Item #2 on Money Saving List

Ok, so now on to coupons (koopons, quoopons, tomato, tomahto...). I work with a lady who is like the queen of coupons. She even knows which coupons to use to get a huge discount on detergent by using a non-detergent coupon (self-checkout). It amazes me. But do I know how to do this, Elise? No. Something about a scan code...But I can give tips on how to successfully use them the non-dirty way. 

1. Know the grocery stores in your area: what stores are around you or close by, which ones accept coupons, which ones double, which ones accept internet coupons....you get my drift. For example, Elise:

• Bottom Dollar 1327 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203 : There used to be one by my house, but Food Lion changed it back (it's a discount store of FL). I loved it and wish we still had it. Their prices on quality produce and meat can't be beat. They do accept coupons. They also do an online e-coupon that goes directly to your membership card. Sweet. You can go to their website (click Bottom Dollar above) to look at budget meals, sign up for money mail, and view the weekly flyer!
• Lowes Foods 737 W Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27205 : This chain can be pricey, but their sales can be great. They double coupons up to 99 cents everyday. Their rewards card even gives gas rewards (see details on site). The rewards card will take off a certain amount from your bill (see details on site). Lowes also accept certain internet coupons---they even tell you which one. There is a 5 cents reward for reusing bags at their store! I know the one near me has an awesome water station. You bring in your own jugs and fill it up with filtered water for cheap! They call their e-coupons "digital coupons." 
• Aldi's 1318 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203 : Interestingly, they have MyPlate on their site--I didn't easily see that on the others. This is the off-brand store and I mean so off I have never heard of them. If you're ok with that, then this is a pretty thrifty place to go. I have bought snack/candy/convenience item there. I was pleased. I didn't see any information about coupons, but one could always call the store. 

Now that was just to start you off, Elise. Don't forget to check out rainchecks, accepting other chain's coupons, and beating competitors pricing. Plus, look at each stores reward clubs and weekly specials. This is all good to know because it can help you decide where to shop for what sales or for coupon use.

Jenna: Giant Eagle, Save-a-Lot (those 10 for 10 deals come in handy), Food Lion (I know you 're familiar with this one!)

Angie: I know you are very familiar with Albertson and HEB policies on coupons and reward cards. What is The Royal Blue Grocery? Randall's offers doubling at some locations (call to check), accept internet coupons, and do rainchecks.

2. Name Game:
There is some debate on the usefulness of coupons because they all are for name-brand items. I personally find that most coupons aren't for me because I don't buy the brand or use the quantity required. My kids don't even know name brands. Do you know how many times I've had to explain to Evie why Jello is on a pudding snack and not a gelatin one! Well, they do know Pepsi---but they call ALL soda Pepsi. 

I hear others talking about how much they paid (or how little, rather) for a name brand item. A girl I work with was telling me how she got Ziploc brand bags for like 50 cents a box. She happens to shop at Harris Teeter. They have special double coupon weeks, honoring up to $1.99 (last time it was $2.00!). Also, I have found that it is still cheaper to buy store brand even if you have coupons. It's a personal preference. Can you get the name brand just as cheap with a coupon? If not, go with the store brand. For example, Macaroni and cheese: 

My family prefers homemade, but the girls like to eat the box kind mixed with tuna. Since Eric has been away from home, I have been cheating and doing box. SO, I guess I should say that he is spoiled to homemade (unless with tuna too). Back to the point....so Harris Teeter has a Hospitality off brand for 47 cents everyday. They had their brand marked down to 67 cents. Kraft was on sale. I didn't have a coupon anyway, but its pointless unless I can get Kraft for 47 cents or less. AND I think the Hospitality is fine. By the way, at 47 cents, Harris Teeter (HT) is cheaper than Walmart.

So, I know, I know, how are these people getting $200 worth of groceries for $25? I wonder myself. Do they regularly use these products that would actually cause their bill to be so high that coupons make a huge difference (in my world this is called study error)? Are they doing it dirty like some people I know? Are they double couponing? Are they catching sales or beating competitors prices? Is it a combination of all the above? Well, lets go over this....

3. Here are some points to ponder:

• Use coupons for things you use or need at the moment---otherwise you're not really saving money. It doesn't make since (and I've done similar to this) to buy Fiber One bars on a 2 for $5 sale with a double coupon for 50 cents ($1.00 off total). I just bought snacks we don't normally eat that come 6 in a box (12 total) and will be eaten in 1 week or less (and I don't get any) for $4 (33 cents per bar). Would I have normally bought them? No. Did I want to try them? Yes. Which brings me to the next point.
• Use coupons for new things you want to try. You're going to buy it eventually. So, do it on sale, with a coupon, and try to double it. 
• Use coupons when items go on sale. Most stores follow coupon release. And all stores have sales patterns. For example, HT has the double coupon every 4 weeks. Write dates of sales and discover the pattern of your stores. 
• Don't let your coupons expire---or you're wasting time cutting them out. Coupons come out in every Sunday paper. The most packets come out at the beginning/end of a month (depends on how weekend falls). But, don't use them just to do so before they expire if you don't need the items! 
• Keep your coupons on you at all times. Get an organizer, sort them out, and take with you every time you go to the store---even for quick visits! Hell, keep it in your car.
• Make lists: shopping list, weekly meal plans---and try to plan coupon use around them As a matter of fact, plan your shopping around needs, sales, coupons, and weekly menu plans!

A blog that might interest new couponers

A good site that sums up what I said and then some!

This one had some good points---especially about taking baby steps. I think that is what discourages most of us who try it. We want to dive right in!

A word from the experienced---and real, like us

Love Cassie

P.S. go to linked site for "doing it dirty" Halloweeny and cool beat! What a treat!