Top 5 Reasons I Coupon

Over the past couple of years, couponing has become part of my lifestyle.  I don't buy it unless I have a coupon!  Since I don't work outside of the home, my job is to stretch the money we do have as far as it will go!

Here are the Top 5 Reasons I Coupon:

1. Saving Money.  This is probably the most obvious reason.  On an average grocery trip I spend about $100-$150 and save at least $30-$40 with my coupons!  Check out my favorite coupon match-up site, livingrichwithcoupons.com.

2.  Stretching my Money.  Couponing allows me to stretch the money we have as far as possible.  As long as I am purchasing healthy food my family will eat, couponing allows me to buy more food at a lower cost out of pocket.

3.  The Thrill.  So this might sound kind of funny to non-couponers, but couponers know what I mean!  Since going to Las Vegas is out of the question right now, when I hand the cashier my stack of coupons, and I see the numbers go down on the register it is honestly exciting!  What's really cool, is when people stop and stare to see how low your bill gets!  I find it empowering that even though I'm not earning a paycheck, I can still contribute financially, by purchasing more food with coupons.

4.  My Own Time.  I know this may sound strange, but when I coupon or grocery shop, it's my time.  No kids, no distractions; just alone with my own thoughts and hand full of coupons!  I try and coupon at night after the kids go to sleep, and I always shop alone.

5.  Money for Other Things.  Since I am always saving money and couponing, I usually have a little bit of money set aside to splurge.  Going out to eat, for ice-cream or to a movie is possible because of couponing. 

Attention Target Shoppers!

Who knew there were so many ways to save money at Target besides cutting coupons!  Some really great tips on saving money at Target from thepennyhoarder.com, click on the link below.

http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/target-coupons/

Thepennyhoarder.com is also a great resource for saving money and living frugally, check them out!

Top 5 Reasons You Can't Coupon with a Toddler

Using coupons in a grocery store takes time, patience and thought.  Finding the coupon, matching it to the correct product and then making sure it rings up correctly really is a job in itself!  However, you throw a toddler into this mix, and it isn't pretty - I know this for a fact!! :)

Here are my Top 5 reasons you can't coupon with a toddler:

1.  You Can't Think!  This may be the most obvious reason, and I really don't think any more explanation is needed! :)

2.  They Throw Coupons.  Toddlers little hands are always busy, and whatever they get their hands on goes flying!  However, if your coupons are flying, it's better then the eggs!

3.  Unwanted Items in the Cart.  When you have a specific budget, and are using specific coupons, it can be frustrating when you get the checkout and find 5 containers of open tic-tacs in the bottom of your cart, and they are always the flavor that your toddler loves!  Whoever decided to put candy by the check-out is an evil genius! :)

4.  5 Minutes Doesn't Cut It.  Since most toddlers have about a 5 minute attention span shopping, couponing and toddlers just isn't a good idea!  Distracting them with goldfish, or crackers might buy you a couple minutes, but it's never long enough!

10 Tips to Being a Great Couponer

Saving money on groceries is one of the easiest ways I save money!!  With all of the coupon match-up sites available today, it really is easier then it has ever been.  I have been couponing for about 4 years now, and have been able to consistently cut my grocery bill down by at least 25%.

Here are my 10 Tips to being a GREAT Couponer: 

1. Plan

• Go to the grocery store with a clear plan and a list.  Know exactly what you need and how much you are going to spend. 

2.  Give yourself time to plan

• Planning for a grocery trip with coupons takes time.  I spend about 30 minutes every evening searching for deals and cutting coupons.  You need time to evaluate what you need for the week and learn what is available to you on sale.

3.  Have a budget

• Have a weekly grocery budget, and don't budge!  Try and buy as much as you on sale, and stockpile any extras. 

4.  Keep your coupons organized at home and at the store

• Staying organized is key!  I take the inserts out of the paper, and file them by date.  As I need them, I find them and then clip the coupons for a specific trip.  I then have them organized in an envelope as I go through the grocery store.  If you're not organized, you'll never be able to find the right coupon!

5.  Find your favorite coupon matchup site and check often  

• My favorite coupon match-up site is livingrichwithcoupons.com, it gives you a list of what is on sale at specific grocery stores and pharmacies.  It then tells you what coupons correspond with the sale items.  They really do all of the hard work for you!  
• During the week different coupon match-ups are added; and a lot of times it is worth going back to a store to get a cheap or even a free item with coupons.

6.  Be flexible...only buy what's on sale 

•  Try and adjust your family meals to what is on sale.  If there's a good sale on chicken buy a lot of it, and put it in the freezer.  But always stick to your budget!

7.  Get a Raincheck...don't get discouraged

• A lot of times stores run out of a sale item quickly, especially if you are able to get it cheap with a coupon.  However, most stores will give you a raincheck, either at the customer service desk or right at the register.  The following week, once the sale ends, the item is typically fully stocked again.

8.  Have a stockpile area

• Create a space in your home to put all of your extra groceries.  Make it visible, and check it often.  This way you will know what you have in your home, and what you need. 

9.  No children allowed!

• Grocery shopping with young children is never an easy task.  Grocery shopping with coupons and kids is almost impossible!  You need to stay on task and buy what's on your list, and that's not always easy with little ones.  Try and schedule a time where you can go shopping by yourself, even if it's late at night or early in the morning - that's what I do

10.  Donate!  

• Finally, if there's a good deal, and you can stay within your budget, try and donate as much as you can.  Make friends with the people at your local food pantry and find out what they need.  Once you build up your stockpile, you will love being able to donate to those in need!

Just a quick tip about ShopRite.  In the front of the store when you walk in they have a stack of flyers, but the flyers don't have the coupons in them.  But, if you go to the customer service desk there is always a pile, and they do have the coupons!! :)

Don't forget lots of new sales start tomorrow, including ShopRite, CVS, RiteAid and Walgreens. Make sure to check out livingrichwithcoupons.com (my favorite couponing match up site) before you going grocery shopping!!

http://www.livingrichwithcoupons.com/