[blockquote]It’s time to change the way you shop. No matter the size of your family, couponing is for you![/blockquote]
It wasn’t long ago that we spent $400, our allotted monthly budget, on groceries and household items in one large shopping trip. With a baby on the way, we knew we needed to reevaluate our budget. Couponing was the answer for us. Now, four months later, we have yet to spend $400 total, our previous monthly budget, on grocery and household items and have even stockpiled items for future use. Could couponing help your family reevaluate your budget?
It’s time to change the way you shop! Forget running to the store for the one item you need. And no more monthly shopping trips, costing you hundreds of dollars. No matter the size of your family, couponing is for you!
[box type=”info_box” style=”box_light_gray”]Disclaimer: Couponing requires you to shop at several different stores (grocery, drug, and big box retail stores), sometimes multiples time per week. In order to maximize savings, you will need to stockpile good deals or items you use frequently. You cannot be brand-specific, but you will only be buying brand name. Remember that reality television shows about couponing are just that— a television show. Don’t expect your couponing experience to be similar. (Who needs 124 bottles of mustard anyway?)[/box]
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Step 1: Bust out the scissors
Your first step must be clipping coupons.
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- Look in your Sunday paper for coupon inserts. (P&G, Red Plum, Smart Source)
- Peruse websites and print coupons on your home computer. (Coupons.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com, any manufacturer’s or store’s websites)
- Find coupon sites that allow you to upload coupons to your customer loyalty card. (Kroger.com, cellfire.com)
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Get as many coupons as you can! Ask family and friends for their weekly coupons. Don’t be offended when you become known as “that crazy couponer.”
Step 2: Build-A-Binder
It’s important to get organized. Purchase a binder and baseball card holders. You can find these at craft stores, many big box retailers or they just may be tucked away in your closet. Divide the binder into categories. You will find your own set of categories that work best for your household.
This binder will become your companion on all shopping trips. Don’t be embarrassed to have it in your cart, even if it does displace your child from his/her seat.
Step 3: When & Where
These four factors will determine when and where you buy particular items:
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- Match coupons with sale prices or promotions. Using a coupon on a regularly priced item might not make sense when a generic option is still cheaper. If you wait to use that coupon when the item is on sale, it will generally be cheaper than generic.
- Stack coupons. Many stores issue their own weekly coupons. Keep in mind that you can stack one store coupon with one manufacturer’s coupon.
- Double coupons. Check with your store’s policy on doubling coupons. Typically, this only applies to grocery stores.
- Store dollars. Recognize when stores give you “reward dollars” for purchasing certain items or quantities of items. These “reward dollars” can be used towards future purchases and should be factored into your savings.
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Step 4: Go for it!
Get organized before you leave the house. Make a list of the items you hope to buy and pull the coupons for those items. If you plan to go to multiples stores, divide your coupons into envelopes labeled with that store’s name.
Even if you have planned your shopping trip and pulled your coupons, always take your coupon binder. You never know when you may find a great deal!
If it’s your first couponing experience, start out small. Don’t plan to save 100% on your first trip and realize you will learn couponing rules and store policies as you go along.
Choose the day and time you shop wisely. You do not want to be couponing during the store’s busiest time. Early mornings or late evenings are best. Be aware, however, that couponing is becoming more popular. In order to get the week’s best deals, you have to shop early in the week.
Always watch the register as your items are scanned. Your planning will be put to the test! Don’t be afraid to question the employee or involve management if an item or coupon does not scan at the correct price. It is smart to keep a copy of the store’s coupon policy with you.
When you first start couponing, you will be inclined to buy, buy, buy. Know that sale prices cycle every 6-8 weeks. That means that while deodorant might be 75 cents this week, it could be even cheaper next week.
Happy Couponing
We hope this four-step guide helps you begin your couponing career while saving you lots of money. Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions or concerns. We would love to hear about your couponing experiences!