Most individuals decide to pass up on the savings because they feel that they do not have the time.
For those of us who decide to pursue this money saving hobby, we spend our time trying to master the madness. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Get Organized
Why don't you clean up that stack of coupons sitting on the counter? Yes. I am talking about you! Isn't that where your inserts end up? Instead of letting them take up counter space until they expire, put them away. Pick an organizing method to make sure your coupons are available at a whim. The most common methods of organizing are:
Check File - This is how I first started organizing my coupons. It is compact and easily portable from your house, to your car and into the store. Check files can be found at Target or Walmart for around $3.
Binder - Use baseball card holders to organize your coupons. Be sure you store them in a zippered binder so they don't fall out, just in case you drop it. This method is great for quick access when you find those unexpected and unplanned deals.
File Box - Purchase a hard case file box (usually $10 at Walmart) to store your inserts. You will use hanging files to separate your inserts. This my current method (blended with the check file). I organize by insert (RP, SS, PG, Extra i.e. General Mills, Publix, Other Store) and date the front of the insert with a sharpie. While they are not clipped, they are there for easy access.
*I recommend finding a place to store your coupons when your not clipping, organizing or preparing. I store mine in a box under a chair in my room. I love coupons and my hubby loves the savings but we can't stand the clutter that it can sometimes bring.
Prepare for your Trip
Winging it can cause families to overspend and forget items. What can you do before heading out to the store to make this easier.?
Budget - Determine your shopping budget. I recommend setting a "before coupon" budget so that in case you have items to pick up that you forgot to put on your grocery list you can snag them without overspending. Also, when you spend under what is budgeted you fell great! Put that "extra" grocery money into a savings account or put it towards a night out with the hubby or family.
Meal Plan - Scan the weekly sales ad for your preferred store and plan your meals off sale items. Doing this will allow you to maximize your savings and will help you make sure you don't forget any ingredients.
Make a List - The most harmful thing anyone can do is walk into a store without a list. Whether you prefer a good handwritten list or the more modern iPhone (I recommend the FREE Grocery IQ app), noting items needed ahead of time will make your shopping trip smoother and will help you make sure you don't have to make any last minute runs for that forgotten ingredient. It is not enough to make the list but make sure it is with you. I usually put my handwritten lists in the envelope or check file with my coupons to ensure I have it with me.
Accept Help - Use a coupon match up site. There are so many now! Most stores have a blog that will match coupons to the sale items that week. For example, www.iheartpublix.com or www.totallytarget.com. Using these sites elimates the need for clipping because they tell you what insert the coupon is in. For example, $1/1 Kraft Cheese Product in the SS from 11/6 (Exp. 1/6).
Scan your coupons/inserts - I recommend scanning your coupons or inserts for any items you may need. If you forget to scan you will probably forget a coupon that could have saved you some pretty pennies. While coupon match-ups are nice, they don't keep track of your inventory. You may have a coupon, from a tear pad, that was mailed to you or that a friend gave to you that they didn't know about. Also be sure to scan competitor or store websites for any last minute coupons that you would like to use.
Don't Forget the Coupons - It seems easy enough but often individuals forget their coupons. This is why I hybrid my organizing method with the check file. It is understandable that most do not want to carry around a binder or file box all day, so when I find coupons I know I will use on my next trip, they automatically go into my check file (or an envelope) and into my purse. That way I always have them with me.
*I recommend sticking to one store for the majority of your items. I don't have time to travel to 6 different stores each week to snag the best deals so sometimes I do buy an item that is not on sale and that I don't have a coupon for. Remember most sales cycle every 6-8 weeks. If it is an item that goes on sale more often then not, try to wait.
No comments:
Post a Comment