Bragging Rights

I don't usually do this, but I am feeling really confident that I'm saving as much money as possible at the stores lately and wanted to share how: 

First of all, CVS this weekend.  This is what I bought:

1 Box of 96 Pampers - $21.99
1 Bag Pullups - $11.99
1 Pampers Wipes Refill - $7.99
1 Gillette Fusion Razor w/ blades for hubs - $9.79
Razors for me - $1.00
2 Gallons of Milk - 5.00+

Guess how much I paid for all of that?  $34 out of pocket...seriously!  For $57+ worth of stuff.  Doesn't sound like such a great savings when you're bragging on it, but when you do that every time you go to the store, whether it's CVS or the grocery store it really adds up quick!

This is how it went down if you'd like to know:  Pampers and Pullups in first transaction.  Used coupons for both with a $5 off $30 coupon.  Received $10 in ECB, spent $27.  Second transaction was wipes and razors, coupons for all and used ECB, spent $7.  Third transaction (I didn't realize I was going to get 5ECB, otherwise it would have went down differently), so I bought 2 gallons of milk for a buck. 

Second, I've been walking out of Kroger once a week with at least 2-3 things completely free, and quite a few items for .25 or less.  Why?  Well, they double coupons and if you wait until they go on sale for 10/10, then those .50 coupons double and the items are free.  BUT here is the really super awesome thing I just discovered - Kroger is not only taking electronic coupons loaded to your shopper card, but they will also take their own printed coupons from checkout (the cashier hands you), and a manufacturer coupon - ALL for the same 1 item.  That equals really, really cheap!

HOWEVER, that's not where it ends.  I signed up for a Upromise account (upromise.com) and I actually have money deposited into a college fund for the girls when I buy certain items.  SOOOO, say I buy Cottonell toilet paper 12pack at Kroger - I normally have $2.00 off loaded on my shopper card, a $2.00 Kroger coupon, and a .50 manufacturer coupon that doubles.  So that is $5.00 off the toilet paper that was on sale for $5.99.  Then, Upromise will give me $1.50 in my college fund account and so I just made .50.  Essentially I am getting paid to shop for the things we needed (which I bought super cheap) - all I had to do was clip some coupons and then check out the ads that week and make a list!!!

To the hubs it's almost more work than it's worth.  To me, it's something to keep my mind busy on (in between eating bon bons) and to feel like I am really contributing money-wise as best as I can.