Coupons!!

Lets talk COUPONS!!

Savings!!

Yay!! :)

Ok, so I know some people are uncomfortable using coupons.  If you want to save money then that is something that you are going to have to get over.

Now first thing is to remember that just because there is a coupon for it doesn't mean you need to buy it.  If your not going to use it your still wasting money even if its just a few cents.  Those few cents here and there really add up.  Especially if you are on a limited budget.

I really try to match coupons that are available with sales that are going on.  You can really save a lot of money that way.

There are a few rules to follow when you use coupons.

1.    Make sure you know the stores coupon policy.  Some stores will accept other stores coupons, or will price match.  This can be really helpful for saving money and time.
2. If you have a lot of coupons and there are a lot of people lining up behind you, politley tell them that you have quite a few coupons and it may take you longer.
3. You can stack certain coupons.  Store coupons and manufacturer coupons can be used together because they are different types.
4. SIGN UP FOR TEXT COUPONS!!
5. Check store websites for coupons
6. SIGN UP COUPONS IN THE MAIL.  Stores will often send exclusive coupons to people who sign up for them.
7. SIGN UP FOR REWARDS CARDS.  You can save a lot of money with these and some store give exclusive points redeemable for free products.
8. Look for in store coupons on the products and the shelves.  Then make sure the checkers use them!

These are all strategies I use to help save money at the grocery store and other stores as well.  This saves me a TON of money.  Every little bit helps.

There are coupon apps you can use to if you have a smart phone.  The one I use most often is retailmenot.  It will tell you where the sales and coupons are at the stores nearest to you.

Ok, now go sign up for all these and have fun saving!!

Amanda

11 Ways I Save Money at the Grocery Store

We all have to eat

Most of us have to get at least the majority of it at the grocery store.

This can either be a pleasant experience or a terrible experience.  Unless your one of those blessed people who don't have to worry about money and can buy whatever you want then this post if for you.

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank.  

Even if your like me and you have 4 kids eating you out of house and home.  I think all my 3 year old does is eat.  

I'm going to share with you how I feed all these growing kids and a husband that works hard and myself without having to go totally broke.

1. Most of the time I buy generic. A lot of store brands are just repackaged name brands anyways.


2. Don't shop at eye level. This is where they put the most expensive groceries. Look up and look down.


3. Don't shop with your kids if you can help it. They are going to bug you for stuff and all its going to do is make you angry. Then you will lose your temper with your kids and look like a jerk.


4. Don't shop when your hungry!! This should be self explanatory.


5. Remember that just because you would like to have it doesn't mean you need it.


6. Put the real food in your cart first. Fruit, vegetables, rice, beans, meat, dairy.


7. Then if you have some money left you can get those Oreo's.


8. Buy ingredients, not prepared meals. For that $3 you just spent on a can of soup you can buy a bag of frozen vegetables, a bag of barley, and some bullion. You can make a giant pot of vegetable barley soup and still have ingredients left over. That will definitely feed more than a single can of soup.


9. Don't be afraid to shop the reduced rack. I get great stuff off of our reduced produce rack all the time. It's not always stuff that's going bad. Sometimes they have overstock and they mark it down. And even if there are a couple of bad berries or one soft orange you can pick them out and then wash the fruit in a solution of vinegar and water. Good as new. Plus you can freeze what your not going to get through before it goes bad.


10. I also like to look for markdowns in the meat department. Often times I can find manager specials or 50% of coupons. Then I buy these up and put them in the freezer. The freezer will extend their life and I don't have to pay full price.


11. Buy in bulk. I like to wait for my local grocery stores to have their case sales and then I stock up on my canned goods and snacks. It's really great if you can score some coupons to use at the same time. That makes me really happy!






Amanda