Coupon Bragging

I drug my good friend, Renee (on her birthday no less) to the coupon class this weekend and it was very informative. I never knew that it was anymore than just clipping a coupon from an ad and using it on that particular item. It actually can be very strategical and in-depth. The coupon lady taught us a lot about how to coupon the smart way: to use coupons on top of sale prices, to use multiple coupons depending on type, coupons doubling, which stores accept what, stockpiling and when to do it with what items, that name brand items can be cheaper than generic, times of the year to buy certain items, and what prices are good for items. It was awesome. So, then we were sent out to see how we could do. I put my new skills to use and made 3 separate lists King Soopers, Albertsons, and Safeway. Then I stapled my coupons to the back of each list that I would use at that store and I was off. I spent about 2.5 to 3 hours total including my travel time, which I didn't think was bad for first time. My results were pretty good and I feel like I should brag just a little about them. At King Soopers I spent $86.24 and saved $61.11 (41% savings), at Albertsons I spent $57.77 and saved $65.19 (53% savings), and at Safeway I spent $34.66 and saved $37.86 (52% savings). My goal is to save at least 50% each time I go shopping. I am going to try really hard and if it weren't for the fish sticks and stain stick that were NOT on my shopping list at King Soopers I might have made my 50% there too. Not too bad for my first time, now I am completely addicted to saving money this way.