Smart Shoppin

Here we go! I know there are millions of blog posts about couponing, apparently couponing isn't even a word! However,  just in case you happen to be someone like me who just wants to save some money at the grocery store and hasn't been a big fan of the coupon craze...  here are some tips that you may find helpful and not annoying and crazy! You know what I mean? Ok, good.  I've had a lot of friends on Facebook who liked the posts I shared about saving a few bucks here and there and so, that led me to sharing a little more about what I've learned lately. I met a wonderful new friend named Shannon who sat me down to tell me how I could save money at the grocery. Here's a list of helpful tips that can help YOU out! I hope you have fun and please feel free to ask me any questions.

How To Get Started

1. Research your favorite grocery's coupon policy. Click here for Publix for example

2. Change grocery stores if you can save a considerable amount of money

3. Publix and Target for example, will allow you to use one manufacter's coupon and one store coupon per item.

4. A store coupon would be an offer that Publix, Target, or another local grocery store offers with their name on the coupon. A manufacturer coupon will also state, "Manufacturer's Coupon." This coupon is tricky, see! It's a manufacturer's coupon with Target's logo. 

5. Publix will allow you to use Publix store coupons or other store coupons AND a manufacturer's coupon PER ITEM=AMAZINGNESS! Here's the rule of thumb, only one store and one manufacturer's per item, not two manufacturer's coupons or two store coupons per item. For example, you can use a Target coupon for Nutella and a manufacturer's coupon for Nutella at Publix. 

6. You can use Target (for example) brand product coupons on Publix brand coupon items. Example; use one Target brand cheese coupon on Publix brand cheese. SO FUN! 

7. At Publix, you can even use coupons on BOGO items. Example; one manufacturer's and store coupon for your "buy one" cereal and coupons on the "get one" item... you can make money people! I hope this makes sense. I know, it's hard to believe! 

8. Target allows you to use their store coupons (click here), cartwheel coupons (click here), and %5 off with your Target card per item

9. Check with your grocery store and see what other store coupons they honor. At our Publix they had this posted; 

10. Wal-Mart participates in ad matching and now accepts BOGO offers from other stores if you have the ad so you can try that out too! Wal-Mart also has store coupons on it's website. Sometimes I'll go to Wal-Mart to get items that aren't on sale at Publix or if I don't have coupons for them. It's a little bit of work but it pays off.

WHERE DO YOU GET ALL THESE COUPONS?

1. Your Saturday or Sunday papers. In Florida, the coupons come on Saturday! 

2. Buy the paper at the grocery store or gas station and plan on getting multiple papers if you want a lot of savings. Also, save a couple store ads if you want to compare prices on your favorite items. For example, an expensive item on our grocery list are Breathe Rights. Blake has to have them! They usually cost $13 a box. I was able to get boxes for $4 one week at Walgreens because they were on sale and I had a coupon. SO MUCH FUN! 

3. Print coupons off Publix's website, Target's website, your favorite grocery store may have printable coupons as well

4. Find free digital coupons on your grocery's website, cellfire.com, and many other digital coupon websites... GOOGLE IT!

5. Print coupons from coupons.com for free

6. There are a million coupon sites that even do the work for you! They match up the store and manufacturer's coupons so you don't have to do the work! Try this website for starters

7. Now, here's a tough one. You can save your coupon ads from the paper just in case you decide to go back through it and find some good deals. You could also just share some coupons with a friend! Ask your mommy friends if they need diaper coupons or ask your neighbor if they are loyal to a certain brand. It's always nice to give! 

8. Watch for "money makers" sometimes you can make money off of coupons if the item is on sale

Words Of Wisdom 

1. Do not buy something if you don't need it

2. Only stock up on items that are essentials

3. Share your good finds with friends in need

4. Pick a few of your most expensive essentials and always compare prices at other stores

5. Our money is God's money so use it wisely

6. Do not become obsessed with coupons

7. Design your meals around what is on sale and what you have coupons for and you'll be a very happy camper with a happy tummy

8. Sometimes purchasing the store brand is cheaper than using coupons, always compare prices

9. If you aren't going to use a coupon, leave it on the shelf for someone else

10. If you find a good deal and want to buy some extra items, give some away, use them as gifts, bake something for someone, always find a way to bless someone else who is in need

11. It takes time to save money but if you're trying to live within a budget, it's worth it

12. PLAN AHEAD. Do not be that crazy lady trying to decide what coupon to use in the middle of the isle. If you have time, plan your list ahead so that you're not in the grocery for hours.

13. Here's a link to baseball card sleeves on Amazon so you can organize your coupons in a folder if you wish. You're so welcome!

I'm sure I'm forgetting some tips so feel free to leave a comment if you have more advice to share! Did this help you? I really hope it did! I love you guys! Seeeee... it's worth the effort