I think the biggest concern for those who are interested in couponing is how time consuming it must be. To be honest I spend about an 1- 1 1/2 hours out of the week to work on my shopping list and coupons.
You can save roughly 35% using store sales by themselves, but if you plan your shopping trips with coupons, sales, and manufacturer promos you can save about 65% on average.
Our weekly household budget has dropped dramatically from $120/week to $50/week (3 adults, 1 child, and our 4 legged pal).
Weekly grocery ads usually arrive on Tuesday, since the grocery stores run their weekly specials Wednesday thru Tuesday. I use the coupon database to see if the items I need to purchase have a coupon good for that item. If there is one, the description tells me which Sunday insert to look in for the applicable coupon.
I have my uncut inserts filed by release date and publisher. For instance, there are 2 main inserts in the Sunday paper: Red Plum (RP), Smartsource (SS) and 2 periodic inserts: General Mills (GM), Procter & Gamble (P&G). The description in the database usually looks like this:
B1G1 Dove Hair Care Products (exp 10/30/2011) RP Insert 10/2/2011.
So I know to look in the Red Plum insert dated 10/02/2011. I cut out the corresponding coupon and attach it to my shopping list. Internet printables and e-coupons are just as easy, if not easier. I just go to the printable sites and print what I need and head to my store’s website to load the e-coupon to my frequent shopper card.
I’ve been able to provide all the tools for you through Mom2Mom Inspired Hawaii. Tour the tabs to see printable coupons and play with the coupon database. There is usually a coupon printer program that is required before you print, but it is safe and there to prevent coupon fraud.
More couponing tips and help posts are in the works, so keep following M2M as I’ll have a lot in store for everyone.
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