Coupons

I have really gotten back into using coupons thanks to www.moneysavingmom.com. Crystal always has great posts about how little she spends at the grocery, CVS, Walgreens, etc. I have learned alot from her posts and others that leave comments on her blog. Its great...go check it out.

So here are some tips you may not know Walgreens and CVS will accept their store coupon AND a manufacturers coupon for the same item. Its an added bonus if you get Extra Care Bucks (CVS) or Register Rewards (Walgreens) and if the item is also on sale. However, if you have a coupon and store coupon for deodorant, you can use them but you must also have a 2nd item to equal your number of coupons (for example...a deodorant and pack of gum). It takes a little getting used to but it does work.

Target will take their coupon and a manufacturers coupon too and you can combine it with a sale. These combinations make this stuff almost free. Their coupon policy states that if your coupon value is more than the cost of the item they will adjust it and you will get this item free. It might come in handy to go to the site and print off the policy to carry with you. I've argued at 2 different Targets and lost...but now the policy is clearly stated and I've got a copy in my purse for the next time. So if your coupon states $1 off any cheerios and you go in, you can get the .97 cup of O's for free.

Kroger 's had some awesome deals lately. My favorites are the buy 10 special products and get $5 off your order. It could be Keebler, or Nestle or whoever. And you can do this deal multiple times in the same grocery order. The items have been on sale, I've had manufacturers coupons for them, and the $5 comes off at the end. Last week Lean Cuisines, Juicy Juice, and Kraft cheeses were included. In Miss. our grocery sales cycle Wed.-Wed. so the new ads come out tomorrow. And the coupons are a better deal at Kroger too because they double up to .60 here.
I've got many suave deodorants for free with a .50 coupon, because it was doubled to $1. And when the Meat Managers section is full of meat...we go through all the packages to find the real cheap bargains. I've gotten ground chuck for $1.25 lb and will buy every package when I find it at that price. I also buy the cheap steaks $2 and under and freeze them till I have collected enough for either Steak Stirfry or Steak Stroganoff.

We have a very generous grocery budget every month, but I still like to find the bargains and stock up when I can. I will never be one of those people that buys $300 in groceries and pays $9 at the register. It can be done but we have particular brands we like, dietary needs to consider and food additives to avoid. So, I don't just go buy anything...if your family isn't going to eat it or use it you wasted your money. OR go ahead and get the item, especially if you can get it for free, and donate to a shelter or food bank.

I would love to hear about your shopping adventures. They are an inspiration to me and help me look at things in a whole new way. AND it you don't want your coupons....send them my way!