I’ve been using coupons with a vengence for about three years now, and am saving thousands of dollars every year and have more food and sundry items than ever before. In this time, I learned that couponing is a skill that can save a lot of money, and requires only a little bit of knowledge and about an hour to 90 minutes a week in prep time.
I am always surprised when people don’t think it’s worth their time to use coupons. Look at this shop from today. I spent only $22.86! That was 71 percent off! Among other items, this included 4 pounds of boneless chicken breasts, 2 pounds of ground turkey, 5 Healthy Choice entrees, a nearly 2 pound bag of frozen Taquitos, Progresso soup, etc. If I had just shopped the specials — without coupons — this same shop would have cost $47.17 — more than 50 percent more. (By the way, I got the Quaker snacks, Gatorade, and Yakasobi noodles for free. The Progresso soups were only 27 cents each for three cans!)
I’ve learned over the years that the newspapers flyers give you some great coupons, but if you want to net the big savings, you need to add in three more venues for high-value coupons — the Internet, Facebook, and online saving specials.
Let me explain these areas:
The Internet – If you want to net the biggest savings, you must use Internet printable coupons. You can easily find them on Couponmom.com, or any other sites, but you will consistently net higher savings on more items by just printing out the coupons. But let me tell you, hold onto them. They are usually good for a month or two, and just wait for the products to hit their lowest point. I combined Internet and a store special to net the V8 juices for 99 cents apiece today, as well as the Healthy Choice entrees for only 99 cents apiece. I normally wouldn’t buy Healthy Choice, but for less than a “value meal” burger, I added those in. If you see any high-value coupons (the Healthy Choice was $5 off 5) print it out!
Use Facebook for savings – More and more food manufacturers are using Facebook as a marketing technique. I’ve found in several instances that if you become a “fan” of their pages, you can net some high-value coupons. I got one in the mail just yesterday — a free pint of International Coffee creamer. This is normally at least $1.49 on a great sale, and I get it for free. No spam from Facebook, just some great deals. Watch savings blogs for alerts on companies offering great deals. I like Saving Cents with Sense.
Watch TV and Internet offerings – You know that nearly 2 pound bag of frozen taquitos I bought today? The sale price was $5.49. How much did I pay — 49 cents! You’re damn right I put that in the cart! I netted the $5 off coupon by seeing an online offering where if you provided a recipe, they would send you a $5 coupon. I used my chipotle sauce one I got off allrecipes.com, and voila — I got a bag of taquitos for 49 cents! When you watch TV or surf savings blogs, start mentally noting companies that are offering savings specials on their web sites. Print out the coupons, match them with store specials and Ecoupons and net huge rewards. Last week I got the big Coffeemate for only 75 cents apiece (normally $3.49) by combining the coupon from the web site, a store special and an Ecoupon!
Anyone who wants to save money or who is facing tough times should use coupons. I literally save more than $3,000 a year for a family of two. Doesn’t make any difference? Wouldn’t that help you pay off a credit card, or maybe help a lot on a car payment?
I hope these tips help you to refine your skills so you can save even more. I tell you, it’s fun! Even the cashier today told me how good I did. 
You can do it, too, see the “Coupon Shopping” and Grocery Store Tactics” link on my web site for more.
4:18 pm
Damn Harry, I brought as hell and I keep trying but where do you find these. You need to just send me your shopping list, stores and what coupons I need and then we shop together. LOL!!! But then I still love the 99 cent store too and my Grocery Outlet in Ftn. Valley but they don’t take coupons. Great job Harry, at we know Art won’t starve. LOL!!!