Save Money by Couponing

Due to a tight budget, I have really gotten into couponing and finding great deals. Using advice from friends, awesome websites and my Sunday paper, I cut my grocery bill in half. Really. And it was easy. I just didn't know how to do it before, Since a lot of people need to save money in these tight times like we do, I thought I'd pass along some of the tricks and tips I've found that really help.

Couponing/Grocery Shopping
Get a newspaper. You will be amazed at how many coupons you will use from in there. I never realized how much money I could save from buying a $1-$2 paper.

Either clip the coupons and file them by brand name, or save the inserts to use Coupon Mom.

Which leads us to... Websites that find the deals near you.
http://www.couponmom.com

You have to sign up, but I can tell you I have received zero emails apart from the initial welcome email. No spam, no junk.

Couponmom lets you choose your location, stores in your area, and tells you which coupons to use along with the date of the insert and which one (there's two in each paper). It lists the weekly deals at grocery stores as well as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and Target. It also has links to print more coupons.

Coupons are sold on eBay. Yes, this sounds crazy. But they're sold in lots... So if you have an expensive item you buy - diapers, over the counter medication and pullups for example - you can buy coupons for them. They come in lots - so usually 10-20 coupons. Make sure you look at the listed expiration dates!

Also, check your local stores for double/triple coupon days. You can either go to their website or ask a manager. Most stores only double coupons .99 and under, but that can save you serious cash. Some stores double coupons every day. Our local Kroger and Harris Teeter participate in everyday double coupons, again up to 99 cents.

Online Shopping

Never, never, never buy anything online from a website without looking for coupon codes. If there's not a code for that website, see if there's another website that carries it and does have a code. These coupons vary from free shipping to 50%+ off.

http://www.retailmenot.com

This site lists coupon codes as well as ratings on whether it worked or not (even if it's rated at a low percentage of working, it's still worth a try!). If you don't see a coupon code on this site, though, don't stop there. Google "store name" coupon code and scroll along. There may be a code somewhere else.

Deals and Freebies

http://faithfulprovisions.com/
http://freebies4mom.blogspot.com/

Try products and give feedback. I've gotten a Sonicare toothbrush, the new Glade Sense and Spray and tons of other stuff to try and coupons to give to others. Again, free to join -
http://www.bzzagent.com

I'm sure there are even more ways to save - I'm always happening upon a site that has great suggestions and deals. By following the links to other sites on the two websites listed under 'Deals and Freebies', I've found amazing steals and money saving opportunities!