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LabRatMom's Quickstart Couponing Guide
My idea of couponing is only about 30-40% coupon based. In-store deals are crucial to saving! Using the following strategies, I save (on average) 38% on each shopping trip. Enjoy!
1) Show your loyalty!
Many stores have loyalty cards. For example, Food Lion has the MVP card and Rite-Aid has the Wellness card. These cards are FREE to you and entitle you to excellent savings through in-store promotions and discounts. These cards are absolutely vital!
2) Woe is Wal-Mart!
While Wal-Mart has cheaper prices than most stores, they lack 2 key components: no loyalty card and no buy one-get-one deals. Not cool, man...not cool. However - you will come across some things that are an absolute bargain at Wal-Mart with the right coupon. You might have a local store that you prefer based on their loyalty card and circular specials, while Wal-Mart might be better for items that aren't on sale at the local store.
3) Newspaper, get your newspaper!
Subscribe to your local newspaper. Trust me, it will be worth it. Don't go for all week service (unless you actually read the newspaper). Try to get just the Sunday paper. Our newspaper only has an option for 7 day service or Wednesday and Sunday service, of which I chose the latter. $10 for 5 weeks and I've saved wayyy more than 10 bucks! The coupons are great but keep your eye out on the circulars!
4) Organize!
When you cut your coupons, be sure to organize them in a way that makes sense to you. I like mine organized by expiration date, but you might like yours alphabetically, by department or by aisle. Make sure to keep an eye on those expiration dates!
5) Make your list and check it twice!
Grab your circulars. This is when you sit down, see what's on sale and make that list. Look for those awesome BOGO deals! With any luck, you'll have some coordinating coupons - savings on top of savings! Your list should be very organized. I suggest organizing by aisle because it makes your shopping trip a bit more efficient.
6) The Price is Right
After I make my list, I look at it and make some estimates. #1: How much will I save? #2: How much will I pay? #3: How much would I have paid without savings? #1 + #2 = #3
7) Have fun!!!
If you enjoy doing something, you're generally better at it, right? Whether you like it for the strategy, planning, good ole' fashion money-saving or the adrenaline at the register, it can be a positive experience for anyone.
8) Price check on register 2...
When you're checking out, get your coupons and/or loyalty card ready. You'll likely feel a little anxious watching the register go to work. This is the adrenaline rush couponers talk about. But wait for it....your grand total will reflect the work you put into your coupons and deal hunting. Remember those estimates you made with your list? Compare that to the final numbers. If it's off or if you think something's amiss, check the receipt before you leave.
9) Be a pack rat.
Ok, well kinda... I suggest keeping your receipts. You'll be able to calculate your savings to date. This, my friend, will give you all the motivation you need to keep on keepin' on with the couponing!
Thanks for reading! Even if you've never couponed or bargain-hunted, you'll do just fine out of the gate. Before you know it, you'll be bragging about all your great savings! Do you have tips you'd like mentioned on the LRM site? E-mail away!
Until next time, live.laugh.love.
P.S. If you'd like to see one of my receipts, click here!
Until next time,
Live.Laugh.Love.
1) Show your loyalty!
Many stores have loyalty cards. For example, Food Lion has the MVP card and Rite-Aid has the Wellness card. These cards are FREE to you and entitle you to excellent savings through in-store promotions and discounts. These cards are absolutely vital!
2) Woe is Wal-Mart!
While Wal-Mart has cheaper prices than most stores, they lack 2 key components: no loyalty card and no buy one-get-one deals. Not cool, man...not cool. However - you will come across some things that are an absolute bargain at Wal-Mart with the right coupon. You might have a local store that you prefer based on their loyalty card and circular specials, while Wal-Mart might be better for items that aren't on sale at the local store.
3) Newspaper, get your newspaper!
Subscribe to your local newspaper. Trust me, it will be worth it. Don't go for all week service (unless you actually read the newspaper). Try to get just the Sunday paper. Our newspaper only has an option for 7 day service or Wednesday and Sunday service, of which I chose the latter. $10 for 5 weeks and I've saved wayyy more than 10 bucks! The coupons are great but keep your eye out on the circulars!
4) Organize!
When you cut your coupons, be sure to organize them in a way that makes sense to you. I like mine organized by expiration date, but you might like yours alphabetically, by department or by aisle. Make sure to keep an eye on those expiration dates!
5) Make your list and check it twice!
Grab your circulars. This is when you sit down, see what's on sale and make that list. Look for those awesome BOGO deals! With any luck, you'll have some coordinating coupons - savings on top of savings! Your list should be very organized. I suggest organizing by aisle because it makes your shopping trip a bit more efficient.
6) The Price is Right
After I make my list, I look at it and make some estimates. #1: How much will I save? #2: How much will I pay? #3: How much would I have paid without savings? #1 + #2 = #3
7) Have fun!!!
If you enjoy doing something, you're generally better at it, right? Whether you like it for the strategy, planning, good ole' fashion money-saving or the adrenaline at the register, it can be a positive experience for anyone.
8) Price check on register 2...
When you're checking out, get your coupons and/or loyalty card ready. You'll likely feel a little anxious watching the register go to work. This is the adrenaline rush couponers talk about. But wait for it....your grand total will reflect the work you put into your coupons and deal hunting. Remember those estimates you made with your list? Compare that to the final numbers. If it's off or if you think something's amiss, check the receipt before you leave.
9) Be a pack rat.
Ok, well kinda... I suggest keeping your receipts. You'll be able to calculate your savings to date. This, my friend, will give you all the motivation you need to keep on keepin' on with the couponing!
Thanks for reading! Even if you've never couponed or bargain-hunted, you'll do just fine out of the gate. Before you know it, you'll be bragging about all your great savings! Do you have tips you'd like mentioned on the LRM site? E-mail away!
Until next time, live.laugh.love.
P.S. If you'd like to see one of my receipts, click here!
Until next time,
Live.Laugh.Love.