Becoming a committed coupon wielder is one of the best ways to reverse the damage of rising costs and shrinking portions. Nancy Rivera Brooks has slashed $250 from her family’s grocery bill this year by using a handful of tricks to get the most from her coupons…
- Make A List: Bet you never guessed this would be the first item. Always, always, always make a list. Any gain from coupons is easily offset by wasteful list-free shopping.
- Know Your Prices: You can’t tell if you’re getting a good deal if you don’t keep track of prices. Diehards rely on spreadsheets and pounce with coupons when prices plummet.
- Stockpile!: If it isn’t perishable, buy without shame. Reach high and aim for your pantry ceiling.
- Get Organized: Highlight coupon expiration dates to avoid checkout counter letdown.
- Be Selective: Coupons don’t automatically mean savings. Compare discounted prices against other brands and generics to make sure you’re getting the best price.
- Use Multiple Coupon Sources: The Sunday paper is still the most popular coupon source, but that shouldn’t keep you from checking sites like CouponMom.com, TheGroceryGame.com, and MyCoupons.com.
- Combine Coupons: Mix manufacturer’s coupons with store coupons for extra savings.
- Leverage Loyalty Programs: We don’t like grocers tracking everything we buy, but we do love the savings they offer loyal customers. We always happen to conveniently forget our card at home, and cashiers are always more than willing to swipe through their spare discount card.
- Pay Attention: Look for “redeem now” coupons stuck on products for extra savings.
- Be Shameless: Dented can? Ask the manager for a discount.
- Ask For Coupons: Take a minute to whip-up a gushing letter of praise for your favorite brand. They’ll send you coupons as thanks.
All this work to buy cheap food really makes us reconsider foraging. Is that berry poisonous? No? Boom, lunch! We don’t live near bushes, so share your expert coupon-wielding tips in the comments.
Confessions of a dedicated coupon clipper [The Los Angeles Times]
(Photo: Getty)
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@balthisar: I just started The Grocery Game a few weeks ago, and I’m already noticing the savings. I’ve already made back a few months worth the subscription price.
@AmericaTheBrave: Coupon Mom is nothing like The Grocery Game, IMHO. I started with Coupon Mom, then decided to try The Grocery Game. Coupon Mom’s seemed like nothing more than a list of what’s in the flyer with a list of coupons that she happened to have. The Grocery Game also lists unadvertised sales, and also is a much more sophisticated website, which is much easier to use and work with. Also, TGG doesn’t spam your mailbox like Coupon Mom’s does! Glad I’ve got Gmail now. :/
@HooFoot: Coupons for health and beauty, toilet paper, etc are a big savings even if you don’t buy all the other crap. I’ve gotten shampoo for free, and some almost as good as free.
I spend less than 1/2 an hour a week clipping coupons and making lists for shopping. If you want to save money, sometimes it takes time. If you don’t want to save the money, don’t do it.