Not So Extreme Couponing

I have been delving deeply into the world of couponing, hoping that I can save a few dollars here and there on needs for our family.  I still have a long way to go in learning all the ins and outs of it all, but I have learned a few things.  Some are pretty common sense, but some I'd never thought of before.


  1. Where you live will dictate how well you can coupon.  There are more places than not that do NOT do the double or triple coupons, so the chances of being able to get a good stockpile going like you see on TV may not be realistic for you.  Celebrate the small victories and know that every dollar saved helps.
  2. ALWAYS shop with a list.  It will not only save you money, because you won't be needlessly buying things that you either already have at home or rarely if ever use, but it will save you a LOT of time.  
  3. Don't buy it just because you have a coupon. 'Nuff said.  Unless it practically makes the item free, if you don't immediately need it (or unless you are in an area that you CAN get a good stockpile going and it would contribute well) don't buy it.
  4. DO meal plan. I preach this MUCH better than I actually do it.  We are going out of town this weekend and when we get home next week it will be almost time for groceries again.  I WILL be making sure I meal plan ahead of time.
    1. In addition, meal plan according to the sales fliers from the stores you shop in.  A lot of times the stores will run sales according to the coupons coming out/that just came out and you can get some awesome deals.
    2. Some places like Walgreen's will allow you to use an in-store coupon as well as a manufacturer's coupon so you can get even better savings - be sure to compare prices between the fliers.
  5. Don't be a brand snob. Most off-brand products are actually MADE by the brand name companies.  Once in a while I've found something off-brand that really just...well, sucked.  The majority of the items though have actually been REALLY good, some even better than the name brand and at a fraction of the cost.
I'm sure there are more things that I'll think of as soon as I submit this, but I hope that the few I have will help somewhat.

Happy Shopping!

Cross Posted from Moneyless Mommas

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