Non-Extreme Couponing Part II- Smart Tips from a Newbie

Thanks to Tervis for sponsoring my writing. Visit their website http://www.tervis.com to learn more about the world’s first smart cup.

Hi guys!

It’s been 2 weeks since I started couponing  and I’m happy to tell you that it’s going well.

Just to reiterate, I started couponing with the goal that I can use some readily available resources to save my family money. For me, couponing is smart lifestyle choice because it helps reduce spending and requires minimal effort!

Things I learned during my 2 weeks of couponing:

1. Check your store’s policy about coupon doubling. I thought originally that all coupons would be doubled (even those that were worth $1), but both of the stores I mainly shop at only double coupons with a $0.99 value or less.
2. Make sure to keep the store circulars that you receive during the week. They are not always included in the Sunday paper and you need them to match up your coupons to sales. Circulars also contain additional coupons for the grocery store and you need to cut them out in order to get the savings (it’s not the same as your club card discount)

3. Don’t go EVERYWHERE. Just because there are good coupons at 3 or 4 different stores, don’t try to go to every single one or you’ll be EXHAUSTED (I was). I now stick to 2 main grocery stores (one by work, one at home) and I’ll also pop into the CVS next to the grocery store. If I see something really worth my while, I can plan a trip there, but I don’t want to go crazy just trying to get my weekly shopping done.

Some Other Helpful Tips:
1. It’s okay to shop without coupons when the prices are good! Last week Gala apples were on sale at the regular store for $1.49/lb. Trader Joe’s had a 2 pound bag of organic gala apples for $2.49. Organic + Less Expensive = smart buy.

2. Good sale items run out. Big bags of organic baby spinach were on sale last week for 2/$6. I also had a coupon for $1/off. By the time I got there on Wednesday…they were gone. Scoop up good deals early to make sure you get what you want.
3. Plan your meals around deals and coupons! This might seem obvious to some but I didn’t do this on week one. If you plan your meals on Sunday when you are perusing your circulars and making your shopping list, you will create more affordable meals. Why not make tacos if ground turkey is on sale? Why not choose green beans over zucchini if they are on sale? This really (REALLY) helps me stick to my weekly food budget.

Great Websites that Help me Each Week:
1.My Frugal Adventures – I don’t know where she finds the time to put all of this info together, but it’s great! Charlene compiles store deals + circular deals and gives you the info. She also links coupons you can print, and has a database where you can enter a product you need, and find out if there is a coupon for it.

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. To learn more about Tervis, visit their website http://www.tervis.com.

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