Saving Money. . . The Coupon Rage

So, I am really in to couponing these days. . . Who doesn't like to save money?

I have a new rule- nothing is purchased without a coupon or at least at a good sale price. Hopefully, the two are combined. Even eating out lately has been with coupons. Yesterday I also made a Micheal's Run. I needed some White Chalk Pens. I had a 40% coupon for that item, I also needed 2 large spools of Christmas ribbon (to complete a wreath project to sale)- also on sale at 40% off, and found 3 ornaments to complete the wreath. With the discounts and two gift cards (that had small amounts left over on each) my total cost was under $7.00. Got to love a great deal!

I had a good run at Walgreens yesterday and I have had a few folks ask me how or what my savings were. It was not the best (I can never get down to free but have that as my new goal) but overall it was a pretty good one. I didn't do too bad at Rite Aid, but I was buying foundation there so my cost was a bit higher. . . but, I did walk out with 19.00 in register rewards for my next Rite Aid Shopping trip.

Here is the Walgreens Information:

Purchased:
4 (12) packs of Pepsi Products
2 Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergents
3 cans of Tomato Sauce
2 Contact Lens Solutions
1 12 pack Toilet Paper
2 jars Grape Jelly
1 Lotion
Cleaning Wipes

Paid: $22.00- Not so bad. . . but, I have done better. :)


I used Walgreens coupons along with product coupons for all the items, but the Laundry Detergent and Tomato Sauce (in store coupon only for that one). I missed a paper recently and that meant I didn't have a coupon for each of the laundry detergents.



Some of my basic tips for couponing are:
1. Get organized early on. I used a Target GC to buy baseball card holders, I had a binder, and then I printed out the Coupon Book Organizer from The Krazy Coupon Lady.

2. Buy papers. It does save money and provides you will some great coupons. Or, ask your friends/family for their coupons if they do not use them.

3. Print online coupons. My general rule is to only print those coupons I will actually use.

4. Utilize Websites, etc. that show you the deals BUT don't forget to actually look for them on your own. Often, I find a few deals that may have been missed. I love Money Saving Mom's site- she combines a lot of deals and postings to help get you started on saving.

5. Make a list from the sale papers and pull your coupons for those items ahead of time.

6. Bring your coupon book with you. You never know when you will find an item on clearance or a special sale.

7. Join a coupon group- let people know you are couponing! Recently, when I was buying my papers (2 of each), a man saw me in line and asked if I wanted his coupons because "you look like one of those extreme coupon ladies." His coupons (FREE to me) meant I was able to purchase another set of my favorite shampoo and Conditioner on sale and an additional $4.00 off. In all total, I bought 4 sets- on sale and $4.00 off each set with the coupons.

8. Stack coupons- Most stores will take a manufacter's coupon along with a store coupon for an item. Be sure to read the rules and know the store's guidelines. Often the clerks may not know the rules- especially if they are newer.

9. Make certain it is a product you will use. If you are not going to use it, the coupon savings isn't saving. I will clip coupons for diapers to donate to the local Preg. Center. One week, I paid $3.00 for a huge pack of diapers after a sale and coupons. It is nice to be able to give back a little bit.

10. Don't stress. If you don't get a certain deal for the week, it is ok. At first (and yes even some now) that really bothered me, but I have learned unless it is a really REALLY good deal, there will be another one along the way. Keep in mind, we are all busy and shopping for the week may not happen on Sunday or Monday. Some times they do run out of an item.


These are just a few tips, do you have any great tips to share?