Grocery Roundup, May 26th

It's been awhile since I did one of these! Actually, it's been awhile since I've been on a big shopping trip, too - about three weeks. The last time I went, I decided to visit the grocery store I used to go to, the one that has all the organic sections and lovely millions of choices. Yeah. It took me over two hours and I spent almost double what I usually do. Not good. So, variety may be the spice of life, but apparently I like the spices a little too much. Back to my regular store it was.

Also, after a major printer breakdown (don't ever buy an Epson printer, people - it wasn't even a year old and refused to recognize new printer cartridges, a problem that people all over the internet are now complaining about) and a new purchase, I can finally print online coupons again! Hooray! There's a pretty good treasure trove of them out there, too, this month, not all cleaning supplies and razors like the circulars have had. Also, their coupons don't vanish just because it's a holiday weekend. I have never understood what's up with that, but I know it's always been that way, because I can remember my grandmother complaining about it when I was a kid. Argh.

This trip's totals:

Items purchased: 108
Coupons Used: 22
Coupon Savings: $20.15
Register Coupons: $2.65
Store Card Savings: $31.78

Total Spent: $267.86
Total Saved: $54.58
Percent Saved: 17%

Gas Points Earned: $.50 off per gallon

While I was at the register, I saw a new Consumer Reports magazine (or at least, it's new to me) called ShopSmart, and it's cover article is 'Monster Coupon Deals - How to Save Big On Food, Housewares, Clothing and More'. It has several suggestions, some more realistic than others, but also gives websites for online circular savings, email alert savings, and big coupon sites. I haven't read the whole magazine yet, but it looks like it might have some other good articles in it, too.