10 Coupon Strategies to Save Money

I found this today over at the Wisdom Journal.....  and I couldn't have said it better.  I do try to match the sales to the coupons...because that is really good savings, and when you can get groceries for cheap and free, that is just fabulous.  Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

10 Coupon Strategies To Save Big Bucks
Posted: 18 Oct 2011 11:00 PM PDT

Do you have a coupon strategy? If you’re using all of my 101 Ways To Take A Bite Out Of Your Food Budget, coupons can be a great way to save some serious additional cash. But to save even more, try one or all of these strategies:

Coupon strategies that work:

Only use coupons to buy products you really use

Layer your coupons with sales and store specials

Find your favorite coupon websites and visit them regularly

Visit those sites early in the month for the best deals

Don’t neglect the manufacturer’s sites

Set up a different email address for couponing

Give the grocery store’s website a visit too

Grocery stores aren’t the only place to buy food or use coupons

Inquire about double coupons

Join the loyalty program

1. Only use coupons to buy products you really use

If you don’t use it or wind up throwing it out, it really doesn’t matter how much money you save. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Americans throw out over 25% of all the food they buy. If you suspect you won’t eat, consume or use it, don’t buy it … regardless of the savings.


2. Layer your coupons with sales and store specials

Make every attempt to combine your savings opportunities. If you run across a 10 for $10 deal and you have a coupon for $1.00 off … that’s layering.

3. Find your favorite coupon websites and visit them regularly

Coupon issuers will offer many more coupons on these sites than those offered on the manufacturer’s sites, but make sure you check with them on a frequent basis. Many coupons are offered for only a short period of time.

but NEVER pay for coupons. Any site that wants you to pay for a coupon is most likely a scam.

4. Visit those sites early in the month for the best deals

When manufacturers do limit the total number of coupons offered, it usually happens early in the month. Be there first and you’ll get your choice of the offerings.

5. Don’t neglect the manufacturer’s sites

Visiting a manufacturer’s site (such as Kraft) may take a little longer but it’s a great way to find coupons on the specific items you want and use.

6. Set up a different email address for couponing

If you provide an e-mail and/or regular mail address, you can often receive additional coupons direct from the manufacturer. Just do this one thing: set up an entirely different email for receiving coupon offers. Trust me.

7. Give the grocery store’s website a visit too

Your supermarket probably has its own website. It may not offer coupons BUT it probably does have the store’s current ad and store specials. Use it with your coupons to layer your savings and save your gasoline.

8. Grocery stores aren’t the only place to buy food or use coupons

Drug stores and other big box retailers also carry food items and other household goods and most accept coupons. Use the information on those websites to match your coupons with the store’s specials.

9. Inquire about double coupons

Just call and ask — it’s only a few buttons on a phone! Some stores double them as a matter of policy while others may double them only on certain days. Ask about double coupon limits, say up 50 or 99 cents. Of course some stores don’t double ANY coupons but you never know until you ask. That 99 cent coupon may be worth a lot more than you think.

10. Join the loyalty program

Usually you’ll get a card and with that card comes benefits – usually a discount on certain products at the register. The downside is that the store tracks your every purchase but it may mail or email coupons to you based on your previous purchases. Some stores will even mail you coupons on things you don’t normally get coupons for such as milk, vegetables, or fresh fruit.

Couponing is hard work

But it’s worth it. My family has saved 25 – 40 percent using coupons on many occasions and when you have 5 mouths to feed, that’s a welcome relief!

Rite Aid Coupon Policy

I regularly shop at Rite Aid because I happen to have one in my town.  Awhile back I signed up for the wellness card and program that was offered.  I just wanted some clarification on those +up rewards, and to make sure that I was using it and saving money to my full potential.

http://content.riteaid.com/stores/CustomerCouponAcceptancePolicyAugust2010.pdf

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!

The Best Time To Buy...........

This is an excellent article chock full of information on the best time to buy stuff....  I found this article over at the Dollar Stretcher.com

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!!!!!

The Question


My grandma used to have a sheet of paper on the refrigerator with the best time to buy certain items. It was listed by months. All I can remember from it is that January was linens and towels. Can you help? Thanks!

Alisa



Grocery Products

With 5 years experience in doing layouts for supermarket circulars for the largest chain in NYC, here are some basics:



•Frozen Food - March is nations frozen food month. Always great sales.





•Dairy - June is national dairy month. Not quite as big a deal as Frozen Food month.





•BBQ Products (ketchup, mustard, relish, salad dressings, napkins, etc.): Early in the summer. These companies want to fill your pantry so you don't buy any competitors products all summer. Good time to stock up a years worth.





•Beverages (soda, beer, juice drinks, apple juice): All summer especially around holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and July 4th. Also usually good prices on large size items (like 2 liter soda) during holiday sales in other months.





•Baking needs (flour, sugar, corn/vegetable oil, aluminum foil, etc): Thanksgiving and December Holidays. This is also a good time to stock up on holiday related items that you like to eat all year such as cranberries and canned yams.





•Italian products (ricotta, mozzarella, crushed tomatoes, olive oil): Christmas, Easter and Columbus Day. Holiday stockup goes for all ethnic products, such as Chinese products at Chinese New Years, Jewish products during Rosh Hashana and Passover, etc.





•It is also good to follow what is going on in the world too for indications of what will happen in the store. There is currently a butter shortage, so stock up on butter ASAP. It freezes really well. Also stock up on any items made with butter. Items that can't be stocked up on, just buy now and enjoy them as you won't be buying it again for awhile.





Ray

Listed by Type of Item

Garden tools - February/April (Look for up to 50% off on things like rakes, hoes, and shovels then.)



Linens and towels - January/February and July/August (discontinued fall and spring merchandise)



Landscape plants:



- January (indoor plants)

- March through October (perennials and annuals)

- March through May (shrubs, trees, and rosebushes)

- September (fall bulbs)

- February/March (spring bulbs)



Kitchenware and small appliances - Mother's Day shopping in May or after holidays



Furniture - December (Supposedly, furniture sales slow down for the holidays.)



Carpeting - January and February



China and Flatware - March and September (on last season's styles)



Hardware - December and during June's Father's Day specials



Fabric:



- March for spring patterns

- September for fall patterns



Flowerpots, Statuary, and Barbeques - During the winter



Major Appliances - No special time of year was given, just to consider buying floor-demonstration models and to ask the larger chains for bigger discounts when making major purchases. The worst thing that could happen is that they'd say no.



Paint - May through August (during hot weather!)



Building Supplies - There's no way to predict times for sales prices. Your best bet for saving money is to look for free cutting, delivery, and other service perks.



Cleaning Supplies and Pantry Staples - January or August/September



Patio Furniture - February and late August

Brookes E.



Listed by Month

I found this in The Book of Secrets. I think it's exactly what Alisa was looking for. Here's a month-by-month schedule for dedicated bargain hunters:



January

* After-Christmas sales.

* Appliances

* Baby carriages

* Books

* Carpets and rugs

* China and glassware

* Christmas cards

* Costume jewelry

* Furniture

* Furs

* Lingerie

* Men's overcoats

* Pocketbooks

* Preinventory sales

* Shoes

* Toys

* White goods (sheets, towels, etc,)



February

* Air Conditioners

* Art supplies

* Bedding

* Cars (used)

* Curtains

* Furniture

* Glassware and china

* Housewares

* Lamps

* Men's apparel

* Radios, TV sets, and stereos

* Silverware

* Sportswear and equipment

* Storm windows

* Toys



March

* Boys' and girls' shoes

* Garden supplies

* Housewares

* Ice skates

* Infants' clothing

* Laundry equipment

* Luggage

* Ski equipment



April

* Fabrics

* Hosiery

* Lingerie

* Painting supplies

* Women's shoes



May

* Handbags

* Housecoats

* Household linens

* Jewelry

* Luggage

* Mothers' Day specials

* Outdoor furniture

* Rugs

* Shoes

* Sportswear

* Tires and auto accessories

* TV sets



June

* Bedding

* Boy's clothing

* Fabrics

* Fathers' Day specials

* Floor coverings

* Lingerie, sleepwear and hosiery

* Men's clothing

* Women's shoes



July * Air conditioners and other appliances

* Bathing suits

* Children's clothes

* Electronic equipment

* Fuel

* Furniture

* Handbags

* Lingerie and sleepwear

* Luggage

* Men's shirts

* Men's shoes

* Rugs

* Sportswear

* Summer clothes

* Summer sports equipment



August

* Back-to-school specials

* Bathing suits

* Carpeting

* Cosmetics

* Curtains and drapes

* Electric fans and air conditioners

* Furniture

* Furs

* Men's coats

* Silver

* Tires

* White goods

* Women's coats



September

* Bicycles

* Cars (outgoing models)

* China and glassware

* Fabrics

* Fall fashions

* Garden equipment

* Hardware

* Lamps

* Paints



October

* Cars (outgoing models)

* China and glassware

* Fall/winter clothing

* Fishing equipment

* Furniture

* Lingerie and hosiery

* Major appliances

* School supplies

* Silver

* Storewide clearances

* Women's coats



November

* Blankets and quilts

* Boys' suits and coats

* Cars (used)

* Lingerie

* Major appliances

* Men's suits and coats

* Shoes

* White goods

* Winter clothing



December

* After-Christmas cards, gifts, toys

* Blankets and quilts

* Cars (used)

* Children's clothes

* Christmas promotions

* Coats and hats

* Men's furnishings

* Resort and cruise wear

* Shoes

Ashley



From "Miserly Moms"

Here is the list from the book Miserly Moms: Living on Onr Income in a Two Income Economy by Jonni McCoy.



January - February: men's shirts, towels, linens, sheets, clothes dryer, used cars, water heaters, art supplies, bicycles, books, curtains, clearance furniture, Christmas wrap and ornaments, toys, meats (turkey, ham), baking items.



March: coats, clothing for all, shoes, TV, washing machines, ski equipment, housewares, artichokes



April - May: dresses, suits, coats, summer clothes, towels, TV, tires, outdoor furniture, paint, tools, garden supplies, summer sports equipment, gift items, artichokes, dairy products, ham, eggs, chicken.



June - July: summer clothes, shoes, air contitioner, school supplies, outdoor furniture, building materials, most furniture, gift items, dairy products, fresh fish, barbecue foods, limes and lemons.



August - September: summer clothes, fall clothes, school clothes, swimwear, school supplies, garden supplies, outdoor furniture, rugs and carpets, bicycles, car batteries and mufflers, seasonal items, season passes, fresh fish, lamb, canned goods



October.: cars from dealerships (buy close to last day of month for best deal), summer sports equipment



November.: men's shirts, water heaters, home improvement supplies, houses are cheaper.



December.: Not a good time to buy anything, until December 26.

S.





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Things You Should Buy At The Dollar Store

Ok, here it is.  I have compiled a list of items that you SHOULD buy at the dollar store.

1.  Cleaning Supplies ~ Why pay more for something you clean with that literally goes down the drain?
2.  Personal Supplies or Toiletries ~ Disposable Razors, Deodorant, Toothpaste, Shampoo ~ Unless you can do better with coupons...you should be buying these items at the Dollar Store
3.  Batteries~ Some people have told me that the batteries do not last as long as name brand batteries, but can you go wrong for a dollar?
4.  Drain Cleaner~ this will be Generic  Drano or Liquid Plumber, yes it is bad for your drains but if you are desperate and need some, I have seen it in grocery stores for $6.00 a bottle
5.  Mailing Supplies~ packaging tape, envelopes, and bubble wrap....yes you guessed it, all for a buck.
6. Condiments~ BBQ sauce, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire....you got the idea, Don't buy this at the grocery store when you can pick it up at the dollar store...  just be sure to check the expiration dates.
7. Dog Treats & Dog Toys~ I am sure this will go for kitty toys as well.
8.  Cooking Spices ~ yes, cooking spices, pick up your seasonings at the Dollar Store.
9.  Fiber Bars~ I just picked up 5 packs of Special K Breakfast Bars...  yes 5 bars for a dollar.

Just remember to be smart when you shop and not buy crap (because we all know there is some pretty cheap crap) at the Dollar Store.  Think of it more like a "Dollar Stretching Store"

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!

Coupons Save Money

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/72e5Ih/moneyning.com/video/coupon-lady-money-saving-madness/

My Niece sent me this info, and it is absolutely amazing.  I have never saved as much as the the coupon lady, but I usually can save 50% if not more.  This lady is a genius, and I think we all have something to learn, and some money to save.  Clip those coupons....  this is your motivation.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!