The Consumed or Consumer?

So a year ago before I started coupon a drive into Topeka would leave my van partially full but at a hefty price tag. It was not uncommon to drive all the way into town go to Aldi, the Dollar Tree, and Walmart and spend an easy $125. Usually it would take forever too! My kids would end up grouchy and we would have to grab something to eat, I would have to "treat" myself for just "dealing" with everything. I tried so hard to save money and it was costing me a lot of time.

Today we left for town and were back in less than 3 1/2 hours! That is amazing for me when you think about the time just spent in the car (probably about an hour!). First we hit up HyVee and got paid to buy cereal, which was great since we had only 3 boxes (of course it was kinds no child would care to touch). This came right in the nick of time! And the samples of donuts and cookies made my children's day.

Total: $2.66 plus a $6 off you next order- made $3.44.  Creamer was .17 after coupon.

Then we HAD to get the oil change. I know many of you think, well it would be so much cheaper if you did it yourself. We have well meaning intentions but, there is that matter of TIME again. So, I found a coupon for an oil change for $19 (which was right across the street from HyVee). Spent a total of $20.70 and only 30 minutes of my day waiting (which I used clipping coupons!).

Then on to Dillons where my kids had a blast in the car cart and my oldest helped me find our treasures. Elizabeth is great at helping me stay on track and reminding me of what I went for. On this trip I received another answer to prayer. We just used the last filter on my water pitcher (I'm a tap water snob, but the rest of my family isn't). I find myself not drinking water if I don't have my filter but I couldn't justify the $15 that we spend on 2 filters at Walmart.  On my journey to the "clearance" section, I was jumping up and down (literally, my kids joined me even though they didn't know what for). I got 6 filters for a total of $7!!! I also got 4 packs of Duracell AA batteries that I got paid a .25 each to buy!


Total: $31.66 Totinos Pizza Rolls (8), Party Pizza (8), Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (5)- MONEY MAKER, DelMonte Fruit (5), Yoplait Yogurt (3), Reames Egg Noodle (3)- FREE, Yakisoba Noodles (4)- FREE, Campbells Cream Soups (4), Kroger Sour Cream (1), Crest Kids Toothpaste (5), Crest toothpaste (2), Duracell Batteries (4)- MONEY MAKER, PUR Filters 2pk (3), Kids Suave 2in1 (1)

Today we left town with the oil changed, food jammed under our feet, in record time- even with 5 trips to the restroom, and only spent $52.36. I realized that because I have begun couponing I can easily plan my trip from home- not in the store wondering if I have gotten a good deal with three impatient children. I like the idea of going shopping, keeping most of my money, and keeping my time spent the way I want. I am now the consumer, not the consumed!