Couponing for groceries

People say they don't have the time to clip coupons. Oh contraire! If you don't subscribe to the Sunday paper, pick one up at the quick stop or grocery store. Pull the coupon books out. Set them next to your seat while watching your favorite TV program, or set them at the table while you eat your breakfast. It only takes a few minutes. You don't need scissors; you can fold those dotted lines and tear them out just as fast and neatly. Only select those items that you usually buy. Don't take the coupon just because it is a coupon.

When browsing the Sunday paper, take time to thumb through the ads for drug stores and discount stores. They may not have coupons, but for either a specific number of days or for the upcoming week they may have items on sale cheaper than can be purchased at your regular grocery store. For instance we found a 39 oz. container of the coffee that we use which was $2 less than it sells for at the discount stores. Plus the store was on the way, so there was no extra driving.

Check your store's ads, many offer double coupon days. That means whatever the value on the coupon it is doubled when you purchase the item on that day. Usually up to $1.00 face value of coupon.

When you are on the web go out to your favorite store's websites, many times you can sign up to receive additional or special coupons on line via your email. And don't forget if your store has a discount card to attach to your key ring and/or carry in your wallet sign up for it. Many of their specials are only good if you have their discount card to be swiped at the register, and they are free!

There are several websites out there that offer additional coupons and you can make them specific to your zip code. Couponmom.com is one of many. Sign up and get their emails weekly, select the coupons you want and print. Just search for the word Coupons to find other sites.

Now that you have all of these coupons, how are you going to keep up with them? Go to a Dollar Tree or Wal-Mart and pick up a coupon organizer. A $1 is all it costs. It is made of heavy duty plastic coated paper with labeled pockets. If the labels are not exactly how you would classify your shopping items, white them out or use a blank mailing label to cover it up and write in your own label. This is something light enough and small enough to carry in your handbag so it is will you every time you shop! If you do not want it in your bag put in your car console or glove box, or somewhere that would be easy to get to and accessible when you shop.

One last tip, when shopping, you should always use a list! This keeps you from forgetting those things you absolutely need and keeps you on track while shopping. We keep a magnetic list pad on the refrigerator, when we run out of an item or are down to the last of the item, I add it to the list. This keeps you from having to reconstruct what you need or have used during a week, 2 weeks or month, however often you shop.

What are some of your tips on shopping for groceries? Do you have some websites you could share?

My next blog will be talking about finding discounts.

Happy Couponing!!!!