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Monday, February 7

couponing

Piggy Bank Pictures, Images and Photos

So, I have been doing my research on ways to save at the market. 
For awhile now I have become interested in finding ways to coupon that actually make
a dent in food bills.  I am new to this.   If anyone has hints or advice on other sites
or these, and ways to get the most for your buck, please chime in. 
I know there is an art to good couponing, so if any artists of the savings kind
are reading , please leave a comment if you have strategies or techniques
you have come across putting pennies back into the piggy bank
Not looking to become a fanatic about it nor become overwhelmed as coupon
sites may reveal, but am looking to not just a couple square papers which only save
minimally short term, but rather to a ziplock full of paper savings which result in
the gratitude of walking from the market feeling proud. 
I already offset between the market with the dollar store which
does create savings within itself.  i love our small town however our
local paper does not spill out with savings so i would like to find ways to
get the most from couponing;  at an angle that supports
consumer savings and effort.
  
 These are the sites I have come across so far. 

http://www.coupons.com/

Curious if anyone is using one or more of these sites and if so, do you recommend?

For now, continuing to research this art form
and preparing to sharpen up the scissors  : }

3 comments:

Marg said...

WE don't use any of those sites so don't have many suggestions. But it is probably a good idea to try all that couponing. I really should do it too. Heaven knows, I need to save money with all these animals that live here.

twondra said...

I've been wanting to do this, too. I'd be very interested to hear what people say and what you find out!

PDX pride said...

I don't use those sites, but I know a few tricks.
1. Don't cut out any coupons for products you don't already use.
2. Go to manufacturers' websites to check for coupons and print them out or sign up for their e-mail newsletters (which often have coupons). Especially good for high-quality pet food!
3. Keep track of your spending from month to month. I use a spreadsheet, inputting my purchases from receipts (each item on its own line, price, coupon price if I use a coupon or a savings card, and then total it up). Then, when I go to make my shopping list for the next time, I look at the previous list and go from there. I add each item up each month, so I know how much I'm spending on the regular things I buy and how much on "extras" that I could cut down on.
4. Use a coin jar for pennies, then cash that in every month and use it for "extras" like dinner out or movies. That way, you're not dipping into your "real" money for those things, but still feel like you're splurging and treating yourselves.
5. Sign up for any FREE savings cards/keychain things like Safeway and Albertsons have, then don't forget to actually USE them! ;)
6. Compare store ads online before you actually go to the store. If, say, meat is cheaper at Albertsons than at Safeway, then make a trip to each if the gas isn't prohibitive.