COUPONLY

"Robbing" CVS and Publix seem to be very popular in the blog world. Not one to ever gravitate towards having to do math, I have chosen convenience over cost so far.

But I couldn't help but notice that Kashi Go Lean, my cereal du jour, was on sale this week at Target: four boxes for $11 and then Target gives you a $5 gift card just for playing. So I did what I was told and printed off four coupons.

Now for the math. Ew. For my sake and yours, I'm going to work the problem out all the way through. Showing my work was always my favorite part of math anyway.

Cost Per Box = 4 /$11
Cost Per Box = $2.75
Without a gift card or coupons, that price alone is affordable compared to what one box normally costs.

BUT I have two coupons for $2 off and two coupons for $1. One coupon per box. Which now makes it:
Total Cost = $(2.75-2.00) + (2.75-2.00) + (2.75-1.00) + (2.75-1.00)
Total Cost = $0.75 + 0.75 + 1.75 + 1.75
Total Cost = $5.00
Again, pretty affordable. But remember Target is giving me a $5 gift card. So:
Total Cost = $(5.00-5)
Total Cost = $0
Which means, guess who is going to get four boxes of her favorite cereal FOR FREE?

Now I may be new to this whole coupon thing but I know FREE is pretty darn affordable, even if I have to carry 3 extra boxes around in my car.

I guess if you've been like me and have been wanting to try the coupon thing but don't think you'll be patient/clever enough for it, wait for a product you use every day to go on sale and give it a try. I'm starting small.