Coupon Crazy

My computer is broken which means I can't get the copious amount of pictures off of it, so instead of posting about Ben's reception, hockey practice, or my cute little lady, I'll post a special little message (from my dinosaur computer) for my jealous, money wasting brothers. Read and learn my siblings. :)

A few couponing tips from the slightly-above-average couponer:
(Check local stores for variations in coupon policies, but these are the rules for my local Kroger and Publix)

1. Using coupons on items that are already on SALE yields the greatest saving. Browse your store adds (available in-store, online, and in the newspaper) to find sale items, save your coupons until the item you want goes on sale, and always keep your coupons with you when you're shopping. Yes, I am one of those extra cool ladies that keeps a hot pink, plastic coupon organizer in her purse at all times, and no, I'm never embarrassed to whip it out.

2. Coupons are DOUBLED in value up to $1. So, if you have a $.50 coupon, the store will take an additional $.50 off at the register.

3. You can use both a STORE coupon AND a MANUFACTURERS coupon on each item that you purchase.

4. You can use these two coupons on EACH item that you purchase. For example, if you are buying an item at Publix that is BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) you can use a manufacturers coupon and a store coupon on the item you're paying for AND another manufacturers coupon and another store coupon on the the free item.

5. Don't buy in bulk when using coupons. You can often get an item for FREE when you buy the SMALLEST size allowed by the coupon and stack your coupons.

6. When shopping at places that give you Bonus Bucks or Cash back such as CVS, don't be afraid to break it up into SEPARATE TRANSACTIONS. Pay for all of the items that accrue bonus bucks. Then when they give you the receipt with the bonus bucks, ring up the rest of your items and immediately use your savings.

7. You can use coupons for MORE THAN JUST GROCERIES. I get coupons for clothes from Old Navy to Banana Republic. I get kids eat free coupons for Chilis, BOGO for museum passes, half price zoo passes, free sandwiches at Subway, and 20% off of DSW. The possibilities are limitless (just google your destination before you leave).

8. Don't fall into the trap of getting an item just because you have a coupon. BE PICKY and only use the ones that you need and that maximize your savings.

9. Always use your STORE DISCOUNT CARD along with coupons to maximize your savings.

10. You can get coupons EVERYWHERE. You know I'm a busy girl and I don't have time to leisurely coupon hunt, and I absolutely refuse to pay a service to cut and send me coupons, so here is a list of ways to get quick savings...
There are TONS of sights, but these are my favorite and completely user friendly)

Get your local Sunday paper.
Check the coupon envelops and fliers that are mass mailed. There's lots of junk, but you can usually score a couple decent coupons.

Get coupons sent to your cell phone at
Cellfire.com
redbox.com (free code text to you every Monday)
blockbusterexpress.com (free code text to you every Monday)

Get coupons loaded directly to your card at:
Kroger.com

Print coupons for free at:
couponmom.com
redplum.com
Iheartpublix.com
target.com

Download apps onto your iphone or android that allow you to browse coupons and add them to your store card with one click.
key ring app
Kroger app

Sign up for coupons to be mailed to you:
publix.com
target.com
pampers.com
groupon.com
and follow links on pages like iheartpublix.com and couponmom.com to have free samples and coupon packets mailed to you.

When ordering anything online, check out retailmenot.com first for discount codes. Never press the check out button before finding a code to enter into the promo code box.

Like your favorite products and coupon groups on facebook to get free coupons.

So, I'm not one of those coupon using, stock piling, I buy cat food even though I don't have a cat because it was cheap kind of people, but I do spend my money wisely. So, hop on the band waggon and start thinking before you hand over your hard earned money.

And to end this marathon post,
an example of my savings....

Cinnamon Toast Crunch $5.49
BOGO - $2.75
Store coupon -$2
Manufacturers coupon $1/2 -$.5
= $.24