Today was an amazing day for frugality in our family! We went to Target to take advantage of some of the great deals (check them out here) and then headed over to Qdoba for lunch. Total spent on BOTH trips = $3.73
How did I do it? With some simple planning ahead!
![IMAG0001](https://freeandeasyliving.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/imag0001.jpg?w=490&h=326)
Here’s everything purchased at Target. I spent a total of $3.73 today on 15 items! My husband’s jaw literally dropped when I told him what the total was as we were leaving.
The breakdown:
2 loaves of Market Pantry bread
Org $01.39
– 2 Target Coupons for $0.50/1 (no longer available)
OOP = $0.89 a loaf, or $1.78 for both
2 Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza’s
On sale 5/$5
– $1/2 printable coupon
OOP = $0.50 each, or $1 for both (Makes this a BOGO free)
Clean and Clear Morning Scrub Face Wash Trial Size
Org $0.97
– $1/1 coupon (from SS 8/1)
OOP = FREE
2 pkgs 14ct Stride gum
Org. $0.99
– BOGO Free Target Coupon
= Like paying $0.49 each
Glade Tough Odor Solutions Carpet Cleaner
Org. $1.99
-$1/1 Target Coupon
-$0.75/1 (from SS 8/22)
OOP = $0.24
Vaseline Lotion (we bought the aloe kind but it’s good toward any 10oz size)
Org. $2.99
-$1.50/1 Target Coupon
-$1/1 (from RP 8/1)
OOP = $0.49
Skintimate Shave Gel
Org. $1.97
-$0.75/1 (from SS 8/1)
OOP = $1.27
2 Glade scented candles, 2oz size
Org. $2.99
On clearance for $1.48
-$2/2 (from SS 8/22)
-$2/2 Target Coupon
OOP = $0.48 each or $0.96 for both
Purina Chef Michael’s canine creations, 3oz size
Org. $0.87
-Free sample coupon (SS 8/22)
OOP = FREE
Kraft shredded or block cheese, assorted varieties
On sale for $2
-$1/2 coupon
OOP = $1.50 each or $3 for both
TOTAL w/tax: $8.73
– $5 gift card earned two weeks ago as part of a Target promotion for diapers
TOTAL OUT OF MY POCKET:$3.73
What do all these abbreviations and jargon mean?
Woohoo! After our amazing Target trip we went to Qdoba for lunch. I used my BOGO free coupon, my free entree reward earned through the Qdoba rewards program AND my husband’s free drink for students discount to get lunch for the family for free! Totally free. Not even sales tax to cover! (How did I earn all those discounts? Read here for more!)
![CIMG0877](https://freeandeasyliving.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/cimg0877.jpg?w=490&h=655)
A burrito for my hubby, a You Pick Two combo (chicken quesadilla and chicken nachos) for me and my son, and we ate inside so sharing one drink was no problem with free refills. YUMMY!
The lesson here is two-fold. Investing the time to track coupons and make shopping lists PAYS OFF, and it pays off big time. If I had walked into Target without a single coupon or gift card my purchase would have been $23.77! Qdoba alone would have been $13.57 plus tax. Both trips WOULD have cost me roughly $38, and instead cost me less than $4.
You too can be a smarter consumer! All it takes is a little time and the determination to spend only what you have to. Never let anyone tell you using coupons means you’re poor or cheap, and NEVER let anyone tell you can only be happy unless you have and spend lots of money. Living a frugal lifestyle takes work, but it’s easier than you think. As I’ve always told my husband, there are two currencies in life you have to spend: Your time, or your money. For our family it is a worthy investment of time to research the deals before reaching into our wallets.
Happy Savings Readers! I hope your week is full of success, great deals and maybe a free burrito or two! 😉 ❤
Tags: coupons, deals, free, freebies, online coupons, printable coupons, savings, student discount, target