Meet a new Couponer!

That would be me!
I took a class on Tuesday and organized the coupons in this cute new binder on Wednesday.

all you need to coupon...newspaper inserts, remote control, and a drink...oh and the phone near by so you don't mess up your piles racing to answer it.

Thursday I tried my hand at couponing like a pro.

I bought the pre made binder because they recommend zipper (in case you drop it the coupons won't fly away) and the dividers were all included along with the coupon page protectors.  As much as I was excited about going to Staples and making it myself this was much easier, the same price and the binder has a strap.

The teacher of my class suggested starting off small by picking up a couple things using coupons matched with sales and store policies.  I decided not to bring my binder...I really wanted to take it easy and I was nervous about walking the store with a binder...plus I knew it would take a long time and I wanted to see how Zack would do with our longer than normal trip.
Here is what I got:

The breakdown:
What I would have paid at full price
             Emerald Nuts x4 $29.96
             Colgate Toothpaste $2.89
             Pace Salsa x2 $5.58
Total: $38.43
What I would have paid with store discounts:
            Emerald Nuts x4 $15.48
            Colgate Toothpaste $1
            Pace Salsa x2 $4
Total: $20.48...Not bad, but here is what I actually paid:
            Emerald Nuts x4 $12.48
            Colgate Toothpaste $0 (FREE)
            Pace Salsa $2.50
Total: $14.98
A savings of almost 50%
If I was a more seasoned couponer I would have had more salsa and toothpaste coupons and stocked up (especially the toothpaste).  I don't plan on hording but I do like the idea of stocking up on a few of the things we use all the time.  Would I have bought these items without coupons?  Nuts...no...they are too expensive but I figured I could allow a treat at under $4 a can.  Meanwhile Adam loves his new snack.  Salsa...yes...but the Walmart brand which is pretty good but I would have spent more.  Colgate...maybe I usually buy what sticks out to me.  I can't wait to add to my coupon stock and see what other amazing deals I can find.