I know several sites that are dedicated to bringing you the latest, hottest deals from food to fashion. Sites like The Krazy Coupon Lady and Couponing101 are superior in giving you an education on clipping coupons.
Before my frugal days, back when I never clipped a coupon, I had no clue the amount of savings that was possible. Especially on my weekly grocery bill. Now, I don’t hit the store without a fist full of coupons, a list and a weekly meal plan (oh, and sometimes toting three kids).
Rule #1: Know where to get your coupons and make a home for them.
You can find the traditional coupons in your local Sunday paper. If you don’t subscribe to that, get ‘er done. The amount you save in the first month will by far cover the cost of the paper. You’ll find the coupon inserts Smart Source, Red Plum and Proctor & Gamble (some weeks all three will be in there, some weeks only one or two inserts).
Learn to print coupons from home too. The site I most frequent is SmartSource. You’ll need to download their printing software initially, but it’s painless (and safe). After that, your coupons are just a click away.
I keep all my coupons in my handy Couponizer. You can also build a coupon organizer yourself. Just make sure you have a plan for them, otherwise a pile of clipped coupons will soon become a big mess.
Rule #2: Match your coupons with sales and promotions.
So you have a coupon for coffee. You then find in your grocery stores’ sales ad the same brand of coffee is on sale… awesome! Saving is fun.
Be sure to look for coupons to stack too. This just means matching one manufacturer coupon with one store coupon. Another way to save BIG.
Contact the grocery store you frequent to see if they offer ‘double coupon’ days. I ONLY shop on double coupon days (the grocery store I go to offers double days twice a week –sweet). Stores will match your coupons up to a certain value on double days. This means that one $0.75 off coupon becomes a $1.50 off coupon.
Rule #3: Don’t leave home without a list and only buy what’s on your list.
Impulse purchases are a great way to eat up your income. Don’t fall victim to them at the grocery store. Limit your shopping trips to 1-2 times per week. Take the time to sit down and plan out your meals for the week. Some sites I love that help me with meal planning:
- MealMakeOverMoms.com — Learn how to eat better with two of the nations top experts on family nutrition.
- SuperHealthyKids.com — From breakfast to dessert, you’ll find recipes to keep you busy for some time.
- RealMomsLoveToEat.com — Your source for tasty, fresh, whole food meals and food facts.
I’ve created a printable weekly meal plan you can post to your fridge and a “stock up” list. Use them to help organize yourself.
Don’t make coupon clipping a full-time job. Save your family a ton of money and take these steps to create a smooth grocery shopping routine.
Do you have any tricks up your sleeve? Let us know in the comments below…
