Fall Savings Challenge: How Did YOU Do?

With this edition of the Savings Challenge nearing its end, I've been tallying up how I've done in meeting the special challenge we set out for the group: Find creative ways to pay less than full price for everything you buy during the month of October.

In my case, I'm reminded of that line from the old sitcom Get Smart:  "Missed it by that much."

Between coupons, store specials, and a couple of items from the discounted "dented cans bin" at the supermarket, I went the entire month without paying full price for any of the groceries we bought...with two exceptions. I did pay full price for a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs during the month. 

I made it a point to fill up the gas tank on "Thrifty Thursdays" at our local budget station, when they give you an additional five cents off every gallon that day. But one week I forgot, so I needed to fill up at full price.

We don't dine out often, but some friends wanted to meet for dinner. Thankfully we had two BOGOF (Buy One Get One Free) coupons for the same restaurant, so we met them there. They loved the food, and loved that fact that with one of our coupons they cut their dinner cost in half as well.

I even got a haircut for half price by going to the grand opening of a new hair shop in the neighborhood. I guess that's a good deal, although for years I've argued that I should always get half-priced haircuts, since I have 50% less hair than most guys my age.

So, even though I missed it by that much, trying to pay less for everything I bought this month was an informative and fun little exercise that ended up saving me a tidy little sum (about $137, by my estimates).

By the way, there's still time to participate in our Week 4 Savings Challenge: tell us about the best deal you ever got; deadline is Sunday, October 30.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the special October Savings Fest edition of the Savings Challenge!

Photo by creative location via Flickr Creative Commons