Getting the most out of my coupons

tazwoman · **Posted:** 28 Jul 2008 18:56

Ok, I've been using coupons for quite a while but I want to start using more of them to pay for my groceries.

Here's what I mean; Before we go shopping (its just my sister and I) we always have a list of items that we need as well as any ads and our coupons. This weekend we went to Crest in Edmond and spent $143. We only saved $10. We also shop at Homeland (only shop off the ad), Target (again, only off the ad) and Aldi's.

The items we bought were items that don't ususally have coupons like fresh meat and produce. We also bought pop (coke was 4 for $11). Sometimes our grocery bill has been as high as $170 with coupons. We try to buy enough food and such to last us two weeks. With my work schedule (11pm-7am 10 days on and 4 days off) and her's (Mon-Fri 7am-3pm) we don't like to run around all over town. We usually shop either in the early morning (that's why we like 24hr stores) or late at night. We try to go together as much as we can.

How else can we get more use out of our coupons?

dsnylvr97 · **Posted:** 28 Jul 2008 19:33

Our posts on here may be kind of misleading at times, because usually when we save tons and use lots of coupons, we're cherry-picking. We're only getting the really good deals, not our regular weekly shopping. While it's true that you can save lots with coupons, you still have to buy meat and produce that RARELY have coupons. Just keep checking out everything you can on this forum. It will get better, and you'll see the totals dwindle down. Glad you're here.....you're off to a great start!

frugalqueen · **Posted:** 28 Jul 2008 20:08

tazwoman,

I find peelies on some meat at Super Targets they range anywhere from $1, $1.50, $2, and some times even $3. I have gotten eye of round steaks from Super Target on several occasions for around $2 and t has 3-4 steaks in the package so next time you stop at a super target check on ALL the fresh meat packages!! HTH (hope this helps)

bkokc00 · **Posted:** 28 Jul 2008 20:16

taz...i used to spend at least $100 a week at walmart doing all my shopping there..since i started using coupons at first it didn't seem like i saved a lot, now i got the hang of it..when i see a good deal i grab it..if i can get 16 bottles of shampoo for under $3 i get it..it keeps me from having to buy shampoo for a while, this is where your coupons save you money, cheap toothpaste, toiletpaper, laundry soap etc, when there is a sale and you can use coupons with it, i will get 5 or 10 or 20 of the item, however many coupons i may have.
Next time i go to walmart i don't need any of those items anymore...my receipts at walmart now for regular shopping usually are around $50-$60. Of course using one coupon here and there saves you some money, but you save even more if you grab a bunch when you can get it cheap or free with your coupons.

bkokc00 · **Posted:** 28 Jul 2008 20:17

oh and also...since you went to crest..homeland is just down the road and so is walgreens and cvs..when i go that way i just have a list of items i want to get at every store.

couponprincess · **Posted:** 28 Jul 2008 22:31

Thinking about my own shopping, since I have a family of 5, it is easier to save more with coupons because I tend to buy kid friendly items like peanut butter, jelly, and other non perishables. I stock up on the mustard, mayo, pasta sauce when it is on sale or free. When I gather up months worth of supplies for my pantry, then when I do my regular shopping I am not spending as much. I do like to take advantage of CVS deals, and use my ECB's on my Diet Coke when it is on sale there. I also like to keep a stock of laundry soap, dish soap, and fabric softener. That alone can save me atleast $20 a month in savings right there! Good luck, it does take time and dedication.

Karen_Perea · **Posted:** 29 Jul 2008 09:21

I also "cherry pick" the sales since I have to pass a Buy 4 Less, Homeland, Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, CVS and Walgreens to get to and from work daily. I also do rebates and "Try Me Frees" on food. I also write the manufacturers to get coupon or FREE coupons from them. When I find a good deal I stock up. Now I am stocked on diapers, wipes, shampoo, Kotex items and lunch meat

. I do not need to buy these so that extra $ comes in handy.

Frugal Fraulein · **Posted:** 29 Jul 2008 17:07

Like these ladies are saying, you're going to save the most over the long haul as you stockpile. And you'll probably save the most on personal care items and household items rather than on the perishable food items. The key is to, as Britta said, stock up when you can on a really great sale. Also, you can't be brand conscious. Well, you can, but you won't save as much.

I think that $170 every 2 weeks for two people is great....especially if you are buying alot of fresh meat and produce.

Getting the most out of my coupons

Who is online