The Frugal Coupon Mom Helps Consumers Save Thousands

The Frugal Coupon Mom is in the news again. Many moms have now set up their own coupon blogs and websites and blogs on how to become frugal. These blogs teach consumers how to shop smart. Everyone could use a little extra financial help during this economy, and these sites help other moms (and dads) save money on groceries and other items. Many shoppers report that they have shaved upwards of 75% off their grocery bills by using the tips contained in these blogs and websites.

Some of these sites charge money for their tips. However, there are a lot of things that you can do on your own to lower your costs at the cash register.

First, clip coupons. This is a no-brainer. I remember my mother sitting down with the Sunday paper and clipping coupons each week. Now I do the same. I have always been able to save money by using coupons - there have been times that I got my entire order of groceries for the week at over 75% less than normal prices, just by using coupons.

Second, find out which stores in your area have double and triple coupon days. Try to plan your shopping around these events. This increases your savings even more.

Also, when you are clipping your Sunday coupons, make sure to read the sale fliers for your local grocery stores, and compare what is on sale. Keep these ads to take with you on your shopping trips, and write down what items you need at each store.

Consider using Walgreen's or CVS for your toiletries and healthcare products. They offer huge rebates, coupons and register rewards that can net you many free products.

While you're at the grocery store, be sure to see if your particular store has a 'coupon center.' I've seen many grocery stores that have a table set up near the entrance, and customers can drop off coupons that they don't need, and choose coupons that other shoppers have dropped off. This way, if you need 2 tubes of toothpaste, but only have a coupon for one, you might be able to find an additional coupon to use on the second tube.

You might also want to join a coupon group in your area. If there's not one, consider starting one, using Yahoo groups as a base for your club. Or set up a coupon swap at your church, or civic organization. This way, you can share coupons that you don't use with others, and they can do the same for you.

One thing to keep in mind when using coupons is that if you have to drive all over town, or drive out of your way to use your coupons and hit the sales, your savings may not cover the cost of gas. I shop at the three stores that we have in our small suburb, but I won't drive to the nearby city, because my fuel costs eat up the savings from the coupons.

Also, don't buy items that you normally wouldn't use, just because you have a coupon. If you usually make homemade spaghetti, don't buy a prepared frozen meal just because you have a coupon. Even with the coupon, it's probably still cheaper to make the meal from scratch.

If you do your shopping online, go through MyPoints. MyPoints has partnered with many online shopping websites, to offer you points for each purchase. For example, right now you can earn 10 points for each dollar you spend at Overstock.com, if you go through MyPoints. You can then redeem these points for gift cards to an array of stores and websites. Last year, I was able to purchase several Christmas gifts for family members, thanks to the points I'd earned at MyPoints. Already this year, I have enough points earned to redeem for almost ALL of the gifts I'll need this Christmas, and we are just a little halfway through the month of March.

You may also want to join UPromise for your online shopping, which gives you cash back on purchases you make online. You can get up to 25% of your purchase back in cash.

Also when shopping online, always do a Google search for coupon codes which are relevant to your purchase. Most major retailers have some kind of current coupon code for a discount or free shipping. These are easily found on Google. You should never pay full price for an online purchase, due to the large amount of coupon codes available out there on the web.