First Try at Couponing

So, you may not know it but lately I have become very interested in couponing. It is actually something of a fad since that new show Extreme Couponing came on TLC. The people on this show are crazy! They are mostly stay at home moms and they claim that they spend 40-60 hours a week couponing. But, it pays off! They typically save between 90 and 100% off of their shopping bills. Well, I know that there is no way that I can compete at this level since I have a full time job - but I am interested enough to devote some time to it in the interest of saving money. There is an awesome forum website that I read daily that tells you how to do everything and pretty much walks you through great deals each week at your local stores. I decided to start slow and easy and make my first trip to Wal-Mart. Truthfully, I probably spent about 6-8 hours this week looking for coupons, reading the website, clipping coupons, looking at sale ads, and then planning out my shopping trip. And while I didn't get a "Extreme" deal on everything, since not everything was on sale but I still needed it, I think that I did pretty good. Here is what I got today:

(2) Crest Whitening Toothpaste $2.77 each = $5.54
(2) Cokes $1.48 each = $2.96
(2) Crest Mouthwash $3.47 each = $6.94
(1) Heinz White Vinegar $1.00
(4) Crest Toothbrushes $1.50 each = $6.00
(8) Bar S Bologna $1.18 each = $9.44
(3) Lunchables w/ Fruit $2.38 = $7.14
(2) Brillo Spongepacks $1.46 = $2.92
(4) Smuckers Simply Fruit Jelly $1.54 = $6.16
(8) Pasta & Rice Sides $.98 each = $7.87

Total before coupons: $55.97
Total amount of coupons: -$19.20
Total after coupons: $36.77 A savings of 34%

Not too bad for my first trip. And the website where all these people go on and on about how much they save say that it only gets better with time because you'll have more coupons and can wait for more stuff to go on sale before you have to buy it. For now, I am having fun with it - plus saving money!!!