Save Big Money on Groceries with Coupon Clipping

I know a lot of people criticize the use of coupons as a waste of time. I've heard critics say you can't really save enough money to make up for the time finding the coupons. However, I use coupons every time I shop for my family of six, and save hundreds of dollars every month. I never pay more than $1 for a box of cereal, and I'm not talking about generics either. A loaf of bread can cost as little as $.33, 16 oz. frozen veggies for only $.33, 2 lb. block of cheese for $3., a gallon of milk $2, canned fruit and veggies $.25, and the list goes on.... Not only do I get groceries at a bargain price, but frequently get items free when combining a great sales price with a manufacturer's coupon. After all, there's no better price than free.

So, if I have you convinced to try couponing, here is how to get started. If you have the local paper delivered, you're ready to start. If not, give them a call and ask if there is a free trial offer available. Offers like this are common and a great way to save a little money. The Sunday paper traditionally holds most of your coupons, and if you don't subscribe to the paper, just picking up the Sunday edition is always an option. I always give the paper a quick look thru and clip out only the coupons for items I regularly buy or items I would like to try. Now different grocery chains might advertise on separate days of the week. For example, a town may have 3 grocers, 2 of which advertise on Wednesday, and the third advertises on Sunday. Some grocers will even have stray advertisements on different days in random places in the paper. I regularly find coupons for $10 off of a $50 purchase, several times monthly. This coupon in itself pays for the newspaper subscription.

There are two basic types of coupons, manufacturer coupons and in-store coupons. The manufacturer coupons can be used most anywhere the product is found; at grocery stores, club stores, super stores, drug stores and discount stores. Of course, every store's policy is different and you will want to ask if there is a limit on how many coupons you can use.

In-store coupons are good only at the store the advertisement is for, unless you have a store that will accept competitor's coupons. If you are lucky enough to have a grocer that will match prices and accept competitors' coupons, this will be your best value store for coupon shopping. After all time is money, and gas is too expensive these days to tour the town, going market to market.

The newspaper isn't the only place you will find coupons though. Be sure to look up your local grocery store's website. They will often have printable coupons or links to web pages that do. Online you might also want to check out the websites of your favorite brands. They frequently have coupons, free sample offers, and special offer signups where they will even mail you coupons. There are also coupon exchange programs and forums, coupons for sale on EBay in bulk, and on many other websites.

I know we are all against signing up for any more 'cards', however, your grocery store frequent shopper is a must for the budget minded. Without using these cards you won't receive the advertised sale prices and you will end up spending a lot more on groceries than you intend. Once you sign up for the card, you generally won't need to carry it with you as most stores can use your phone number in place of the card. Don't be too concerned with giving the grocery store your phone number; I have yet to get a solicitation call from the grocer.

Now that you have a pile of coupons, the current grocery ads, and your 'to buy' list in hand, you are ready to make your shopping list. Try to combine your coupons for items that are already on sale to get the most for your money. Stocking up on a great buy is generally a good idea, but be sure not to buy more than you can use. Just because bananas are on a great sale doesn't mean you should by 20 lbs. of them.

To grocery shop on a budget, you need to set rules for yourself. For example: Eat first. Shop alone, the more shoppers, the more extra purchases you make; the more distractions you have the less efficient your trip will be. Bring a calculator to compare per-unit prices; the larger package doesn't always have the best buy. If it isn't on your list and really don't need it, pass it by. Don't forget you list and coupons.

In the checkout, watch the price as each item is rung up. Mistakes are common place, and in some stores, if the price is wrong the item is free. You don't want to drive home, look at your receipt and find out that great buy on peanut butter for $2 actually rang up as $20. The checkout generally takes a few minutes longer with coupons, so have patience and think of all the things you can do with your newly found savings.

Maybe you're thinking, 'I don't need to clip coupons. I make enough money to afford groceries, and then some." Great! But, an extra $200 a month is $2400 a year. Money you could use for a vacation getaway, a child's college savings account, IRA, charity, or just 'play' money. Give coupon clipping an honest 1 month try, and I am sure you will see the cash value in your time spent. You might want to eventually purchase a coupon organizer to help store your coupons. They only cost around $5, and make organizing and using your coupons a breeze, saving you a lot of time. After all time is money; so are coupons!