager had to be called for a coupon dispute (although I said, it's ok, I'll just leave it. It's no big deal..I made sure I was very nice, cuz I plan on being a VIP there..lol), the lady behind me started to take her things off the conveyer belt and was throwing them in her cart.

I apologized again. She said, "it's only toothpaste!" Thinking she was upset at me, I sheepishly said, "everyone needs to brush their teeth". She didn't say anything back to me, yet yelled at the people behind her to get out of her way. I told her, "they are almost through here, and she waited this long, I'm almost done." Which was true, within a minute it was all over. Poor women. I wonder if her teenage kids were embarrassed or just as pissed at me, them or the world, at that point.

Ok, I just realized THIS story is probably longer than my last-sorry folks. The bottom line is, I figured I spent about $35 to get $170 worth of stuff. No food, except some candy on sale.

How'd I do for a newbie? Any advice on anything? I learned to go either later or earlier than I did, and not to cut out every coupon. I now know to date them with the paper release date. Oh well, it got me to focus and probably recall if I have a coupon for that. Instead of the phrase, "there's an app for that", I found myself saying, Yep. there's a coupon for that".

I also said aloud, but not too much. "When I walked into these stores I saw them as a place to HAVE to spend money. Now I see them as a way to make money." I

[AKMCGRATH]

Sorry. I just realized I probably posted this on the wrong forum. Can a mod remove it if I have?

Thanku

[motherofmolly]

good job for a first couple of days! i think you did great.

and the lady behind you was probably just having a bad day. but i must say you did a great job being nice and polite even thru the hardest stuff. THAT will carry over and make it so much easier for you

[jkeating]

Sounds like you did really good to me.

If I hold up the line I certainly do apologize but if you get annoyed and feel the need to move on over to another line that's fine with me. Usually doing that only makes your time in the store longer.

Keep up the good savings!

[Samone]

My new motto, ""When I walked into these stores I saw them as a place to HAVE to spend money. Now I see them as a way to make money."

Great way to put my thoughts into words. Now if I can just get good at it. I had my first couponing trip to Walmart yesterday and I admit, I was nervous when I went in, but smiling when I left. I know it isn't much, but my total was $34.07 and my out of pocket was $1.07. I can't imagine how excited I will be when I save over $50 :-)

[cpnlover]

Great job! And it only gets better..thanks for sharing.

[grand2three]

Congrats!!! I am in love with Walgreens now. The first time I ever tried to "do a deal" the cashier took the time to explain how things work......what a sweet lady and ever since then I am there just about every day during my lunch break. Not always to shop but just to chat with this lovely lady.

Now don't even get be started on Wal Mart..........I'm not a fan and since I've started using coupons I've had nothing but trouble each time I've checked out. So I will only go in the place if I can't find the product somewhere else. It's just not worth the drama!!
Donna

[sidvlilb]

Hooray for you! Great job And I get really pissed at people who get pissed. It's like, ok, are you in labor? wetting your pants? ok then, chill out! Oy. Anyway i just don't have luck in Walmart, there ALWAYS seems to be an issue with my coupons, as the PP mentioned... but glad you're on a roll!