BellaOnline Forums Family Work & Family Do You Use Coupons to Save Money?

What kind of coupons do you use to save money? I use supermarket coupons and supermarket store cards. They really help my budget. I also use department store coupons but they can lead to $$$ trouble <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> I have to be really careful there.

Althought it's not a coupon, I also belong to My Points.com and use my points to get gift cards.

What coupons, etc. do you use to save money.

I do, but only started doing it seriously recently when we moved to an area with stores that double coupons. I lived in an area that didn't for 11 years and I used coupons maybe 20% of the time, now it's near 90% and I routinely save 30-40% on my grocery bill.

I only use coupons for the grocery store because I dont really shop at other places that accept coupons. When I needed a new washing machine I did use a coupon at sears, but that's a rare occurance.

Meg <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Meg,

That is awesome. That's a huge saving. Do you get your coupons from the Sunday paper? I ask because I read the news online on the weekend.

I do get mine from the sunday newspaper, yes. My parents also send me their coupons and my dad is a news addict and subs to like 4 papers.

I don't read the news, I only sub to the paper for the coupons, LOL. It's not expensive to just have a sunday or weekend delivery. I pay $10/m for 7 day delivery but I don't read the paper...I use it for crafts, and dog clean-up and washing the windows and paper mache, packing boxes for ebay and of course the coupons.

Meg

LOL. I think you are probably very wise using the paper as you do--unfortunately there is very little good news these days.

Meg, I read your post earlier and decided that I would go out and buy the newspaper today. I found that you have to get out really early to get the Sunday paper <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Gonna try again next week, a little earlier or maybe I will have the Sunday paper delivered. The savings seem to be worth it.

Thanks <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I can't go to the store without my store card <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> It saves so much money for me. Sometimes I clip coupons but most often I'll just bring in the ones that can in the food I bought, such as a pasta dish that when you open it up it has a "save 1.50 on your next purchase".

I should go get a newspaper and save even more but I just do not have the time it seemd.

Really? before I subbed I never had a problem, the grocery store, the pharmacy (CVS/Eckerd/Walgreens, etc), the convenience stores...they all had it.

You know, you could call the paper and see about weekend delivery. Where we used to live it cost $1 a week for a Sat and Sun only delivery!! That's the cost of less than 2 Sunday papers <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Another idea, write/email/visit websites of the people who make the product you like and get on their mailing list. Tell them how much you like their product, they will usually send you coupons!

meg

it takes me about 20 minutes a week, max.
I cut out the coupons, then I file them according to date in an envelope. I also write the date they came from on the back (you'll read why in a minute).

I then visit couponmom.com to see what is on sale at my local store that I can combine with a coupon for the best savings (I *do* get double coupons up to $.50). Couponmom has coupons listed by date, which makes it easy for me to find the right envelope and locate the coupons I need.

I use the sale items to then plan a menu for a week or two. I take out the coupons I need and go shopping. When I get home any coupons I don't use go back into their original envelope (which is why I write the date on the back of the coupon!)

I save a lot this way. It takes me 10 minutes to cut coupons and 10 minutes to check couponmom.com and figure out a few meals. I go through the coupons a second time while the cashier is ringing me up or while I'm waiting in line, or I simply pull over before checking out and go through everything.

I get a lot of free or nearly free stuff using this system. An ex: Kroger 10 for $10 deal on colgate toothpaste (mix and match with no required number of purchases) added to $.50 off doubled coupons...I get at least 2 free or $.25 tubes a month this way, same with toothbrushes, shampoo, kids shampoo, body wash, deodorant, etc.

wow! What a great system! I might have to copy you on this <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

and I'm def. going to that couponmom.com site.

Thanks <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Meg

I love your system too. You may be our very own coupon queen <img src="/images/graemlins/queen.gif" alt="" />

Also, I never even thought of going to my CVS for a newspaper <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Planning to get out earlier this coming Sunday to pick up my newspaper before I do my breast cancer walk.

You know I used to clip coupons, then somewhere along the way I stopped using them the way I should. Like Tina, I think I will take from your system too.