Couponing, responsibly and ethically and most importantly, NICELY!

Total retail value of dollars spent in April: $646.34
Total actual dollars spent in April: $376.71
Overall savings: $269.63 or 42%

I did not clear a single shelf. I did not take more than what my family needs. I collected items to donate to a homeless shelter. I left coupons for other people, and gave people coupons from my own collection when I noticed those items in their cart.

I feel pretty decent about the savings for my first real month couponing. And that includes all of my Easter shopping as well. Total, I probably spent less than 8 hours over the entire month clipping coupons and planning my shopping trips. Not crazy. Would you spend 8 hours to save $269?

This month is off to a great start - I just went to Walgreens and spent $5.56, saved $33.28. That's 83.3% savings. Not too shabby!