First, to really save money, I had to change the way I usually shopped. In the past, I’d keep a running list when I ran out of something. I’d add things I needed for a certain recipe and toss in a few things I’d just like to have. Saturday mornings were set aside for a trip to my preferred grocery and discount stores. I would follow my list, make my purchases and return home, having quickly spent a weeks’ worth of grocery money.
When I started using coupons, I also started to change the way I shopped. For the first few weeks, I narrowed down my grocery list to the bare necessities. I bought only what was absolutely necessary for one week and set aside as much of my grocery budget as I could to stock up on sale items. I was excited to discover that Publix grocery stores have a Buy One, Get One Free Sale that features different items each week. By purchasing only these sale items each week, I can save money and stock up! To make the deals even better, I can use one coupon per item. Plus, Publix doubles coupons up to fifty cents everyday!
There are two types of coupons: manufacturer coupons and store coupons. Most coupons are manufacturer coupons with a bar code that will scan at the register. Some stores, such as Publix and Target, have coupons that are designated for use at their store. If I have a manufacturer coupon and a store
coupon for the same item, I can use them together at the store that is designated on their coupon. This is called “stacking.” Also, Publix will accept competitor coupons. At the Decatur store, I can use store coupons from other grocery stores in the area, along with my manufacturer coupons.
Each week I go to www.iheartpublix.com and www.southernsavers.com to check out the deals for the upcoming sale. These sites not only give advance notice of the sales, they also list coupons that will match the sales. I spend an hour or so making a list, locating and printing coupons. Each online coupon can be printed twice per computer, so I print my limit (two on the desktop and two on the laptop) and get ready to shop!
There are several methods for coupon organization. I prefer a coupon binder. I use a three-ring binder with plastic, baseball card holder type pockets. I have a separate section in my binder for each store I plan to visit. After clipping my coupons, I sort them into the pockets by store and get ready to shop!
At the store, I select sale items only, place them in my cart and put the coupons for each item in a zippered pouch in the front of my binder. When I get to the register, I have my coupons sorted and ready to hand to the cashier. On my first few trips, I would usually have $20-$30 in coupons. After using
coupons for over a year, I usually have around $50 or more in coupons and save around 70% on my overall bill.
My next class will be Saturday, March 19, at 10 am at the Somerville Public Library. For information on couponing or to register for one of my classes, email me at TammieJo17@aol.com.