Coupons Coupons Coupons

Okay, so the title of this blog doesn't really sum up the events since I last blogged, but it is pretty close. I have been getting more and more into couponing... It is definitely therapeutic, I'll give it that, and rewarding. It keeps me occupied, it helps us save money, and increases my slush fund for savings. Simple.

Since the beginning of March, by using coupons, I have saved $86.51. I managed to save money on grocery items, shower gels, tons of motrin gel caps---$5.00 off a 60 or 72 count bottle? I'll take it! I ended up buying 5 bottles. I made sure to check the expiry dates, and made sure that prior to coupons, the item was already on sale. It has been a successful coupon month, and I can definitely see next month being even better!

Some tricks I have been learning:

• If you want coupons, ask for them. Write to your favorite companies and request them. They will usually be more than willing to send them out. 
• If they are printable coupons, print more than one. It sounds simple, but it helped me save $25.00 on Motrin.
• Costco does not accept coupons, other than their own.
• Again, be organized. Use envelopes, use an accordian file, keep track of expiry dates, etc.
• Check with major grocery stores if they accept competitors coupons--some will, and can save you more money in the long run.

• Keep a running total of how much you save. Write it down on the calendar how much you save at a time. Add it up at the end of the month, and transfer that money into a savings account. You'll be amazed at how it adds up! 

And clip, clip, clip!! Check in-store for coupons, they sometimes have them down aisles right by the product. Grab a few--never the whole stack--and keep them for future use, when that item goes on sale! Sounds silly, but try to look at your flyers as you look at your coupons. Use your coupons on the cheapest price!

Until next time, happy clipping! Our weigh-in is tomorrow afternoon! :)

I Love Coupons!

Coupons are every where. In newspapers, in magazines, on store shelves, attached right to products... You get the idea. With today's economy, budgeting is key. Being frugal is important. Saving money on day to day needs keeps the money in your pocket, not in the store. Grocery prices slowly seem to be on the rise. I have always loved "a deal". I love clipping coupons--it's almost my zen point. I also get excited when going on the hunt for new coupons and calculating how much I could potentially save.

Key tips for coupons:
--Only clip coupons for products you already use. Don't just use a coupon for the heck of it--you're spending money on something that you might not use.
--Cashiers sometimes look down on coupons. Have experienced this first hand. Always know--they're jealous of you saving money... okay, or they're just ticked of as you're slowing things down.
--Keep organized. Use envelopes, or get one of those mini accoridan files. Keep track of expiry dates.
--Co-op accepts all competitors coupons, even superbucks from superstore. And Superstore has a wall of coupons usually in their entrance, and sometimes they have awesome deals!
--Keep an eye on your flyers--don't run out the door when you get a coupon--check your flyers, find the lowest sale price, then use your coupon. Get the lowest price. Simple. That is how I got Irish Spring shower gel for $0.99 at Shoppers (it was on sale for $2.99, and I had a $2 off coupon)
--Write to your favorite companies and tell them you love their product-usually you'll get coupons. Or sign up for their email clubs, you will usually get coupons via email.

As for the sites I use, some of them will mail the coupons to you, others you will print yourself.

• Canadian Free Stuff  Not only are there coupons, there are also links to free stuff.
• Simply Frugal           Again, coupons, free stuff, tips on frugal living, etc.
• Web Saver               Coupons, coupons, coupons....by mail!
• Canadian Daily Deals
• Mrs. January
• Bargain Moose
• Save
• P & G Brands

Also, when I am running low on coupon sources, I usually hit up google and search: canadian coupons, or canadian grocery coupons. It'll bring up tons of hits, just sift through for what you want...

I have figured, since January, I have saved over $150 by using coupons. So, if any of you need help with couponing, let me know! I'll be glad to help! Until next time, happy clipping! And happy saving!