Grocery Coupon Q&A

Where do you get your coupons?
Everywhere! I clip from newspapers and magazines, I print them online, I get them from the little machines that spit out coupons at the grocery store, and I get them with my receipt.
Also, I visit or call the manufacturer directly! One time I went to the Wyeth Consumer Products website and got 3 – $1 coupons for Advil! If you have a favorite brand, just visit their site or call their customer support number.

How do you plan to use your coupons?
When i get my grocery store circulars (I shop at 2 stores) I sit with a note pad and my coupons and plan my family meals for the week based on what’s on sale.
For example, if chicken is on sale for $0.99/lb, that will be on this weeks menu. Then, I plan the side dishes. Like if the Lipton Noodle packs are on sale and I have a coupon, you bet that I’ll get them! Once Cherios were on sale and I had coupons so I only paid $1.34 per box. Here’s the math:

* Regular price $3.89 each
* Sale Price $10 for 5 Boxes
* Coupons $3.30 ($0.55 coupons, double coupon week and I had 3 coupons)
* Final Price $6.70 ($1.34 each for 5 boxes)

Do you have any warnings for us?
Yes – read your grocery circular carefully. Remember that just because it’s in the circular, doesn’t mean that it’s on sale. Manufacturers will pay to have their product featured.
Also, read the fine print. If your store has oranges on sale 20 for $10, and you HAVE to buy 20, unless you have an army to feed, you’ll more than likely throw out more than you can consume. That’s wasting money.

What other tips do you have?
~ Sign up for your grocery store’s savings program.
~ Shop when your store does double or even triple coupon weeks. And take advantage of your store’s BOGO deals.
~ Use a coupon organizer to sort your coupons, and keep it with you at all times. I keep mine in my purse so if I make an unplanned stop at a store, I have them with me.
~ Swap coupons with your friends, family and co-workers. Once a week, get together for lunch while sharing coupons.
~ Don’t just use your grocery coupons at the grocery store. I also shop at Walmart and CVS. and they accept grocery coupons! I save alot of money here, especially on diapers and wipes.
~ Take advantage of manufacturers rebates for extra savings.

How do you use your coupons? If you have any tips, please share and leave a comment!