How to Coupon

You are probably already doing some of these things, but it's when you put it all together when you really save big.

First, two things I didn't realize: 1) Stores want you to use coupons. A lot of stores get their bonuses off of coupons, so the more you use the more they get. 2) Grocery stores run on a 13 week cycle. You don't need to buy a year's supply of something if it's a good deal, you only need to buy a 3 month supply (if it's a really good deal) because those same things will be coming around again in 13 weeks.

The key to couponing is quantity. It is illegal to sell coupons, but it is not illegal to sell the service of clipping coupons. The east coast gets better coupons than the west coast so if you buy east coast coupons you'll save more. For example, the east coast may get a coupon for $1 off something where the west coast will get it for .50 off. The other benefit to buying coupons is that you can order as many as you want. There is usually a 3 item minimum for each coupon and a $3 order minimum. Keep in mind that you only want to buy coupons for the things you will actually use - and you're not going to find coupons for everything. Where you really save big is if you have coupons for the things that are already on sale at the store. (I will buy coupons for things that I know I will use even if there is no sale that week). What I posted about yesterday was 40 boxes of GM cereals and 10 containers of Betty Crocker frosting. Albertsons was having a sale on assorted products 10/$20, but if you bought 10 then they took $10 off. So right there I was getting everything for $1 each if I bought in quantities of 10. The extra savings came in because I had coupons for $1 off when I bought 2. I had these for the cereal and the frosting. So I got everything for .50 each.

What to do:
1. Get your grocery ads on Wednesday. Without regard to brand circle everything in every ad that you would normally buy.

2. Now compare your prices. This will give you an easy reference of who has the best price on what. I have a spreadsheet that I use - it lists everything I have in my cupboards, pantry, fridge, freezer, etc. There's also a grocery list of the same items on there. I tried to add it in here but I couldn't figure it out. If you want a copy you can post your email address or just email me: vrcarter3@yahoo.com.

3. Order your coupons. I like www.thecouponmaster.com, www.thecouponclippers.com, and www.boodle.com. Boodle lets you print off your own coupons. If I order on Wednesday I usually get them by Saturday. I got them Monday this time because of Mother's Day.

Once you get your coupons you're ready to shop. If you have a Walmart Supercenter check there first - they will match prices but they don't put out their own ad. You may want to take your ads with you - our Walmart doesn't take your word for it anymore. Walmart doesn't accept % off, super-saver ads, cash register coupons for specific stores, and B1G1 ads. And they're kind of poopy about coupons in general - but sometimes their prices beat other stores even with coupons. If you can, go to all your different stores in ONE TRIP. If you're getting frozen stuff - throw a cooler in the back of the car.

Keep in mind: 1) You are not always going to get the best deal - don't stress. 2) Be organized - grocery list, menus, shopping list, coupon organizer. 3) Try to go when the stores are less crowded. 4) GET RAINCHECKS - if the store is out of what you want a raincheck gives you your own personal sale.

I recommend getting a few things to help you stay organized: 1) A binder with 13 dividers to keep track of your 13 week cycle. Just throw your spreadsheets in there. Keep your ads for the week in the binder as well. 2) A coupon organizer - you can get this at any office supply store or they sell them on the coupon sites also. Make a list of your coupons by expiration date so you don't throw your money away.

The woman who got all this started in our Stake is Jolinda Eibert. She has a family of 7 and pays $200-300 a month on groceries since she's been doing this. She sells a cd of info for $10 (I'm pretty sure that's the price, I don't have it). I've heard that you make that back in the first transaction. If you're interested in purchasing one her email is J_eibert@yahoo.com. She says she now drives her old grocery bill.

I spent all day on this the first time but I've heard that it should really only take about an hour a week once you get going. Sorry this is so long! Good luck and Happy Couponing!