Saving Money at the Grocery Store
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You really can save money using coupons.
For years I have been fascinated by how much money others were able to save with coupons. I could never really figure it all out.
When I used coupons I saved a few pennies here and there but normally found that the store brands were still cheaper and it just really never made sense.
Over the past few weeks I have finally figured out how to make coupons work and I have been saving an incredible amount of money. Hopefully this lens will help you use coupons and save some money too!
When I used coupons I saved a few pennies here and there but normally found that the store brands were still cheaper and it just really never made sense.
Over the past few weeks I have finally figured out how to make coupons work and I have been saving an incredible amount of money. Hopefully this lens will help you use coupons and save some money too!
The Basics
The first thing you have to do is start rethinking the way you shop.
Many people are in the habit of shopping once a month or every couple of weeks and buying a little bit of everything.
Some frugal shoppers make lists before they shop and stick to the list and use a few coupons here and there but even they are missing out on a lot of savings.
Get used to shopping at least weekly and instead of buying in small increments you are going to start buying in bulk whenever possible. The best part is that you will be spending a lot less.
Of course you will still need to buy perishables like eggs and milk and meats as you need them but you will find that your pantry is always full of everything else you need.
Many people are in the habit of shopping once a month or every couple of weeks and buying a little bit of everything.
Some frugal shoppers make lists before they shop and stick to the list and use a few coupons here and there but even they are missing out on a lot of savings.
Get used to shopping at least weekly and instead of buying in small increments you are going to start buying in bulk whenever possible. The best part is that you will be spending a lot less.
Of course you will still need to buy perishables like eggs and milk and meats as you need them but you will find that your pantry is always full of everything else you need.
Where to get your coupons
The first step to couponing is to have coupons. The key here is that you want to have not just one coupon for a particular item but a lot of coupons for a particular item.
Some people will buy extra copies of the Sunday newspaper, some people buy coupons from ebay. My preferred way is to buy the Sunday paper (just one) and then I ask all my friends for their coupon inserts. You won't be too surprised that a lot of people don't use the coupons and are happy to share.
Make sure to save all the coupons you find. You probably won't be using them in the same week you get them.
You will also want to sign up with sites like mypoints.com. They have a coupon section and you earn points for every coupon you print and redeem. Double bonus!
There are also coupons to be printed directly from the manufacturers websites so go through your cupboard and start signing up with those as well!
Some people will buy extra copies of the Sunday newspaper, some people buy coupons from ebay. My preferred way is to buy the Sunday paper (just one) and then I ask all my friends for their coupon inserts. You won't be too surprised that a lot of people don't use the coupons and are happy to share.
Make sure to save all the coupons you find. You probably won't be using them in the same week you get them.
You will also want to sign up with sites like mypoints.com. They have a coupon section and you earn points for every coupon you print and redeem. Double bonus!
There are also coupons to be printed directly from the manufacturers websites so go through your cupboard and start signing up with those as well!
Free Coupon Sites
Get Your Free Coupons Here!
- Coupons.com
- Save on your favorite brands. Get Coupons from Coupons.com Today!
- Redplum
- Print Free Grocery Coupons from RedPlum!
- Coupon Network
- Coupon Network, is where sophisticated busy moms and dads go to save money and improve their family's quality of life - with the most value and the most brands.
- SavingStar
- Save on your groceries with SavingStar! SavingStar is a new eCoupon service that's totally paperless - so there's nothing to clip or print. Get over 30 eCoupons worth over $50!
Like Money In Your Mailbox!
Real Free Samples And Deals
Grab some of these free samples and deals to save even more money at the grocery store!
I have lots of coupons, now what?
Watch the sales and start matching up your coupons. This is so important! If you have 10 coupons worth $1 off a package of Green Giant vegetables and your local grocery store puts them on sale at 10 for $10. Guess what? You just got 10 packages of vegetables for FREE.
This is NOT uncommon.
This is NOT uncommon.
My favorite sites for couponing
These are some of the places I visit at least weekly and sometimes daily. The members are great at helping you put together the sales and coupons.
- Hot Coupon World
- This is probably my very favorite. Scroll down to the grocery store section, find your store in your region and start saving! They also list all the great deals and coupons for drug stores and more.
- A Full Cup
- I use this site a lot for walgreens hints and tips and they are excellent for Rite Aid deals and rebates as well!
Get Organized!
In all honesty this is one tip that I thought I could get by without doing. I hate organizing. After about 6 weeks I learned there was no way around it.
My first attempt was with a little pouch that I could fit in my purse. I used index cards to divide the sections.
I quickly learned that while some people prefer this method, I hated it.
Attempt number 2 and the one I am currently using is the binder method. I am using a three ring binder with trading card inserts. Into each pocket I can place one of each kind of coupon. So for instance I have 4 Fresh Express coupons in one pocket, my two clorox coupons in another, etc.
The only problem I have had is that I didn't buy enough baseball card inserts and I think it would be better to also upgrade to a zippered binder. That way if I drop the binder I won't have to worry about the coupons flying everywhere.
I also bought some pocket folders that I want to incorporate into the binder to hold coupons that I haven't yet "filed" away.
Don't forget to put your name, address and phone number inside the binder. You don't want to lose it and not be able to get it back.
My first attempt was with a little pouch that I could fit in my purse. I used index cards to divide the sections.
I quickly learned that while some people prefer this method, I hated it.
Attempt number 2 and the one I am currently using is the binder method. I am using a three ring binder with trading card inserts. Into each pocket I can place one of each kind of coupon. So for instance I have 4 Fresh Express coupons in one pocket, my two clorox coupons in another, etc.
The only problem I have had is that I didn't buy enough baseball card inserts and I think it would be better to also upgrade to a zippered binder. That way if I drop the binder I won't have to worry about the coupons flying everywhere.
I also bought some pocket folders that I want to incorporate into the binder to hold coupons that I haven't yet "filed" away.
Don't forget to put your name, address and phone number inside the binder. You don't want to lose it and not be able to get it back.
Couponing Links
Use these links to sign up for printable coupons.
- MyPoints
- Earn points for every coupon you print and redeem. Points can be converted to gift certificates.
- Betty Crocker
- Coupons change often. Print them just before you plan to use them so they don't expire too soon.
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incomebuddy
Oct 14, 2008 @ 10:45 am | delete
- Thanks for sharing your helpful frugal tips
Your WAHM friend
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by photomom04
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I have been a work at home mom for almost five years now. I love finding new ways to make money at home and to also save money at home. &n... more »
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