July 2010

The Secret to Coupons, Part 2

by sarah on 07/28/2010

Hopefully, you made it through yesterday’s post! :)   Here are 5 more tips to finding the best coupons out there to lower your grocery bill.  I really hopes this helps some of you!

6. Sign up for Store Rewards Programs
Most stores offer rewards programs these days; and, it is worthwhile to sign up for them!  Many times you will receive coupons, via snail mail or email, periodically throughout the year.  JcPenney, Kohls, and Bath and Body Works are among my favorites – they send out high dollar coupons every few months.  I’ve been able to score terrific deals on my husband’s work clothes and get Christmas presents frugally!  Restaurants also offer discount programs.  If you sign up for their rewards programs, they frequently let you know of offers in your area and send you the occasional coupon.  I’ve signed up for Ruby Tuesday’s program and received many B1G1 entree coupons over the months!

7. Sign Up for Company Trial Programs
Vocalpoint and Kraft First Taste are just a few of the trial programs that you can sign up for.  Every few months, they will send you a product to sample, along with a stack of coupons.  You can use some of the coupons, and pass the rest on to your friends.  Just recently, Vocalpoint sent out a sample of Pampers diapers with several high dollar coupons.  I was able to combine them with CVS and Rite Aid sales, to score some terrific deals!


8. Check Companies’ Websites
Do you have a favorite manufacturer?  In addition to writing to them, you should also check their website for coupons!  Many companies have a special area for printing coupons – sometimes, you have to sign up for their email alerts and other times you have to fill out a brief survey.  But, it’s definitely worthwhile to shave money off your grocery bill.  I’ve set up a Gmail account, that I use to sign up for email and coupons – this way, it doesn’t clog my regular Inbox.

A few companies that I especially love are Seventh Generation and Coleman’s Organic.  Seventh Generation regularly resets their printable coupon page, and I wait to print my coupons until the products go on sale at our local grocery store.  That way, I don’t waste ink, from expiring coupons!  I’ve been able to get our dish washing liquid for free every time I’ve needed it!  Coleman’s is also great, because they give you 5 $1 coupons for filling out a short survey.  Organic meats are so expensive that any coupon really helps, and I wait until dollar doubler days at Harris Teeter to make these coupons go even further.

9. Create a Facebook Account
I know many people are worried that Facebook invades a person’s privacy; but, you can create an account without compromising your identity.  Like I’ve mentioned before, have a separate email address, use a pseudonym (such as Thrifty Jean), and don’t add any personal details that you feel uncomfortable sharing.  It’s very easy, takes just a few minutes, and opens a huge door to coupons!  Tons of companies are jumping on the Twitter and Facebook bandwagon, and are promoting their pages with incredible coupons.  I’ve gotten coupons for free DiGiorno pizza, a box of pasta, pens, razors, and much more!

10. Search Ebay
Every once in a while, I hear about high dollar coupons that are not in our area.  Once I’ve exhausted other means of obtaining it, I search Ebay.  Many times, you can find a coupon “lot” (usually 10-20), very cheaply.  With this method, you do need to do a mental cost analysis.  If you’re only saving a dollar, after you pay for the coupons and shipping, is it really worth your time and money?  I’ve also found that the most cost and time effective way of purchasing coupons through Ebay is by using vendors who offer the “Buy Now” feature.  Otherwise, once you begin bidding, the cost escalates quickly – and, I’ve often seen people paying $4.50 for a $3 coupon!  Please don’t ever do this – it’s bad for my sanity. ;)   But, if you must bid, calculate the greatest amount you will pay, wait until the last 3 seconds, and put in the amount.  This has a three-fold benefit: 1) it prevents you from bidding too high; 2) the price doesn’t shoot up; and 3) many times, you win by default.  (For those of you who are not too familiar with Ebay, if you bid “$5″ for an item but the highest amount everyone else bids is “.50,” you only have to pay $.51.)

As an example, a few months ago, Harris Teeter was doubling coupons up to $1.99.  Stonyfield Yogurt was on sale, and with a $1/1 coupon, it was free.  On top of that, each yogurt container has codes that you can cash in for free items.  I found 20 coupons for $1 on Ebay; and used them to get 20 cups of organic yogurt and 4 containers of Happy Baby puffs (once I submitted the codes) for free.  Not a bad deal for $1 out of pocket!

I’m hoping to write a more detailed post on printable coupons next week!  Hopefully, you’ve found this series helpful – I’d love to hear your thoughts or suggestions!

{ Comments on this entry are closed }

The Secret to Coupons, Part 2

by sarah on 07/28/2010

Hopefully, you made it through yesterday’s post! :)   Here are 5 more tips to finding the best coupons out there to lower your grocery bill.  I really hopes this helps some of you!

6. Sign up for Store Rewards Programs
Most stores offer rewards programs these days; and, it is worthwhile to sign up for them!  Many times you will receive coupons, via snail mail or email, periodically throughout the year.  JcPenney, Kohls, and Bath and Body Works are among my favorites – they send out high dollar coupons every few months.  I’ve been able to score terrific deals on my husband’s work clothes and get Christmas presents frugally!  Restaurants also offer discount programs.  If you sign up for their rewards programs, they frequently let you know of offers in your area and send you the occasional coupon.  I’ve signed up for Ruby Tuesday’s program and received many B1G1 entree coupons over the months!

7. Sign Up for Company Trial Programs
Vocalpoint and Kraft First Taste are just a few of the trial programs that you can sign up for.  Every few months, they will send you a product to sample, along with a stack of coupons.  You can use some of the coupons, and pass the rest on to your friends.  Just recently, Vocalpoint sent out a sample of Pampers diapers with several high dollar coupons.  I was able to combine them with CVS and Rite Aid sales, to score some terrific deals!


8. Check Companies’ Websites
Do you have a favorite manufacturer?  In addition to writing to them, you should also check their website for coupons!  Many companies have a special area for printing coupons – sometimes, you have to sign up for their email alerts and other times you have to fill out a brief survey.  But, it’s definitely worthwhile to shave money off your grocery bill.  I’ve set up a Gmail account, that I use to sign up for email and coupons – this way, it doesn’t clog my regular Inbox.

A few companies that I especially love are Seventh Generation and Coleman’s Organic.  Seventh Generation regularly resets their printable coupon page, and I wait to print my coupons until the products go on sale at our local grocery store.  That way, I don’t waste ink, from expiring coupons!  I’ve been able to get our dish washing liquid for free every time I’ve needed it!  Coleman’s is also great, because they give you 5 $1 coupons for filling out a short survey.  Organic meats are so expensive that any coupon really helps, and I wait until dollar doubler days at Harris Teeter to make these coupons go even further.

9. Create a Facebook Account
I know many people are worried that Facebook invades a person’s privacy; but, you can create an account without compromising your identity.  Like I’ve mentioned before, have a separate email address, use a pseudonym (such as Thrifty Jean), and don’t add any personal details that you feel uncomfortable sharing.  It’s very easy, takes just a few minutes, and opens a huge door to coupons!  Tons of companies are jumping on the Twitter and Facebook bandwagon, and are promoting their pages with incredible coupons.  I’ve gotten coupons for free DiGiorno pizza, a box of pasta, pens, razors, and much more!

10. Search Ebay
Every once in a while, I hear about high dollar coupons that are not in our area.  Once I’ve exhausted other means of obtaining it, I search Ebay.  Many times, you can find a coupon “lot” (usually 10-20), very cheaply.  With this method, you do need to do a mental cost analysis.  If you’re only saving a dollar, after you pay for the coupons and shipping, is it really worth your time and money?  I’ve also found that the most cost and time effective way of purchasing coupons through Ebay is by using vendors who offer the “Buy Now” feature.  Otherwise, once you begin bidding, the cost escalates quickly – and, I’ve often seen people paying $4.50 for a $3 coupon!  Please don’t ever do this – it’s bad for my sanity. ;)   But, if you must bid, calculate the greatest amount you will pay, wait until the last 3 seconds, and put in the amount.  This has a three-fold benefit: 1) it prevents you from bidding too high; 2) the price doesn’t shoot up; and 3) many times, you win by default.  (For those of you who are not too familiar with Ebay, if you bid “$5″ for an item but the highest amount everyone else bids is “.50,” you only have to pay $.51.)

As an example, a few months ago, Harris Teeter was doubling coupons up to $1.99.  Stonyfield Yogurt was on sale, and with a $1/1 coupon, it was free.  On top of that, each yogurt container has codes that you can cash in for free items.  I found 20 coupons for $1 on Ebay; and used them to get 20 cups of organic yogurt and 4 containers of Happy Baby puffs (once I submitted the codes) for free.  Not a bad deal for $1 out of pocket!

I’m hoping to write a more detailed post on printable coupons next week!  Hopefully, you’ve found this series helpful – I’d love to hear your thoughts or suggestions!

{ Comments on this entry are closed }

The Secret to Coupons, Part 1

by sarah on 07/27/2010

People always ask me how I find “useful” coupons, not just ones for $1/3 Megamix Vanilla Vitamins.  So, I thought I’d write a two-part series with some of the tips I’ve learned.

1. Buy the Sunday Newspaper
Probably the most obvious way of getting coupons is through the Sunday newspaper.  While there are many coupons that you won’t use, you can usually find a handful that are helpful.  And, those that you don’t need, you can swap (see Tip #2).  Most times, the cheapest way to get the Sunday newspaper is to have a subscription.  But, it’s important to always check your statement – many times (at least in our area), they raise the cost of the subscription after several months, and you end up paying more for it, than if you bought it off the stand.  However, if you call the newspaper, they will usually lower the cost, in order to keep your subscription.

2. Use Coupon Swapping Sites
When I first started couponing, I came upon Baby Cheapskate Baby Coupon Traders.  Once you join (it’s a very quick process), you can post a list of the coupons you have along with your wishlist.  While you do need to post at least one coupon that is baby-related (for instance, you can do the $1/1 Johnson & Johnson baby product), the majority of the trading is for regular, non-baby coupons.  Over the years, I’ve gotten the majority of my organic and high dollar coupons from them!

In fact, just recently, we decided to splurge on a chest freezer.  (I’ve been saving for one, so I can stock up on meats and fruits during sales and summer time bumper crop seasons.)  And, I found the cheapest freezer, with the best reviews, at Home Depot.  I immediately started looking for coupons, and realized that my best option would be to trade for a “10% off Lowe’s” coupon (since Home Depot takes competitor coupons).  I went to my favorite BC Traders website, and listed my coupons.  Within a couple hours, someone replied; and, within two days, a Lowe’s coupon was in my mailbox.  I ended up saving $20, by trading $5 of coupons I would never use!

Also, many times, you can find friends on these swapping websites, with whom you can trade your useless Sunday coupons.  A while back, I had a friend, who I saved my cat coupons for, and she saved automatically held onto any organic coupons for me.

3. Write to Companies
Everyone loves feedback; and most businesses show their gratitude with coupons.  I’ve written to countless companies, explaining what I love about their products, and received many high dollar coupons in return.  And, there are times when I’m unhappy with their product and detail my grievances to them.  I’ve been amazed by their timely response!

As an example, I was a loyal customer to a very well-known diaper company.  For two years, we used their diapers exclusively, without a problem.  Then, the quality began deteriorating: tabs did not stick, etc.  I informed them of the problems we were having and our disappointment, and they immediately sent me free coupons with their sincere apologies.  So, you see, it is worthwhile to point out problems – it benefits the company and you (this particular company must have gotten a number of complaints, because they ended up doing an overhaul of their product, and it’s so much better now!).  As a side note: Please make sure the complaint is justified (I don’t write flimsy excuses, in hopes of getting high dollar coupons or monetary compensation).

4. Ask Friends
When I first started couponing, I was too embarrassed to ask friends for their Sunday newspaper.  Heavens, I use to have a good job, and could afford to pay full price for my groceries, thankyouverymuch.  What would people think of me?  I really didn’t want to be the stereotyped poor, denim-jumpered, pregnant, bare-footed homeschool mom, yet!  But, the Lord has a way of stripping away one’s pride; and I quickly learned that using coupons helped me be a better steward of my money!  So, I did start asking people for their newspapers – at first, they looked at me a little funny and wondered whether we’d gotten a dog.  And,  I did get some good natured teasing…but, now, I have everyone so well trained, that they call whenever they received a coupon in the mail and ask if I want it! :)

In exchange, I always ask friends what products they enjoy and keep my eye out for great deals.  When I can, I combine coupons and sales to purchase their favorite items!  In my opinion, it’s very important to not always be on the receiving end.  Even if it’s something as “insignificant” as the Sunday newspaper they were going to throw away, people always appreciate knowing you are thinking of them as well!

5. Check RetailMeNot for Coupons
Always, always search the web for coupons, before you make an online purchase!  The best site I’ve found for online coupons is RetailMeNot.  I’ve saved so much money by checking their site, and have found coupons for everything from pizza to an air compressor.  About a year ago, my husband was frequently traveling for work and had a very measly travel stipend.  In fact, it was so low that many times, he could only find hotels in the bad parts of town.  So, I searched online, and found coupon codes he could use on Priceline and Orbitz.  He ended up at the other extreme – getting a beautiful 4 star hotel for under $50/night, making his wife extremely jealous of his opulent living quarters.  I stopped looking for coupons, when he called to say that he was relaxing in his suite and enjoying his 100 ft flat screen TV. ;)

I would love to hear how you, my wonderful readers, find coupons!  In my experience, there is a lot of trial and error…did I mention, ERROR? :)   But, the Lord does bless your efforts; and, while I’ve had many bad experiences (mostly cashier errors and uninformed store managers), there have been many blessings along the way.  Through couponing, I’ve been able to afford organic food and to share my bounty with others!  Hopefully, I haven’t bored all of you, and you’ll come back tomorrow for part 2!

{ Comments on this entry are closed }

The Secret to Coupons, Part 1

by sarah on 07/27/2010

People always ask me how I find “useful” coupons, not just ones for $1/3 Megamix Vanilla Vitamins.  So, I thought I’d write a two-part series with some of the tips I’ve learned.

1. Buy the Sunday Newspaper
Probably the most obvious way of getting coupons is through the Sunday newspaper.  While there are many coupons that you won’t use, you can usually find a handful that are helpful.  And, those that you don’t need, you can swap (see Tip #2).  Most times, the cheapest way to get the Sunday newspaper is to have a subscription.  But, it’s important to always check your statement – many times (at least in our area), they raise the cost of the subscription after several months, and you end up paying more for it, than if you bought it off the stand.  However, if you call the newspaper, they will usually lower the cost, in order to keep your subscription.

2. Use Coupon Swapping Sites
When I first started couponing, I came upon Baby Cheapskate Baby Coupon Traders.  Once you join (it’s a very quick process), you can post a list of the coupons you have along with your wishlist.  While you do need to post at least one coupon that is baby-related (for instance, you can do the $1/1 Johnson & Johnson baby product), the majority of the trading is for regular, non-baby coupons.  Over the years, I’ve gotten the majority of my organic and high dollar coupons from them!

In fact, just recently, we decided to splurge on a chest freezer.  (I’ve been saving for one, so I can stock up on meats and fruits during sales and summer time bumper crop seasons.)  And, I found the cheapest freezer, with the best reviews, at Home Depot.  I immediately started looking for coupons, and realized that my best option would be to trade for a “10% off Lowe’s” coupon (since Home Depot takes competitor coupons).  I went to my favorite BC Traders website, and listed my coupons.  Within a couple hours, someone replied; and, within two days, a Lowe’s coupon was in my mailbox.  I ended up saving $20, by trading $5 of coupons I would never use!

Also, many times, you can find friends on these swapping websites, with whom you can trade your useless Sunday coupons.  A while back, I had a friend, who I saved my cat coupons for, and she saved automatically held onto any organic coupons for me.

3. Write to Companies
Everyone loves feedback; and most businesses show their gratitude with coupons.  I’ve written to countless companies, explaining what I love about their products, and received many high dollar coupons in return.  And, there are times when I’m unhappy with their product and detail my grievances to them.  I’ve been amazed by their timely response!

As an example, I was a loyal customer to a very well-known diaper company.  For two years, we used their diapers exclusively, without a problem.  Then, the quality began deteriorating: tabs did not stick, etc.  I informed them of the problems we were having and our disappointment, and they immediately sent me free coupons with their sincere apologies.  So, you see, it is worthwhile to point out problems – it benefits the company and you (this particular company must have gotten a number of complaints, because they ended up doing an overhaul of their product, and it’s so much better now!).  As a side note: Please make sure the complaint is justified (I don’t write flimsy excuses, in hopes of getting high dollar coupons or monetary compensation).

4. Ask Friends
When I first started couponing, I was too embarrassed to ask friends for their Sunday newspaper.  Heavens, I use to have a good job, and could afford to pay full price for my groceries, thankyouverymuch.  What would people think of me?  I really didn’t want to be the stereotyped poor, denim-jumpered, pregnant, bare-footed homeschool mom, yet!  But, the Lord has a way of stripping away one’s pride; and I quickly learned that using coupons helped me be a better steward of my money!  So, I did start asking people for their newspapers – at first, they looked at me a little funny and wondered whether we’d gotten a dog.  And,  I did get some good natured teasing…but, now, I have everyone so well trained, that they call whenever they received a coupon in the mail and ask if I want it! :)

In exchange, I always ask friends what products they enjoy and keep my eye out for great deals.  When I can, I combine coupons and sales to purchase their favorite items!  In my opinion, it’s very important to not always be on the receiving end.  Even if it’s something as “insignificant” as the Sunday newspaper they were going to throw away, people always appreciate knowing you are thinking of them as well!

5. Check RetailMeNot for Coupons
Always, always search the web for coupons, before you make an online purchase!  The best site I’ve found for online coupons is RetailMeNot.  I’ve saved so much money by checking their site, and have found coupons for everything from pizza to an air compressor.  About a year ago, my husband was frequently traveling for work and had a very measly travel stipend.  In fact, it was so low that many times, he could only find hotels in the bad parts of town.  So, I searched online, and found coupon codes he could use on Priceline and Orbitz.  He ended up at the other extreme – getting a beautiful 4 star hotel for under $50/night, making his wife extremely jealous of his opulent living quarters.  I stopped looking for coupons, when he called to say that he was relaxing in his suite and enjoying his 100 ft flat screen TV. ;)

I would love to hear how you, my wonderful readers, find coupons!  In my experience, there is a lot of trial and error…did I mention, ERROR? :)   But, the Lord does bless your efforts; and, while I’ve had many bad experiences (mostly cashier errors and uninformed store managers), there have been many blessings along the way.  Through couponing, I’ve been able to afford organic food and to share my bounty with others!  Hopefully, I haven’t bored all of you, and you’ll come back tomorrow for part 2!

{ Comments on this entry are closed }