These days, everyone’s looking to save money and stretch their budgets, me included. That’s what started my couponing journey. First off, let me tell you it’s time consuming; ladies, you may not want to take hubby to the store with you, in case he has a meltdown, lol. I put a bit of time into it, but considering that I have walked into a store, put $353 of groceries and other items in my cart, got to the register, used my coupons and paid $106 for them, I think it was well worth the time.
I'm posting a few of the ways that I save with coupons; I hope this helps you all out. Please feel free to contact me with a new idea, if you have one. Who knows, I may learn something from you, and sharing is definitely caring.
1. Use Coupons Wisely: If you don’t have a dog, buying dog food because you can save a dollar is absurd. Also, check to see if a different brand of the same item is cheaper than the item you’re buying with the coupon. For example, if Brand X is $3.00 and you have a 50-cent coupon for it; it will be $2.50, but Brand Y is on sale (same size) for $1.50 with no coupon, you’ll save even more.
2. Double Your Coupons: Go to stores that DOUBLE manufacturer's coupons! For example, if you have a 50-cent manufacturer’s coupon, it will be doubled to a dollar coupon. Note: if the coupon says it’s a store coupon, then the coupon is only worth the actual face value. Check to see if the store doubles coupons, because some are eliminating that policy, and honoring coupons at face-value.
3. Don’t be Limited: Don't shop at a store that limits how many coupons you can use in a visit; for example, I didn't shop at Ingle's, because they only allow you to use 3 coupons for every $10 you spend!
4. Look on the Item: Check your actual items themselves for coupons on them; sometimes the manufacturer puts them directly on or near the item! Sometimes, you’ll see a little mechanical box that spits out a coupon.
5. Printing Coupons: There are sites like www.coupons.com, where you can print out coupons for items you buy regularly. And if you use the “back” button on your browser, you can re-print the coupons sometimes for specific items. Also, go to your favorite products websites and sign up to receive coupons. WARNING: Make up an email address just for "freebies, etc.," so that your regular email address doesn’t get overworked or spammed. For example: welovefreestuff@email.com Don’t forget to check the emails. (I’d recommend using Gmail, they don’t spam as much as the others.)
6. Atta Boy: If you like a specific product, call the company’s customer service number and give them an "atta boy!" Tell them why you like the product; I've gotten free coupons and products by doing that. In addition, if something is discontinued, sometimes they will send you coupons or even some of the product itself. Likewise, if you weren't satisfied, contact them! It's much cheaper for them to send you replacement product or coupons and make you happy, than to lose dozens of customers by word of mouth and complaints on social media.
7. Loyalty Cards: If you shop at Kroger, you can sign up for a Shopper's card, register it on their website and you may download coupons directly to the card; Kroger even mails you coupons based on your "frequent" items. (You also accumulate points for cents’ off on their gas.) They’re also good about mailing coupons for items you buy regularly. There are also other grocery stores that have customer loyalty cards. Check with your local stores to see. Those of you with babies should sign up for Publix Baby Club; it’s free to join. They mail you coupons for free items, as well as coupons for diapers, wipes, and other goodies!
8. Sunday’s Paper: Grab your local Sunday’s paper. I like to get mine on Saturday afternoon from the store, so I can get the sales papers early and make a list of what’s on sale. Please remember to check to make sure the coupons are in there, or if there will be coupons in that issue. For example, the Atlanta Journal Constitution will have a banner across the top on Sunday’s paper that says, "Up to $213 in savings; $2,664 this year.” If you don’t see the banner, chances are there aren’t coupons that particular week. Keep in mind, on certain holidays, there won’t be any coupons.
9. Be Patient: Don’t always run to the store right away to use your coupons. Product promotions are usually planned so that consumers run to the store right away to buy, buy, buy! If you wait a couple weeks, the sales will often line up with in-store promotions, and you’ll save even more.
10. Search the Internet: Look for websites that do the work for you, letting you know what coupons are coming, what items are on sale, what items are freebies. Yes, there are angels who blog and post these things, bless them! Also, follow them on social media. Here are three that I know of:
www.couponmamacita.com
www.freestufftimes.com
www.commonsensewithmoney.com
11. Sharing is Caring: I also swap coupons with a friend; we trade the ones we don't use for ones we can!
What are some ways you use coupons to save?
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