I was determined to spend a lot less on groceries this week and I did all right, especially considering it was a holiday week. The percent savings with coupons was low - only 23% - but I'm still happy.

Before coupons, total was $135.73. Coupon savings was $30.54, and the total after coupons was $105.19. Groceries & household totaled $89.00 ($119.54 - $30.54 coupons). Dog food totaled $16.19, with no coupons.

The average per week is now $135.27, down from $135.91.

I'm actually quite surprised the groceries came in so high, considering I had almost everything I needed for the holiday. I guess I went overboard on some stockpiling of sale items, but that SHOULD mean I won't be spending more for the same items in the upcoming weeks.

I guess the most important thing I keep realizing is that I think I'm not spending much each week because each time I stop at a store the overall total is low, usually under twenty dollars unless I buy dog food. But, when you make 4 or 5 of those trips, it suddenly adds up to $100 if not more!