The Basics: Couponing

Extreme Couponing on TLC is one of my guilty pleasure shows. These people are coupon-crazy. And I love the fact that they get an adrenaline rush at the check out line waiting for the final savings. But really, who has 3 hours to spend at the check out line? Or 6 hours planning their trip? Who needs 60 bottles of French's mustard to "stockpile"? Unless you need to be prepared for the Great Depression or the Apocalypse, having these huge stockpiles doesn't seem realistic.

There is a way to use the couponing methods to the everyday shoppers advantage and not wind up boxes of cereal in under your bed. I live in an apartment, my pantry is limited. A lot of folks on limited budgets only need or can afford enough to feed their families monthly.

So how exactly do those extremely OCD people get $600 worth of stuff for $6? They plan. They use the tools that are out there for everyone. I am pretty sure (don't quote me) that this super coupon-usage started in Utah with the Mormons, as part of their faith requires them to keep a years-worth of food on hand. So utilizing the power of the coupon and store loyalty perks, they got it down to a science. By getting the schedules for coupon inserts and monitoring store sale cycles, then a system can be devised to match the coupon with the sale offered. Many of these systems are now available online for everyone to utilize, like The Grocery Game and CouponMom.

So for you to get started (if you haven't already), here are the basics that you need to do:

1. Sign up for the loyalty rewards program at all of the local supermarkets/stores you frequent by you. Load up your key fob with these tags. I have a separate ring for all of mine. I have everything from A&P to Yogaworks. Supermarkets, the local library, auto parts stores, shoe outlets, coffee shops, card stores, you name it. These reward programs are part of the key to saving money.

2. Get your coupon inserts for the paper. You will soon see that there are 3 main companies that have inserts in the paper, P&G BrandSaver, RedPlum, and SmartSource. A lot of methods tell you to keep the inserts whole and only cut what is needed for that week. As I use my own method, I cut only the stuff I use. Sure I can get a great deal on that pasta sauce that is on sale and I have a coupon bringing the price down to $1 or less a jar, but honestly, I prefer the brands that I have a hard time finding for less than $2 a jar.

3. Use online coupon sites. First, find out if your store will allow you to use online coupons. There are a bunch of sites that offer them, most readily is coupons.com. Note that you can only print 2 coupons per computer. If you have multiple computers at your home, you can print more. These online coupons run out by volume so if you see a good deal, print it as soon as you see it otherwise you might get shut out. I have received emails from coupons.com letting me know when the site has been replenished.

4. Using e-coupons. Go online to your local store's website and check it out. Many offer circular viewing, unadvertised specials, online ordering, local delivery, and e-coupons. My local A&P offers digital coupons that can be downloaded right to my reward card. These seem to be the same coupons that are offered in the paper, but this is a paperless way to get the savings. I will try to use both the e-coupon and the cut out one from the insert and report back the results.

5. Get a coupon organizer. If you plan on going coupon-crazy and have hundreds to use, use a binder system. Me, I just use a small coupon organizer from The Container Store. You can get similar ones cheap at the checkout line at the drugstore or local Kmart or even at the Dollar Store, but in my experience, those rip easily. The one I have is made of a really durable plastic that has yet to rip after 5 years. Sure, I wish it was deeper and had more divider labels, but it works for me.

6. Make a list. Check out the weekly circular for savings that week, keeping in mind you are looking for deep discounts and reductions are items that you use frequently. Try to put to use the menu plan that you keep putting off. If I can find frozen pierogi, frozen carrots, and packaged kielbasa all on sale that week, then whoo hoo, dinner for 1 night is done and I will by a few of them so I have it on hand for another night. So make a list of what is on sale that you would use for your menu plan and then match up with any possible coupons available in your arsenal. Keep in mind that sites like The Grocery Game and Coupon Mom will match up these deals for you. Other sites available will highlight great deals, like TheKrazyCouponLady.com.

7. Don't be afraid of going generic. There are certain things that I don't mind going generic for like hand soap refills, dishwashing liquid, certain cleaning products, jelly, peanut butter, milk, eggs, cheese, cereals, pasta, prescription and over-the-counter drugs and others. Sometimes it is worth it to go generic. For example, Softsoap 56oz hand soap refill on sale for $5.00 and I have a $1 off coupon will bring the price down to $4 but the generic hand soap refill at the same size is always $3, then I will buy the generic. BUT if I have 8 coupons for 7oz hand soap that will bring the price to 25 cents each, then 8 bottles x 25 cents is $2 for the same volume, then I would buy that. The environmentalist in me would cringe at the waste of plastic but it is still the better buy.

8. Using "register rewards" and "Catalinas". When I get my final receipt at the drugstore or supermarket, I usually get coupons back for use on brand items at their store. These are called "Catalinas" after the company that does this. A register reward program like "CVS Bucks" or "Register Rewards" from Walgreens is the cash off coupon that "rewards" you for buying an item or items that were on sale. They are to be used on a future purchase. On my last trip to Walgreens, I got $14 worth of these! Woohoo free money! Make sure that you use these before they expire!

9. Check the store's coupon policy. In most cases, you will be able to use a store coupon in conjunction with a manufacturer coupon and if the item is also on sale then TRIFECTA!! These types of combinations vary from store to store. Many stores by me offer double coupons BUT they will only double up to a dollar, so that 75 cent coupon is NOT $1.50 off like I want it to be. This week, Pathmark by me is offering doubling coupons up to $2 off and even on those coupons that say DO NOT DOUBLE. As my local Pathmark is a dump and not really convenient for me to get to, I avoid it like the plague, but this might be worth me checking out. Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. I'll let you know. Stores also might offer coupon savings for seniors on certain days, $10 off coupons when you spend over $50, a $1 coupon doubler when you spend over $15, etc., etc. These combinations are worth looking into. Just be aware where you shop.

10. Check the money back policy. This goes hand in hand with #9 above. Sure you can buy that aspirin that is on sale for $2.99 with a $5 off coupon and have the store owe you $1.99 per box, but that money might not come off your bill at the register. Where I live, those types of deals are far and few between due to coupon policies. The store might only let the cost go down to $0. Some stores won't give you cash back, you must use the overage on actual items. It pays to know before you go.

11. The sales cycle. Usually, you can guess that healthy items are on sale in the beginning of the year when most people are resolving to lose weight. This time of year, you can stock up on picnic supplies like ketchup, relish, hot dog buns, paper plates, BBQ Sauce, etc. It seems like my Aveeno brand items go on sale every 5 weeks. Home improvement items also have a schedule. Just notice the cycles and shop accordingly.

12. BRING A CALCULATOR TO THE STORE WITH YOU. Just keep it in with your coupon stash. Yes, I have a hard time figuring out if 3 boxes of cereal for $6 is a good deal if I have a $1.50 off coupon. Do I really need to spell out the value of this? I got mine for 99 cents at Staples during the Back To School sale. So far, it has lasted 5 years.

So, I hope that these tips will help you on your coupon quest to save more money. I can routinely save 50% or more of my bill whenever I go shopping. If I don't have a coupon, I usually will not buy the item. Just being an educated shopper is the best step to buying better. Try to figure out the total cost before you go. Play a game with yourself. Make a bet with your spouse if you fall within 5% of what you figured out the cost to be then you don't have to do dishes or something. If you have any sites to share, let me know!!

Sites mentioned in this post:
The Grocery Game
Coupon Mom
P&G Brandsaver
Redplum
SmartSource
Coupons.com
The Container Store
The Krazy Coupon Lady
Weekly Coupon Insert Schedule

Other topics to come include Group Couponing sites like Groupon, Buy with Me, etc. and getting signed up for those birthday freebies!