DISCLAIMER:
I am a beginner to the whole wide world of couponing and deal seeking. But I feel I should share what little bit I know starting out. Our home surely is not the only one that is either on one tight income, or has a tribe of growing children, or has to endure the expense of caring for a child with special needs, or wondering how a few bags of groceries cost "How Much!!"
My goal for 2009 is to find ways to save more money, and in almost everything I buy, never pay full price! There are deals to be had for just about EVERYthing we consume in our home.
What I know:
There are 2 general methods of saving coupons among the hardcore couponers.
Method 1: Keep the coupon circulars in tact and simply date the front of the coupon circular and file them. Some of the coupon/deal seeking websites will inform you of the best deals for products, they will tell you which circular, the date it was released, how much it is for, when it expired, and your final price after savings. This method works for some, and seems making the coupon easy to find. But I found that I was then sitting and clipping at the last minute and my circulars became a mess with all the clippings and loose paper hanging.
Method 2: Clip them all and organize them in a binder ( my choice). I found a 2in. binder on clearance for few bucks. It has a velcro closure ( I wanted a zipper, but this was rock bottom $), and pockets.
It has a loops for pens, and a pocket for my scissors, a calculator, and my envelopes.
I love the pockets so I can file circulars as soon as I get them, and then clip them when I have time. This is usually Sunday evening, Aaron and I will watch a movie or TV and clip away. I also like to keep the adds for CVS, Walgreens, Target and our local grocery stores in here to price compare if needed.
I purchased dividers and labeled them according to aisle categories.
I purchased baseball card pocket sheets to store my coupons. They face forward only, and duplicates get stacked in one pocket. I have seen some alphabetize their dividers, but I like the aisle method. I also have those who are expiring soonest at the front of that category.
I also have tabbed sections for dining out (see below), and our local stores to store coupons that are only good at those stores.
I have sheet protectors in with the store tabs where I have printed off the store policy with regards to coupons, price matching, and rain checks. I have read stories where money has been lost due to a un-informed checker.
Check your local grocery stores website out. Some allow you to add savings to your shopper card and it is automatically deducted at the check out. I will write a little list of what I added, or put a star next to the item on my shopping list, so I know I am getting a deal.
As much as I hate having a bunch of plastic tabs on my key ring, it is like money hanging there to me. I get store money back on our prescriptions at CVS, and get $.05 off a gallon at the pump at Speedway, and Kroger with a simple swipe of the card. Kroger and CVS keep track of what I buy with the saver cards and Kroger will send me coupons for my most purchased items, several are free! And CVS will email me tons of coupons.
I will check out the websites I love to see what the best deals are, my favs break it down by store and your final price for each item. I make a menu for the week, and include extra meals, just in case. I make my list, taking into consideration the super deals where I can stock up on items. Stocking up seems to be the key here. My shop day is Tuesday. So I have 3 lists, one for each store I plan to visit. I have my list and the coupons I intend to use at that store in an envelope. I do take the binder on my shopping trip, just in case. But I work through my list. If an item is out of stock it goes in a fourth envelope to be held on to until I get can back before the end of the week. If that doesn't happen, then those coupons get re-filed. At the check out I have all the coupons ready to go for the things I have!
Where to go from here:
These are some of my favorite websites, and blogs. Some are overwhelming, and some are good at giving you the basics. Some are local, and some are national. Some specialize in coupons only, and others have a variety of $ saving tips, and organizational ideas.
I am lucky enough to have a mother in law who writes for our county newspaper, "The Clermont Sun". She brings me a copy or two of the Red Plum and Smart Source inserts, which is a huge help. I also pick up the Sunday edition of the Cincinnati Enquirer, here I get the coupons and all the national ads, in addition to the once a month and highly coveted P&G saver.
Here are website for printable coupons:
Check your stores policy about internet coupons before hand. There are great deals to be had!
The Grocery Game - I have a friend who was given a year to this service as a gift at her baby shower. The idea is that for a monthly fee they give you a weekly board game of deals and tell you where the coupon can be found (from previous circulars) and whether it is an item to stock up on, and if it will be free. I'm not keen on it since there is a fee involved, and you can only pick one store to have a game board for. If you want more stores, then it is extra. Some swear by it, but then I find the same information on the blogs of other deal seekers. To each his own!
Coupons and things-- This is a company where you can buy clipped coupons, either individually or by entire circular. If you really want to stock up on a great deal they can get the coupons to you in lightening speed.
Here are my favorite sites for the best finds, tips and education:
Here are a few sites for frugal meal ideas
If your and Old Navy lover then you have to check out
Old Navy Weekly. I have gotten 20% off my purchase, and I don't have to use an old navy credit card to redeem the coupon. This is through ON and you have to find clues on the picture of their ad, and you earn your coupon. They often have either $75 or $50 off of $100 purchase!! Who wouldn't be thrilled to spend $25 on $100 worth of clothing?
And Finally
Wondering what to do with the expired coupons, or coupons you know you won't be using?
Send them overseas! I have a friend who will be heading to Korea for 2 years with her husband. I plan on sending her all my extras and expired coupons. The Commissaries accept coupons up to 6 months past the expiration. You can find a list of addresses for various bases by branch of service
here, with all the rules and how to's. Support our troops and families!
I hope I have inspired a few to rethink how they spend money on the consumables in their homes. I don't know about you, but I would rather flush free TP down the toilet, than a $5 bill!
I hope to keep up with the frugal friday posts, to keep myself accountable with my plan to save us some dough, and hopefully help save you some money. However, I do not see my blog becoming one of being only about coupons, and deals. My blog is intended to be a source of journal for me, and a way to allow my extended family and friends to keep up with the adventures of our tribe. These fantastic ladies are doing a great job of getting the frugal tips out there, and they are true professionals. So, if you want to laugh at my miss-adventures, check back later- if you want to save hardcore money- bookmark all those fabulous websites!
Happy Saving!
Be Blessed!
Annika resting up to explore Alabama!
Have french fries- will travel
I've been partaking of the coffee bar regularly.
And eating like a princess. Nothing like a little comfort food from back home!!
