Coupons

[#1]

Last week I saved $11 on my shopping trip – just from coupons!  And, it was on things I would normally buy, I’m really trying to make sure I only clip or click on the items I would normally purchase.  The coupons were from many places – the Sunday paper, on-line, coupons from the register from my last trip, and there were even some in-store at shelf and from some sampling that was going on.    I’ve had to be even more organized when I bring them to the store too given the number that I’m carrying and the fact that I typically have one of the girls with me - I usually have one instance where I’ve dropped some on the floor or I’m in an aisle longer than I should be because I can’t find the coupon I know I had – frustrating for me and likely frustrating for the shoppers around me (sorry!).  I’ve started trying to put them in order of the aisles (before my trip) so I can find them more easily, and use a binder clip now to hold them all together, along with my shopping list.  That way if I do drop them it’s an easy save.   How do you manage your coupons?

[#2]

I write my shopping list on the back of a business reply envelope (reduce, reuse, recycle!) and put the coupons I plan to use in the envelope.

[#3]

I found this blog doing research for an assignment for college. The whole blog is fantastic to me! I am a mother of a big family. I have five children at home, two in New York plus a step son, and one deceased. I shop weekly, and I don't use coupons! Now I see the importants, and I am going to keep my eyes opened for the papers and use the other tips you have here -thanks!

I have to agree with Aaron Uhrmacher too, it would be nice if there was at least one link to some of the company's e-coupons instead of having to search for them. I can not speak for others, but I know that if I knew there were links to things like that, I wouldn't just get on the page to go there, because it is so full of different things I enjoy reading about. I am glad my studies led me here!

[#4]

I keep all of my coupons in a small (index-card sized) accordian file categorized by type (dairy, canned, meat, dry, cleaning products, etc.). The front space is reserved for "today's shopping" so I just pull from the other slots as I shop and all of my coupons are in one spot ready to go once I'm finished.

[#5]

Does safeway have double coupon day? I use them but would love saving more money on my grocery list.Thanks.

[#6]

I also use a small, index-card size accordian file. I have a couple generic slots (a couple edible, one "non-edible", baby/pets, etc.) but then also have a slot for each store I shop at. When I make my shopping lists for each store, I look through the sales flyer and pull all the coupons I will be using - or even ones I might use once I check the price there.* I also keep the front slot empty. As I go through the store and collect my items, I move the pertinent coupons from the store slot up to the front empty slot. Then, before I go up to the check-out line, I stop in an empty aisle and make sure I have everything ready so things will go as smoothly as possible for the checker.

Between the Club Card Savings, the Safeway coupons and my coupon stash, I usually save between 60-70% off each trip. It really adds up!

Have fun!

*Sometimes when making my plans I'll consult the coupon databases to see what coupons are out there. One good database is the one at http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/coupon.php. It makes it a lot easier to see if there is a better coupon in a past insert or an internet printable one out there I haven't seen. Also, I don't throw out my inserts. I might clip a few when I get the newspaper, but then I hold on to them and see what sales come up so I can go back to them.

[#7]

Great blog so far...I like that it doesn't seem uber marketing focused - Safeway should keep up the personal touch!

Things I really like: The ease with which I can load coupons on to my Safeway Club card.

Things I would like to know more about:

Where can I find my local Safeway store's coupon policies regarding double coupons, etc.?

Thanks for your help! My email is kikilitalien at yahoo.com.

[#8]

e-commerce is getting more and more popular. this creates the need of having good tools to help shoppers make right decisions while buying online. reizit.com is a place where shoppers can recommend or bury a product, share experience and discuss shopping deals.

[#9]

I take a small yellow office note pad with clip board attach a plastic sandwich bag to catch register coupons.This is where I have my must have shopping list after searching the online weekly paper and after going threw my hundrereds of organized coupons cut out on lazy days or coupon swap days .I use the accordian holder in the store. I bring what I need plus the maybe ones that are on sale not listed in ad. I always write down the COMEBACK next week sales so I can start sorting right after the vist while it is fresh in my brain. This the perfect time to write your family menus .At home I use an photo holding box with dividers to hold the huge amount I go threw. I save all kinds as  a great sale is on name brand item it's a treat to my family otherwise Safeway is perfect for us not picky just lucky to have fun shopping with my Dominicks. They all know my family and are amased at how well I did my HOMEWORK with great saving. That is my line when I sign the check at the register.