My $50 Budget

When I first started using coupons and using them on the best deals I could find, I was spending almost as much as I was before couponing but getting a lot more for my money. I was able to fill the pantry and bathroom cabinets with lots of very inexpensive or free items.

The cupboards are full at my house now. I still buy what I can get the best deal on, but now have reduced the amount of money I spend each week. So now, I'm going to keep my purchases for all food, cleaning supplies, over-the-counter medicines, health and beauty items and dog food to under $50.

Here is how I did this week.

Dierbergs: Paid $24.36 for $72.32 of groceries - 66% savings

Schnucks: Paid $14.16 for $28.61 of groceries - 51% savings

Aldi: Paid $10.21 for $14.64 of groceries - 30% savings over Schnucks

CVS: Paid .34 for $44.82 of products - 99% savings
(spent $20.97 ECB's, earned $24.98 ECB's)

Grand Total: Spent $49.07 for $160.39 of products - 69% savings

Notes:
Dierbergs: The One Day Thursday sale was crazy good. When I was there mid-afternoon they were well stocked and prepared for the sale. I've never seen Dierbers put supply carts in the middle of the aisle and slice open the cardboard cartons before yesterday.

Schnucks: I had peelies for the Dr. Pepper. They were left over from when I had used free Dr. Pepper coupons and I saved the peelies for later. I bought the popcorn and didn't have a coupon. I figured it was much less expensive than microwave popcorn even with coupons.

Aldi: I figure my savings by comparing the cost of what I purchase at Aldi with Schnucks prices.

CVS: I had a $5 off $30 coupon I couldn't let go to waste. I purchased the Promax bars and Carnation Instant Breakfast with rain checks that made them free after ECB's.

Shop 'n Save: I passed this week at Shop 'n Save, even though they had a $10 off $50 Thursday and the ConAgra Catalina. The Breyers Ice Cream price at Dierbergs lured me away from this deal.

Walgreens: I passed on them also. I didn't even need what they had for free.