Welcome to part 2 of my "do you know how to coupon" series! In this section, I'll explain how I use, store, and maximize my coupons. Hopefully you'll gain some insight as to how I do it, and modify my approach to suit your own needs.
The photos you see are photos of ONE of my coupon binders. I have a total of two, and this is the one that stores all my clipped coupons - the other binder has page protector sleeves that house my unclipped coupons. The second binder also has sections for selected store coupons (those coupon strips that print out when you checkout), restaurant coupons, and coupons that are just too large or bulky to put in the "clipped" binder.
As you can see, this clipped binder is quite large! I realize it's a bit too bulky for some people, but it's perfect for me. I take this binder everywhere (just ask my kids), because you just never know when you'll find a great deal. Now, many people prefer to keep all their ads unclipped and stored in sleeves for easy viewing. This approach saves alot of time (not to mention saves hand cramps!) when it comes to clipping, but I have found through my own experiences that my binder just gets too big and it takes forever to find the coupon I need! I recently bought page dividers and labeled them A, B, C..., which has already made my coupon use easier.
When it comes to using my coupons, I try to frequent the stores that not only have the best deals, but who double or triple coupons. Here in Houston, I have to say I shop Kroger most often. They triple coupons valued at $.39 or less, and double coupons from $.40 - $.50. They will also double or triple up to three of the same coupons, which is why I shop there more frequently than Randalls. Randalls does double and triple at the same increments but they will only do it once, not three times.
When I first started using coupons seriously (I was always a casual coupon user), I would buy the product strictly to use my coupon! This may sound fine, but I failed to realize that if I used my coupons when there was a sale I could get the item free or almost free. I have noticed that stores run the same items on sale about once a month, but my absolute favorite time to stock up is during the "instant rebate" sales. These sales offer an instant rebate when you buy a certain quantity of items - currently Randalls has an instant rebate sale on Triscuit and Wheat Thins where you get a $5 rebate when you buy 5 boxes.
I have also learned another key point: to stock up when an item is on sale! With five growing kids in my house, we tend to go through an absolute ton of groceries. I stock up on an item when I can get it for at least 75% off regular price and it stores or freezes well. My storage room currently has about 40 12x12x8 boxes full of "overages" as I call them - just extra groceries and tioletries that won't fit in my cabinets or pantry. In recent months I've stocked up on free disposable razors, free toothpaste and toothbrushes, free canned goods, and the rest of my stuff was super cheap too! If I need an item, I just head to my boxes and grab what I need instead of going to the store and paying full price for it.
I used to budget $150.00 per week for groceries, but over the last month my grocery budget has been cut in half, plus I've been able to store a bunch of groceries for later use. I am also able to get most of my meats and produce on clearance, which saves a fortune while providing my family with vitamins and nutrients we need. It is possible to feed a family of 7 on a limited budget - my family is living proof!
This is the end of part 2.....stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks!
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