Geesh! I didn't realize it had been this long since my last post... I do apologize for leaving y'all hanging! That was not at all my intention. Life just got busy all of a sudden! I had taken on a second job, and before I knew it I was working 7 days a week! Rest assured, I am still cooking. However, I've also taken on another hobby... EXTREME COUPONING! It is so much fun. Yes, I've become that girl the store managers love to hate. I ride in, cart and coupons in hand, and haul out their stock of salad dressing, shaving cream, ketchup, mustard, jelly, and toothpaste FOR FREE! :) It's a marvelous thing.
I caught a marathon one boring Saturday, and decided that I was going to Extreme Coupon. Now, I've always used coupons. I'm notorious for having a stash in my car for anything I might need on the go! More recently, I've taken it to a whole new level.
As you all know, I've been in a long distance relationship with my Boyfriend, JD for quite a while now. JD relocated to the Pittsburgh, PA area about a year ago. I am excited to be joining him this July! Not only did I land a great job in my career field, and I'll be all moved in with my Love... BUT, THERE ARE SO MANY STORES THAT DOUBLE COUPONS! :)
I am very excited to hear that the Price Chopper grocery store, local to my home in NY has begun doubling coupons (up to $.99)! So many of you have asked for tips and tricks, so before I go, I'll be happy to share them with you.
There are a few simple rules I like to follow:
- First, there is no secret to couponing! ANYONE can (and should) do it!
- Know where to shop and familiarize yourself with their coupon policy. For those of you in the NY States Capital Region where I am from, Price Chopper stores recently announced that all store branches will now double coupons! These stores will accept up to 4 manufacturer coupons for any like item. That is fantastic! My favorite PC will double coupons up to $.99. Check out their website, if you're a "Chopper Shopper". For my friends in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area check out Giant Eagle and Shop n' Save. Both double coupons up to $.99!
- Arm yourself with the Sunday newspaper. Be ready to clip (and SAVE) on the items you use most. I tend to clip any coupon over $.50-- That way I'm guaranteed to save at least a dollar! $.75 off coupons are my fav, since they double to $1.50! Most of the time, if you can find a weekly special on that given item you can get it at little to no cost! You may also want to visit the websites of your favorite retail stores (Target, CVS, etc.) to see if there are any printable store coupons being offered which match deals on the coupons you've found in the newspaper circulars. Printable store coupons = EXTRA savings!
- Search your grocery store circulars for fantastic deals! Make note of any great deals you are able to find. Note the store, the item, the price and the date the sale will end. This can be very helpful, since most stores run sales on similar items-- you may be able to find the same item for less somewhere else!
- Once you've browsed the circulars (and hopefully found some great deals!), glance them over a second time and begin matching up those coupons you've clipped.
- Know your limits. You know the product you use. Not everyone has to build a "stockpile" of items they're never going to find a use for! Your basement does not have to resemble those on the popular TV show, Extreme Couponing. Plan your trip so that you'll be able to score great deals on products you need and will use. If you happen to find a great deal on something you may not use, share it with a friend or even better, pick it up and donate it! If you are going to attempt a large "haul" like those seen on TV, it may be to your advantage to contact the store directly to pre-order the items you'll need so that they're sure to have them in stock.
- Do the math. I know, I know... It's scary. Calculate and re-calculate. Make sure you plan your budget accordingly. Try to plan your trip down to the penny. Make sure you know what the original prices are, the sale prices, and best of all-- your discounts! Familiarize yourself with any store loyalty perks, as well. Sometimes you can score a free gallon of milk, or discounts on the gas you put in your car!
- Now, the easy part! GET SHOPPING! Organize all of your coupons according to whichever system is easiest for you. I like to organize mine according to the shopping isles, but then I always re-count them once I get to the store and move them into an envelope in order of the items in my cart. That way, it's easy for me to see that everything is being rung up correctly as the cashier totals my order.
- Never be afraid to ask questions! Cashiers are generally a great resource! They're usually more than accommodating if you warn them ahead of time that you'll be using an abundance of coupons before you begin adding your groceries to the belt. If your cashier doesn't have an answer to your questions, they'll be more than happy to refer you to a manager, or you should simply seek assistance from the customer service counter.
- Rainchecks, are a girls best friend! If you're finding that couponing may be more popular that you had expected and that your stores shelves are already wiped clean, do not hesitate to request a raincheck from the customer service desk.
- Keep in mind that sales on products cycle-- meaning that there is a pattern which stores follow to bring you the best deals again and again! If something is on sale now, more than likely it'll be on sale again very soon. Save all of your coupons! Even if you can't use them right away, save them until they expire. You'll kick yourself later if you miss a great deal! You may want to start a binder, or a shoe box where you can organize all of your coupons.
- Enjoy the discounts, you've earned them!
If you're reading this and you're thinking to yourself "Ya know, that's really something I'd like to do but I just don't have the time..." then it may be helpful for you to check out some of the sites available on the web which list the store "match-up's" for you! There are plenty of women out there blogging, who are more than happy to do all of the work for you! Simply check out their blogs, make a short list, visit another website and order your coupons (which will arrive clipped and organized for you right to your door!) then shop 'til ya drop! I prefer to do all of the planning myself, but in all honesty extreme couponing can be a breeze! I'll list a few of my favorites below. Even if you're the type to try and do it all yourself (like me!) these sites can be nice for double-checking your work!
Links you may find to be helpful:
Enjoy!
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