My new Project. How much have I saved??????

It's easy to say that you are saving money by using coupons, gift cards and weekly sales, but actually how much are you saving? I know that there have been a few receipts that I have kept because of the IMPRESSIVE savings on them, but I'm sure they are the exception to the rule generally speaking.

So, as a lark, I thought I would keep track of my savings since the beginning of October to actually see how much I would have spent had I have paid the advertised price for the item in question. I have to say though, I'm not factoring in the regular retail price, but starting the equation with the sale price that I find (because most of the things I buy are on sale first and foremost) and subtracting the value of the coupon and or gift card (that I have not paid for because it's a gift)used to purchase the item.

So here is the fun numbers. SINCE THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER MY FAMILY HAS SAVED A GRAND TOTAL OF $40.54!!!! Which is 25% of our total grocery bill. I've been shopping (and stashing) lots of products over the last few years so I do have many cupboards full of canned food, cleaning supplies, smellies and health and beauty items, so I'm at the stage where I only buy what we need (but multiplies of it if we do). And our shopping has been minimal because of that. BUT, I'm happy with the savings so far this month.

I'll be keeping everyone posted with the new totals every now and then. I want to see what my yearly total is going to be because I'm putting the savings into a "jam jar" just to physically show my husband that I'm not wasting my time. LOL.

Happy Thursday everyone!

Price Matching One store to another

Another interesting way to save money, time, energy and GAS is to price match. Two stores in my area price match, and most areas have both of these retailers. Walmart and Zellers. Now I know that there are others out there, but you take what you can get, right?

Walmart is great for price matching. As long as they have the product that is. No questions, no hassle, but out of respect to the cashiers, I try to find a non busy time of day and do it then. There is nothing worse then a large lineup behind someone when they are price matching to another store. Sure makes people ugly that is for sure.

Zellers is just as happy to price match for you too. And the up side of price matching with Zellers is that you get your HBC rewards too. So that is one of the reasons why I tend to choose Zellers over Walmart to price match. My HBC rewards eventually turn into Air Miles, which then in turn become gift certificates (GC's) for food. A great Christmas gift to kids who don't live at home. And a great way to spend your points that everyone appreciates.

One thing that I have found with both of these stores is that not only will they allow you to price match another flyer, they will allow for coupons too. So, you save money with the coupons, save money on wear and tear on your car, gas, and time, but you have the extra bonus of feeling that you just made the best deal out there. How can anyone go wrong?

www.brandsaver.ca and other websites for coupons and deals

So it's a new month, and Easter is now behind us. Thank you Easter Bunny for Visiting our home!

So now that another holiday has past us by, it's time to review what has been happening over the last couple of weeks. For instance, www.brandsaver.ca has provided us coupon a holics with a brand new stack of coupons to request. AND, not only that, they inserted a flyer in most papers for deliver on the Easter weekend. Great bunch of coupons, and if anyone needs extras, it seems that I have quite a few. People are really starting to notice just how much I coupon because now they are giving ME their inserts. Gotta love sharing.

Another favorite of mine of course is www.save.ca. An amazing website that has been around for awhile. Lots of savings for lots of different types of products from laundry all the way to diabetic products. Now most of these coupons are printed with expiries that expire approximately six weeks after your request, so make sure that you only request the ones that you know that you can use, or trade with friends and family.

And of course, another one of my new favorite websites is www.flyercoupons.ca. A website that has been created for the use of the deal/coupon hunter in all of us. Each major Canadian store is listed with the appropriate deals and flyers available for all to review. There is nothing better then to decide that you want to go shopping at Walmart, and then stop in to this website; take a look at all the best deals that OTHERS have found, and then shop your little heart out!

I truly do love it when someone else makes shopping that much more easier for me. It saves me so much time, energy and most of all GAS IN MY CAR!

SmartCanucks.ca

Have you ever had the chance to just google Canadian coupon websites? Well, try it. You are going to find this amazing website called smartcanucks.ca. Not only is it a blog where registered users can post new coupons found, amazing deals and freebies. Now the website has lots more then that, but it would take me forever to list them all. It's run by a Moderator by the "name" of Boo Radley. Absolutely an amazing guy that has provided like minded people with a medium to share all these deals, coupons, etc to better manage our finances. And yes, I have to admit I'm a registered user and have been since the fall of 2008, but I have saved so much money. Can you imagine the feeling of walking into a store knowing that you are going to walk out with something that you either paid nothing but the taxes or totally FREE to your family????? It's such a high. And it's a site so worth the time to check out. Take the time, look me up, and save yourself some money from the tips that others share. You will thank yourself, regardless of your age!