Monday, July 28, 2008

How to get good deals


At the "keeping the kingdom first" blog, they are having a coupon binder show and tell. This post was created before the show and tell started, but I think it's a perfect match.

Some people have asked my how I get those good deals on groceries. There are so many things to know, but here are some main points.
Even if you aren't ready to go shopping yet, you need to start gathering coupons. You can get your local newspaper on Sunday for the most coupons. I always get a double paper, so I get 2 of each coupon. Then you need to have some kind of method of organizing your coupons. I have a big 3-ring binder. It has divider tabs, with categories, and baseball card inserts for keeping your coupons easily visible. Here's my binder
I started with a website The grocery game. On this website, they give you a list of things that are good deals, and tell you which coupons to buy. The downside of this is that they charge $10/ 8 weeks for the first store, and $5 / 8 weeks for any additional stores. Obviously you save that amount easy, but it still is an investment. Although this is an easy way to save money, the way to save the most is by reading blogs of people that save a TON, and copying them.
Here are several blogs I read that have good info:
coupon cravings
Christines coupons
i heart cvs
money saving mom
printable-coupons
waymore4wayless
Coupon loop
The easy way to keep up with these blogs is to set up google reader. This way, you don't have check each individual website, but when they update it, you can just read it in your reader. You do need a google account, but it's free, so why not?
I have only been doing coupons for 2 months, and I feel like I'm getting the hang of it. I have started stockpiling a ton of personal care items, as well as food.In the beginning you might see your grocery bill go up. This is because you are stockpiling with good deals, while still buying food that you need every day. After a while, you will have to buy less and less "every day" items, because you'll have them in stockpile. I would also setup a closet for your storage. The best is if you can hang some shelves and clear all the other stuff out of the closet. You'll be amazed at how fast it fills up. The other thing I have noticed, is that in the beginning I would buy stuff that was a pretty good deal (50% off), while I now prefer not to buy stuff for less than 80% discount, especially personal items. I don't spend more than $0.50 on (nice) shampoo. I don't pay for deodorant. And won't pay for razors either.
Shopping for good deals will be easier if you live close to the stores. (I live 30 miles away, so I try to only go once a week) You could make several trips a week. Our kroger and Albertsons sales start on Wednesday, and our CVS and Walgreens sales on Sunday. Just keep in mind that just because something is cheap, you shouldn't necessarily buy it. You'll end up spending more money than you need to. On the other hand, if you can get a product for free + make some money with a coupon, go for it. You can always donate the product to charity.

9 comments:

مهدي said...

I dont know about your commercial way of life, because I dont live in america. but it looks wrey artistic and professional.
now I'm using google reader and thank for your guidance.

And please look at the comment area of my blog. I wrote for you.

Amber said...

I really think I am going to get with one of my girlfriends and try this!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the link and I LOVE your stockpile of cereal. WOW! :)

Erin @ Coupon Cravings

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Your cereal stockpile made me smile. I just counted the boxes in my stockpile yesterday (I've been at this coupon stuff for just a few months too) - and it's about equal to yours. Now I can show dh that I'm not the only one with that much cereal squirreled away!

Anonymous said...

I've just started couponing and I think I can now officially call it a hobby, okay, maybe an obsession but that's such a harsh word! :) At first I felt guilty stockpiling so many goods and reigned myself in thinking I didn't need this much stuff. But then the day came when my husband needed an item that I didn't have and that I passed up for free two weeks prior. I had to go out and pay full price for it! *Gasp* Now I spend frugally and stockpile with joy knowing I'm providing for my family and others.

Thrifty and Chic Mom said...

I love your stockpile closet I have a shelf in my basement breaking with CVS freebies and deals! I love it!

Carrie said...

I am so jealous of your nice closet. I want to have a little pantry put in under my basement stairs. The ground floor of our house has not one single closet, not even for coats. I think what was once the pantry is now a half bath.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jessica

Thanks for sharing your coupon binder at From Wags to Riches. The one on here looks very organized.

And yes, I would love to see a photo of your new binder. And also, do you happen to know how much the binder cost at Sam's Club? Do you think they have the best price? I'm considering going binder shopping tonight :)

Thanks again and I'm inspired by your organization, it's great!

Patricia

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