Last week, I asked my readers to submit something they would like me to post a tip about...and I received a great question. How do I justify the cost of the coupons verses the savings....(thanks Alyson!!!)
When I first began using coupons, I actually created a spreadsheet, and I kept track of how much I spent on coupons, and how much I saved by using my coupons. I can tell you, that first month alone, I saved $153.00 OVER what I had spent on coupons. I wish I still had that spreadsheet, but...my computer has crashed twice since then, so....
However, this question has got my interest sparked, so, I am going to create a new spreadsheet, and track my coupon "costs" to see just how much I am saving or spending. I know that this past Sunday, I spent $10.00 purchasing five (5) papers to get my inserts, and then found out that I did not get my P&G insert, so, I had to find some on ebay to purchase...so, actually this would be a great thing for everyone to do.
Keep track of the ways you purchase coupons, like in your papers, or if you purchase a magazine for the coupons inside, or if you use a coupon clipping service, then, when you go shopping and you use your coupons, keep track of how much you saved on each shopping trip. I think you will be pleasantly suprised.
At the end of this month, I will post a complete breakdown of my coupon spending and my coupon savings, just to see how much I am saving!!!
