Have you ever overheard someone saying how much money they’ve saved couponing and think how in the world did they do that? Today I’m going to share my couponing tips and tricks with you.
Do you remember that show Extreme Couponing on TLC? Yeah, that’s not really what we’re going to go over. For real people, that’s just unrealistic. None of us have hours every day to dedicate to couponing. But 2-3 hours per month, that’s something I can handle. My goal is to help you save as much as you can on your weekly grocery bill.
During my last grocery trip I saved $117. But I have saved as much as nearly $200 on a previous shopping trip. And you can do that too, I promise! Let’s get into it, I know you’re anxious to get started.
What You Need
Before we begin there are a few things you’ll need.
- A printer – to print online coupons
- A laptop or computer – to find online coupons
- A plastic binder with dividers – to organize your coupons
- Store flyers
- Sunday paper (or any paper that includes coupons)
Set Aside Time
One thing I will tell you upfront, couponing takes time. I would suggest setting aside an hour or two, possibly longer, to prepare your grocery list and get your coupons prepared for your trip. If you try to do this in the store while you’re shopping you’d most likely get overwhelmed and frustrated. Not to mention you’d miss out on all the great coupons you can snag online.
Where To Find Coupons
There are a few different places you can find coupons. I suggest utilizing all of them.
- Store coupon walls/bulletin boards
- Local newspapers
- Store flyers
- Coupon websites
- Coupon apps
- Store’s website
Know The Policies
Different grocery stores have different coupon policies. To save the most money, you need to find a store that aligns with the type of coupons you want to use. Here are a few things to find out beforehand. You can also call the store and ask them what their coupon policies are if you can’t find them listen online anywhere.
- Do they accept internet printed coupons
- Do they double or triple coupons (Weis doubles up to 99 cents)
- What amount do they double to
- Do they allow you to combine coupons
- Do they also offer e-coupons
- Do they have a reward program
Get The Sale Flyer
This is where I begin my grocery list. I get the sale flyer and mark what I need that is already on sale. This is also where you’ll save the most money, combining a coupon with an item already on sale.
Online Shopping
We’re going to talk about online shopping in general here, not necessarily grocery shopping. If you are shopping online, consider using a cashback app like Rakuten or Swagbucks.
This year I did most of my Christmas shopping online. And I used Rakuten to shop through. Over the past two years I’ve received $194.98 in cash back by shopping through there. It’s so easy, and at the end of the quarter they just send you a check with your cashback on it.
Organize Your Coupons
Once you’ve clipped the coupons you need, organize them in whatever way works for you. Some people use a binder, some people use an envelope system. As long as the system works for you it doesn’t matter what it looks like. Keeping it simple will help you actually use the coupons you collect.
I use an envelope system. I mark the envelopes with what is inside (dairy, canned goods, beauty, etc.) and just throw a rubber band around all the envelopes to keep them together. It’s not a pretty system, but it works for me.
Forget Brand Loyalty
Mayonnaise is mayonnaise is mayonnaise. I would say that about ketchup but my husband strongly disagrees. If you want to get the most savings you can then throw whatever is on sale in that cart.
Yes, I acknowledge that there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, ketchup for my husband. Just watch for sales or coupons on those brands you can’t skimp on and buy them then.
Prepare Your List
I begin by searching the weekly sale flyer. I find items I need and begin my list.
Once I know what items I want, I start matching coupons. I go through my envelopes of coupons to see if I have any matches. If not, I search the internet for specific coupons, such as “Oscar Mayer coupons”. A lot of times you will find companies actually do offer coupons on their websites. I then print what ones I find online.
I search coupon sites, such as coupons.com, for coupons I would need. Since these coupons change weekly, I print any ones I would use now or in the future.
I go to the stores website to see if they have any ecoupons I can use that week. I click on “clip coupon” and it loads those coupons to my store reward card. When I swipe my card at checkout it automatically applies those coupons to my order.
Make sure to read the fine print on the actual coupon. Coupon values are determined by their wording, not by the item pictured. Look for words like “any variety” and limiting terms like “applies to 1.4 ounces size and larger.”
I create a very detailed grocery list, normally in Excel, that includes how many items I need to buy and what the coupon details are (for example, buy one get one free). That helps me keep things straight while I’m in the store.
I try my hardest to only buy items that are on sale. On top of that I then try to only buy it if I have a coupon for it. Of course there are times you need to pay full price, I realize that.
How To Successfully Use Coupons
Here are a few examples on great ways to use those coupons!
Combine a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon together. Example: Stove Top has a manufacturer coupon for stuffing. Your local grocery also has its own coupon for Stove Top stuffing. Combine & voìla! Double the savings.
Use a coupon on an item that has been reduced/on clearance. Example: You have a Stove Top manufacturer’s coupon for stuffing, and then find a box that’s reduced by 50% for quick-sale, now only $1. Apply your $3 coupon to the reduced $1 stuffing and presto – you’ve got $2 in overage that the store owes you! Here is another example: Campbells tomato and chicken noodle soup is on sale for 4/$2 (or .50 a can). I have two coupons for .50 off two cans (which my store will double). I would end up getting 4 cans of tomato soup for free.
Applying “catalina” coupons on your bill. Example: Big chains like Walmart and Weis may offer “save _ dollars off your next purchase” – these are also known as “catalina” coupons. Let’s say you only owe $3 on your current bill. Apply a “$5 off” Catalina and you’ve now got a $2 overage. Nice! Just make sure to check them for expiration dates.
Matching store mega sale. Example: this week if you purchased $20 worth of Annie’s Pasta, Hamburger Helper, Bisquick, Suddenly Salad and Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes you would automatically save $5 off a meat purchase. I had coupons for Annie’s Pasta, Suddenly Salad and Betty Crocker Cookie Mix. I saved $4 with coupons, making the total $16 and then saved $5 off my meat purchase.
Price-matching an item that you’re already using a coupon on. Example: Walmart is selling Oral B toothbrushes for 99 cents. You price-match at a neighboring store and apply a coupon offer of “buy 3 toothbrushes, get $4 off”. Since they’re only 99 cents each, if you buy 3 then you’ve got an overage of $1. Yes!
BOGO (buy one get one free): you can use a coupon for both items, even though one is essentially free. A lot of people aren’t aware of this. Even though one item is free, they are scanning both items thus allowing you to use a coupon on both. This is a great way to get items for next to nothing!
Common Coupon Issues
Some stores will not pay overage in cash. Instead, you may receive credit for future purchases. Which isn’t a big deal if it’s a store you always shop at.
Stores may not allow you to use two coupons simultaneously, such as a manufacturer’s coupon and a store coupon. This is why it’s best to familiarize yourself with that particular stores coupon policies in advance.
Tips
Don’t buy an item just because you have a coupon, only buy items you need. Money spent on things you don’t use is money wasted, not money saved.
See a free coupon magazine? Don’t just grab one, grab several! Even if coupons are limited to one per transaction, you can use them again on another trip!
Make sure you are getting the Sunday paper, that’s normally where you’ll find lots of great coupons.
If you have a high value coupon, hold out until that item is further discounted for maximum savings. Just mind the expiration date.
If you can find sites to sign up for free samples, do it. Most of the samples will come with coupons, some of them being high value coupons (or even for a FREE item sometimes).
Now Go Shop
You’ve got your grocery list, gone through and pulled matching coupons, checked online for additional coupons, and now….go shopping!
Saving money with coupons doesn’t have to be complicated!
