Does clipping coupons really save money?

Well.... here was my GREAT score at Safeway today.

Price before coupons: approx $75
Amount actually spent: $14

And I would have scored 10 more items for an additional $3 except that the store ran out of juice. So I'll go back tomorrow and try again (this sale ends on Tuesday).

Where am I learning how to stock up and save? Through a few websites: www.thegrocerygame.com (paid membership), and www.moneysavingmom.com and www.centsibleshopper.blogspot.com(free blogs) have been the best.

Where do I get all the coupons? A few people at work stock me up with tons of coupons. They have been lifesavers in my efforts! Other coupons are printed from the internet.

What do I do with all that stuff?! Some of it I keep for our family, as we are trying to limit all grocery, drug store, etc. spending to $300/month. Some of it is donated to food baskets, families at my school, friends, and others in need. And some of the "luxury" items (candles, makeup, nail clippers, etc.) that I score for free are sold to help us in our new efforts to sponsor a child in Rwanda!

Sponsoring a child in Rwanda? Yes! I'm so excited that our family can begin this new adventure of learning to care for God's people around the world. I hope that the kids can see that this takes energy and sacrifice on our part (they are already helping me with the shopping and savings), and that they will want to contribute as well. Check out: www.africanewlife.org for more information. And if you are local, feel free to give us your unused coupons from your Sunday paper! :)