The blog has a wealth of information. Here are my tips for beginners-
Get a Sunday paper and start saving coupons! Find a way to organize the coupons--Tips HERE!
Read Couponing 101(This will tell you where to find coupons, etc...).
Read Local Couponing Policies here.
Pick one store and master working deals there. Then add another store.
I use coupons all the time--but never save as much as you save. Is this some sort of joke?!?!
No. Keep in mind I work two angles on a coupon. I not only use coupons, I shop sales with coupons. I call it strategically shopping with coupons! This way you max out the savings potential!
$120 a month on groceries--Seriously?
Yes, seriously. My personal goal is to stay under $30 a week for groceries.
I kept every single receipt from my first trip to Publix until the blog began...Each receipt gets entered on the blog and is then averaged out(right side bar). I tack on a little extra for trips to the bread store, etc...
Many Bargain Buggy readers are thrilled with cutting their grocery bills by 50%+!
Do you always have coupons for the items that you buy?
Not always. A great example is produce and meat which I occasionally have coupons for...but not always. I try to at least buy the produce or meat that is on sale. I stock up on meat and freeze it when a good sale comes around so I do not need to purchase on every single grocery trip.
Where do you primarily shop?
Publix (grocery and some cleaning supplies)
Walgreens (toiletries)
CVS (toiletries)
Rite Aid (toiletries)
Target
Earth Grain Bread Outlet on Moffett Road-Click here for more info
Isn't WalMart cheaper?
I had this same mind set before I started couponing. Before coupons, I shopped Wal-Mart and easily spent $100+ a week on groceries for my family of four. Easily. I wavered midway though my savings journey and tried going back to WalMart and using coupons...But quickly came to my senses after checking out prices after coupons. I am truly getting better deals elsewhere using coupons and shopping sales. I occasionally will stop by WalMart to get SUPER cheap items, like the .39 bananas, .40/lb turkey, etc...
How often do you shop?
I usually shop the stores once a week. However, I do skip weeks here and there.
How much time do you spend couponing?
It is all about being organize! I would say on average planning for a trip takes me 1 hour. A beginner might spend 1-2 hours preparing for a grocery trip...But if you save enough $$$, your time is well spent.
The blog is what takes the most time for me.
The Bargain Buggy's TOP tips?
Be organized. Organize your coupons and plan your shopping trip list in advance! Know the store couponing policies wherever you choose to shop! You have to want to save. I enjoy couponing and catching a great deal!
You drive all the way to Publix!!! Is it worth the gas?
For me, yes. If I can save $75+ per trip, it was well worth it. Plus, I just like Publix and the people that work there. The Publix staff in Fairhope is top notch!
Do you work for Publix?
Nope.
When will Mobile get a Publix?
In the future...Sorry, I can't give a better answer than that! They are coming though! The Daphne location will open up in Spring 2010.
Why do you buy so much of one product?
For instance, shampoo...Why 4 bottles? This is called stockpiling. You can read more about it here. It all comes down to buying products that your family will use at great prices...and buying enough of that item to hold you over until the next sale. Something to know about sales is that they tend to cycle so your goal is to buy enough of the sale product to hold you over until the next sale. This is usually a 6-8 week cycle. Did I mention that I got all that shampoo FREE?!?!
Do people look at you funny with all of those coupons?
One or two...:) So that is pretty good. Couponing is a fun hobby for me and saves my family $! Most stores gladly take coupons--it can drive business at times.
What is a coupon match up?
This is when a sales item is matched up with the coupons available. Saves A LOT of time. Read more about Couponing Terminology here.
Hopefully this will answer some of the questions out there. The blog provides all of the information you need...However, if you would like to attend a class you can read more information here.
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