Dear A Thrifty Mom,
I am a new couponer (since October) and need a little help. I love your site. I found you soon after starting the coupon adventure and I am afraid that couponing has become a bit more of a bad dream than a joy. I read about the people who spend $400 and save $1500 and am at a loss. I have been pretty hard core couponing for 3 solid months and have yet to see a dip in my spending. I am working on stocking up on items that are on sale, buying meat only on sale, and shopping multiple stores only to feel like I am wasting my time and energy on something that is pie in the sky. I had hopped to save some serious money to help with our one income budget. My husband works hard and I was hopping my couponing could support him and help our family to make ends meet as I stay home with our 3 boys.
I just feel like I am missing some key ingredients. I get 5 papers weekly. I clip them all. The major portion of my time is spent clipping, organizing, looking online for additional coupons, using your site to find match ups. Then I shop at Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Winco, and Walgreens with occasional stops at Pauls and Walmart. I have 2 young children with me most days so shopping and price comparisons are time consuming and often less than pleasant for 2 busy boys. I live in Kuna so a trip to the store is a 20 min drive one way and I don’t want to tote my kids to the store daily.

Do you have any ideas any ways I can make the major savings happen for our family. I am so thankful for the matchups you do. Without it couponing would be even more labor intensive and I am sure I would have given up long ago. I don’t want to give up on couponing, but I am close to deciding it is more stress than benefit.
Any thoughts????

Sincerely,
Jenny

********************************

Dear Jenny,

Well it sounds like you have your hands full, I wish I had the magic answer but I hope a few of these tips will help.

• First there will never be a guide to couponing  that will fit everyone’s life.  Everyone’s needs, lifestyle, location, stores and habits are so different that you have to just find what works best for your family.
• Couponing is a huge blessing but does take work… so  try and stick it out so you can see the rewards!
• Couponing is a learned skill and you will get better with time, and find what works best for you.  You will get into a groove that fits your family and their needs.  You are just starting out… so do not be to hard on yourself.
• This one might surprise you but, I would suggest cutting back…. I know saving your family money is important, but if you get burnt out you will give up and it will be like a fad diet that was not successful .  Instead you need to make couponing  part of your life,.. but not take over your life.  I suggest to start small, get really good at shopping one  or two stores (notice I stick to pretty much 2 stores a week) , and as time and income permit you can try and add another store.
• It is ok to miss a sale…. it is hard to select which deals are the best and which ones to pass up.  But if you try and hit them all, you will find your whole life revolves around sales and coupons.
•  Take your budget and take 80-90% and shop like you normally would (before you knew about coupons)…. but then take the other 10-20% and have that be your “stock up or coupon money”.  Focus on the top deals, and just try and stock up on those items.  NO NEED to run to 4-6 stores each week, you will burn yourself out.  Each week you will be able to stock up on those hot items, slowly but surely your stockpile will grow and you still have a life.  The longer you coupon will be learn how much to dedicate just to stocking up and your normal “must have list”.
• I always say Mom First… Thrifty Mom Second.  Dragging your sweet little ones along is never fun, I know you need to take them with you so that is another reason limiting the stores you shop at may be a good idea.  You will find a good deal is nice, but quality time with your little ones is better.
• Last but not least… never compare yourself to others…celebrate any amount of savings.  You are doing a great job, now go hug those 2 busy boys of yours !

Related posts:

1. Do you look like a coupon Shopper?
2. Being an Honest Coupon Shopper
3. Thrifty Moving Tips

Answer: Well I did go to the store once this week and posted that shopping trip to Albertsons in two posts (one on Monday and one on Tuesday).  I did not post a budget review as week, since I only went to the store once and did not use any coupons…. I was just going to list it with this weeks shopping trips (and do a 2 week budget review).  I made one trip to WinCo last week and just picked up some things I needed.  The store was crazy busy with holiday shoppers and I just wanted to get in and out.

Please know that I am just as excited about couponing as always….BUT I also do not want to fight the holiday crowds to get a free tube of toothpaste (when I have 5 on the shelf at home).  I have often said that couponing is part of my life, NOT my life.  It is so easy to get so involved in the sales that you miss out on other things.  This is one of the most stressful and busy times of year for me, just trying to get everything done.  So I am happy to say that my “stockpile” helps take the stress of running to the store away. Instead I can just “shop from my pantry”.

If you need items, and there is a good sale then by all means run out and coupon till your little hearts content.  BUT if you are feeling guilty about missing the deals… but do not really “need” those items, and you just do not want to miss a sale.  Remind yourself that another sale will always come.  But  this years memories can only be made once…. one of the best gifts you can give your family is the gift of TIME. And sometimes missing a few sales allows me a little more time with my family.

Total Spent last week 11/27-12/3

Winco $26.19

Bountiful Basket $16.50

Final price = $42.69

Related posts:

1. Where is my weekly budget review?
2. My Weekly Budget Review 2/22-2/28
3. My Couponing Budget Review 7/1-7/9

Click here for Online
Couponing 101 Class

Related posts:

1. TLC Extreme Couponing
2. Does Extreme Couponing include milk and meat?
3. Extreme Couponing – Price Comparison Shopping – does it work?

Question from one of my readers…

I  have a question for every couponer out there. Do you ever get sick of couponing? I’m s a stay at home mother of 3 and I’ve been couponing for about a year now and I’m starting to hate it. I have two weeks of inserts not cut and I haven’t even looked through yet. Am I in a coupon funk? I use to love clipping and organizing and seeing all my savings but now I’m loathing going to the supermarket. Has anyone ever gone through this before?

Answer…

YES YES YES!!!!  As much as I love couponing even I get sick of it sometimes, here a few tips:

It’s ok to miss a sale-  If you are like me you get a little rush every time you get a Thrifty deal.   But it is best to take it slow, pick your top “Thrifty Deals” for the week and just try to snag those sale items.

Only shop 1 or 2 stores- It is FUN to get the hot item of the week at each store, but if you run to every store that offers a good deal you may have an awesome stockpile…but you WILL hit coupon burn out way to fast!

Don’t get behind on your clipping- I have to admit that clipping and putting away my coupons is my LEAST favorite job.  But it should only take  30-60 min each week to do this.  To view my video on how I clip my coupons  click here…the only thing I do different now is staple them together before I cut them.  If you do get really behind it is OK to just leave those weeks uncut…and start fresh ( you can always go back just clip the ones you need, but that way it is not so overwhelming)

Take a break-  Yes I said it is OK to take a break. (but still check in my blog…wink)  Before I wrote my blog I would  take a few weeks off from couponing when life just got too busy.  Live off your stock pile for a bit, that is what is there for right!  All it takes is one trip to the store and paying FULL price for a cart of things I know I can get for free to get me excited to coupon again…but the break is nice.

Count your savings-  Keep track of how much you are really saving.  That is why I do my weekly budget review, it helps me see the big picture of how much I really save.  It makes me feel like my hard work is really paying off…and yes proud of what I have done. It gives me the energy to keep it up!

Save for something fun-  Take the money you are saving from couponing and put it towards something fun.  Like a surprise family trip.  Start out saving for something small like going to the movies,  or night out with your hubby… so you can reap the rewards of saving.

Get a coupon buddy- I know lots of people shop with a friend, it is fun to hang out with your girl friends and save at the same time.  OR I know some people coupon with a “buddy” ….you shop one week and your buddy shops the next week and share the weeks savings.  That way you never miss out on the sale, but you only have to shop every other week.

What are your feelings on this….and what tips do you have?   Would love to hear from you all!

Related posts:

1. Q&A- Are you in a coupon Funk?
2. How To Start a Coupon Stockpile- Q&A
3. TLC Extreme Couponing

Is your store stocked or cleared out?
I know some of you new coupon shoppers are feeling rather let down, as you put forth the effort to plan the perfect shopping trip. Only to get to the store and find the shelves empty. I wish I had the perfect answer but unfortunately I do not, but here are a few tips I have learned over the years.

Few reasons the store may not have the items in stock:

More coupon shoppers- TLC ‘s new show Extreme Couponing has really brought a lot of attention to couponing in the last month. I was talking with my local store manager and he said they have seen a dramatic increase. There are more coupon binders in the store than ever before, which they love. They are working hard to order in enough products but do not want to be stuck with overstock either. It is a balancing act, and they will get better at knowing supply and demand as time goes on.

Store has a limited supply- Many stores like Walgreens only get an allotted number of the hot promo items for that week. They are more of a quick-stop-shop store NOT a warehouse. This number is normally based on past sales and earning. Stores that get a limited supply are great to get a good deal at….BUT we do not encourage you to stock up or buy large quantities.

Stores do not know of sales that match with coupons- Most stores are aware of the upcoming sales and what their projected sales may be. BUT what many of them do not know is the coupons that may match up with these sales. Thus turning an “ok sale” into a stock up frenzy. For example a store may know that $.50 for a bottle of Propel water is a good price and they may sell 500 bottles, and order accordingly . But they may not know there is a $1.00 off 2 coupon making them FREE. Which means they now have more people wanting the item and the need goes from 500 bottles to 2,500. Most stores would love to move 2,500 bottles they just need to know ahead of time, so they can order in time. I encourage you to get to know your store managers, tell them about upcoming match ups and help them know what to order.

Some stores value coupon shoppers others do not- Not all stores understand the benefit of having coupons used in their store. I have met personally with some store managers that are clueless as to how coupons work, and the fact they they do in fact get paid by the manufacturer for the full face value of the coupons PLUS an $.08 handling fee. They see it as a hassle, choose not to stock up for sales, and really wish you would shop somewhere else. If this is the case, the only advice I have is to try and educate them with a smile, or if you are a chicken like me shop somewhere else

When to shop- You need to be aware that there are better times to shop than others. The first day of the sale, or the day they restock is normally the best time. Early morning is often a good time, because they restock at night at many stores. Don’t hesitate to ask when the next shipment comes in and plan accordingly. Also do not get upset if you walk in the last day of the sale and find empty shelves, as much as the store would love to have every product you want….. do not take it personally if others get to the items first.

Place and order- Many stores will allow you to place an order, if you are buying in large quantities. This will allow you to get what your family needs but not take away from others. Most of my local stores do NOT do this, but I know many other areas do.

Other coupon shoppers clear the shelves - Yes it is sad but not everyone’s Mommy taught them to “play nice” and some couponers will clear the shelves, and buy many more than they really need. BUT getting upset at others actions, really does not help anything. Do not spend hours mourning the loss of your “could have been deal”. Try to lead by example and show the better way to shop. Also do not be to quick to judge, many people will say all I wanted was one…. and that lady took 6. What you may not know is that lady has 10 kids, and she drove 45 minutes to get to the store. Everyone’s needs are different, and if they really are just being greedy then shame on them… but it does us no good to judge others

Most important rule of all THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER SALE- do not let coupons rule your life. Getting a good deal is fun, and helps me provide for my family….. it needs to fit into my life but not take over my life. If you try to hit every sale, and shop every store you will in deed get lots of good deals but at what price? Freebies or good deals are never worth it, if it means my kids do not have time with Mommy. If you miss out on a sale it is ok, another one will roll around……

What tips do you have? I would love to hear them

Related posts:

1. Extreme Couponing- How to find the hot coupon items in stock
2. Extreme Couponing – The right way
3. Extreme Couponing – Price Comparison Shopping – does it work?

MLB Ultra Pro 9 Pocket Pages “Silver Series” (100 pages)

$16.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25, or $.17 per page

20 (Twenty Pages) – Pro 6-Pocket Coupon Page (Tall Vertical Slots)

$8.56 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25, or.42 each page

BCW Pro 4-Pocket Page (100 Ct. Box)

$19.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. that is $.20 a sheet

Case-It Locker 3-Inch Q Zipper Binder, Black (LKR-Q-03 BLK)

$19.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25

While this binder is not exactly what I currently use for my coupons, if  I needed to replace mine this is what I would consider.

Related posts:

1. My New Coupon Binder!!!!!
2. My Coupon Binder
3. Supplies for your coupon binder

From the inbox this week:

I am trying to get started couponing and when I checked out the deals for Hy Vee I found the following which has me a bit confused:

Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding $1.00
- $.45/3 (8/7 SS)
= $.85 each when you buy 3

The (8/7 SS) is what I don’t understand and since I found similar entries on other items I thought I would ask. Could you please elaborate?

Here is a post that was done back in May that best answers this question. We realize there are new readers each day

and some of those are new to couponing and the lingo within the coupon world as well.

 

If you are new to the couponing world the “coupon lingo” can be a little hard to understand at first.  Here is a list of commonly used Abbreviations you may find useful.

B1G1 or BOGO - Buy one get one free

B2G1 - Buy two get one free

Blinkie - In-Store SmartSource coupon dispensed near product, usually from a red blinking box.

CAT - Coupon dispensed at register after purchase, usually has a red border, redeemable only at the store that it printed at or at stores that accept competitor store coupons.

Catalina - Coupon dispensed at register after purchase, usually has a red border, redeemable only at the store that it printed at or at stores that accept competitor store coupons.

DND - Do not double, a coupon with this wording is not supposed to be doubled at stores that double coupons. However coupons that have aUPC code that starts with the number 5 will often times still double, while ones that start with a 9 will not.

Double Coupon - Coupon that a grocery store doubles in value. Only certain stores double coupons, please check the coupon policy of your local stores.

GM - General Mills

Hangtag - A coupon or form found hanging from a tag around the neck of a bottle or jar.

Insert - Booklet of coupons found in the Sunday newspaper, insert coupons.

IP - Internet printable, a coupon or form you can print from the internet.

MIR - Mail in rebate.

MM - Money Maker, a deal where after coupon or rebate you make money with overage of some sort.

MQ - Manufacturer Coupon, a coupon issued by a manufacture (as opposed to a store coupon, which is issued by a store).

OOP - Out of pocket

OYNO - On your next order, wording on Catalina or register reward coupons for which you purchase an item and receive a coupon that is for money off your next order.

Peelie - A coupon that you peel off the package.

PG or P&G - Proctor & Gamble Sunday insert coupon.

POP - Proof of purchase, required for a refund or other offer that is physically taken from a package

Printable - A coupon that you print from the internet and your computer.

RC - Rain Check a slip of paper that a store issues when an item is out of stock allowing you to purchase that item at a later date at the sale price.

RP - Red Plum Sunday supplement coupons (formerly Valassis).

RR - Register Reward, the name of the Catalina promotion at Walgreens.

SCR - Single check rebate, Rite-Aid store rebate program.

SS - SmartSource, a company owned by News Marketing America that issues a Sunday insert, Blinkie coupons, printable coupons and other forms of coupons.

Stacking -When you use an instore coupon along with a manufacturer coupon

Tearpad- coupon found in store,  normally on a display case in a tearpad

V - Valassis Sunday supplement coupons, has been renamed Red Plum.

VV- Video Value coupons printed from Rite Aid website

WAGS - Walgreens

WYB - When you buy

YMMV - Your mileage may vary – the success of the attempt may vary at your store.

Thanks Hot Coupon World

Related posts:

1. What are you talking about…Coupon terms
2. Q&A: Albertsons Twice the value coupons
3. Q&A- What does $2/2 mean

Here is a question from the email box:

I am new to couponing and I’m starting to get the hang of it.  However I do have a question about the BOGO coupons. If I have a coupon for an item that is simply a BOGO, can I use any other coupons with it?  Considering it is two items that you are purchasing? I wasn’t sure how that worked so any information would be wonderful, thank you.

• First of let me just say this a GREAT question and something that takes quite a while to learn and even then policies change and so then the you need to relearn.
• Second, to answer this question is really quite dependent on the store you shop at. The best rule of thumb is to refer to the store coupon policy that you want to shop at, which usually addresses this very complex subject.
• Take case in point Rite Aid where you can use a B1G1 and a ‘cents off’ coupon for the two items you purchasing but don’t try to use a B1G1 coupon on a B1G1 promotion it goes against the coupon policy.
• Walgreens coupon policy states that two coupons can be used on a B1G1 store promotion so you can use a B1G1 coupon and get both items for the tax only.
• If the store you are shopping at doesn’t have a written coupon policy you will need to talk to the stores manager as to how that store deals with coupons, and you might have to plead your case (remember the adage ” you get more flies with honey than vinegar”).
• Just another reason to print the current policy and keep it in your binder so that you can reread policies and make sure everyone is on the same page

Related posts:

1. Q&A- Using 2 coupons on a buy one get one Free
2. Q&A- How many coupons can I use
3. Q&A: Albertsons Twice the value coupons

This was done in two identical transactions

Tillamook Shredded cheese (8oz packages) 5 for $5

• w/ in ad coupon, limit 5
• and$1 off any 2 lbs brand cheese (ID & UT only)
• Final price $.80 each when you buy 4

My store was out of stock on the Wisk and so I got a rain check.

Arm and Hammer OR Wisk laundry detergent or dryer sheets $2.99

• use in ad coupon, limit 4
• and $2/1 Wisk Laundry Detergent 6/26/2011 RP Insert (exp 8/27/2011)
• or$1/1 Wisk Laundry Detergent
• or$1/2 Arm & Hammer Laundry Products
• Final price as low as $.99

Some of you may know what I mean when I refer to a rain check but for some that might be a new term. So read on for an explanation. (This is modified from a previous post, found HERE)

A rain check is an assurance to a customer that an item on sale that is sold out or out of stock may be purchased later at the sale price.

If the item is part of a Catalina promo getting a rain check may not work.  They can not write you a rain check for the catalina only the sale price.  Some catalina run longer than the ad price so it is still worth getting a rain check, and you will just need to pay attention to the end date of the catalina.

If the item is not part of the weekly ad, but on sale you can still get a rain check.  I hope to find this time back in stock next time I head over to Fred Meyer before 8/27. Also another little note to make your rain check shopping easier… hand your rain check to the cashier before they ring you up as they do something special to get you your price.

To get a rain check you will need to ask Customer Service or some cashiers are able to write them.   Please note that every store does rain checks a little different, it is important to ask your store questions you may have.  But Rain Checks are a great way to get a Thrifty Deal.

Albertsons Rain checks expire 30 days from the date written, while Walgreens do not expire, Rite Aid rain checks are good until the product is available, Safeway rain checks expire 90 days from date written (as report by a reader) and Fred Meyer’s are good for 60 days from date written.

I know Albertsons, Walgreens, Fred Meyer, RiteAid,  and Shopko give out rain checks….what stores in your area use them?

Related posts:

1. When to ask for a Rain Check
2. Thrifty Deals with a Rain Check
3. My Thrifty Rain Check Deal

Once of the hardest things is when your Register Reward does not print.  I get an email at least once a week from my readers telling me that their local store said the reason there register reward did not print was because they paid with a coupon.  This is the the #1 excuse given but never the case.

I encourage you to find this weeks Walgreens ad, and on the back page it clearly shows you can use a MFR coupon and still get back a register reward.  If you happen to shop at a store that is not so coupon friendly clip this out and keep it with your Walgreens coupon policy in your coupon binder for future reference if needed.

Related posts:

1. $5 register reward with any $25 purchase
2. Unadvertised Walgreens Register Reward
3. Two days left on the Glade register reward at Walgreens

Many of you know Walgreens is one of my favorite stores to shop at.  With the new “extreme couponing” craz many of you (myself included) have seen some big changes.  It started off with shelf clearing which left many shoppers trying to finding the items in stock, we did a whole post dedicated to that topic here. I talked about how Walgreens is not a warehouse store, yes they are ready to give you a good deal but not the place to stock up at.

A few weeks later I saw my favorite local Walgreens put limits on Register Reward items. This was to help a community of coupon shoppers find a good deal instead of just a few greedy couponers take all the stock within the first few hours of the sale. Personally I loved the limit of 4 like items per day.  My local store went a step further and the last two weeks have ordered huge quantities of register reward items.  I went to the store last night, and found almost every register reward in stock and waiting for coupon shoppers to take them home.

But while I was there I saw a rather grumpy coupon shopper complaining that she was not able to find any of the deals she was looking for.  She was looking for them on the shelf (which was empty)  what she failed to see was the store had two end cap displays dedicated to register reward items.

This brought up a good tip that we may forget sometimes.  It is always good to look for promo displays or end caps for hot items.  Or simply ask the store if they have more in the back.

Related posts:

1. Extreme Couponing- How to find the hot coupon items in stock
2. My Favorite Walgreens putting limits on Coupon deals.
3. Walgreens Questions

With all the buzz the new TLC show Extreme Couponing has caused,  I worry that it makes some viewers think they have to live up to certain standard of savings.  I was listening to a group of women talk this weekend about how they wish they could “do it all”.  Have a perfect house, perfect children, perfect job, hit all the coupon sales,  and do it all.  I just sat and listened to them talk for awhile, as they were putting themselves down and comparing themselves to something on  TV.  I finally decided to add my “two cents”, but was quickly told…. um hello your A Thrifty Mom you always get all the good deals and never miss a sale.   SAY WHAT???

Yes I do get good deals, but I also MISS A TON of good deals every day.  Why, well because I am a “real mom”, and I have learned there is always going to be another sale.  For example Albertsons has a few really good deals with doublers.  I choose not to shop on Sundays so I am already a day late to the sale.  Today Matt works a 12 hour shift, I have 4 kids at home and a field trip to go on with my pre-schooler.  Inside it is killing me that I am missing out on these deals.  I  tried to figure out how I could make it to the store, feeling like I am totally missing out or a  failure if I miss the sale….. but every option I came up with was putting my family second and a deal first.

When I look at it in that light, I realize the choice is simple.  I choose real life and my family is more important than any free product I can get. If you are just starting this couponing  journey don’t let couponing consume your life, just make it a part of your life and you will be much happier.  It is okay to miss a sale now and then. (Now if for some reason Matt gets put on call, then yes I  will be darting out of here to see if I can snag a few double deals….. But most likely I will be spending the day with my kids instead)

Do you ever feel like you have to choose between the deals and real life?

Related posts:

1. Extreme Couponing- How to find the hot coupon items in stock
2. Extreme Couponing vs. Grateful Couponing- Guest Post
3. Extreme Couponing – Do you have a Healthy Stockpile?

********

Walgreens is located across town from where I live. Yesterday, we made a quick stop so my husband can purchase some band aids. Unfortunately, he came out and left them on the counter. Excited to make the trip back to Walgreens tonight, I decided to take my coupon binder.

I was well aware when I walked in, that I was not prepared. Nevertheless, I was convincing myself that this was part of  ”learning how to coupon”.

Curiosity quickly took over me when I saw all these green tags on certain items. So, I placed my purse in the cart, un-zipped the coupon binder and started off down the first isle. In the pool of many green tags were certain white/red label tags that read 3/$10 or 2/$6. As I scanned through my binder, it dawned on me, that these were the items that I had coupons for. My excitement quickly turned sour when I noticed, the shelves were all EMPTY. Surely, there must be other items in the store that I can still get. Nope! Nada! Nothing!

To make my trip somewhat worth the gas and time we were there. I decided to purchase items that I don’t think I got a good deal on. *light bulb* I guess that’s why they were still there. For the inexperienced coupon person that can’t recognize an “okay deal” from the “best deal”. Oh well, don’t be a “pooper when you can’t find your couper”

Quick Note: The cashiers at Walgreens were awesome. They were very helpful and gave me a quick lesson on the “do’s and dont’s” according to Walgreens coupon policy. I will certainly be visiting in the near future. It sounds like a Friday night date at Walgreens. Oh! I also found out that their shipments arrive Friday evenings and they stock everything up by Saturday. The weekly ads comes out every Sunday.

Here’s my finding at Walgreens:

• 4 – 12.6 oz of Pantene Shampoos 2/$7 – $3 P&G  – $1 Register Reward=$6 for 4
• 2 – 8.6 oz of Hershey’s Bliss White Chocolate bags – 2/$5 – 2/$1 off one bag=$3 for 2
• 1 – 12 oz Tostito Scoop Chips – $2.49 each – $1/1 bag – $1.49
• 1- 15.5 oz Tostito Chunky Salsa – $2.49 each – $1/1 bag – $1.49
• 1- 2 liter Pepsi – Free when you purchase 1 bag of Tostito Chips + Tostito Chunky Salsa

Original total was $28.20……I paid $13.01 a savings of $15.00 Sorry, i forgot to include the PEPSI.

Related posts:

1. Readers Thrifty Find on Cleaner at Walgreens
2. Walgreens shopping trip
3. Another Trip to Walgreens

If you shop at the Walgreens on 10th and Ustick you will notice a new sign that went up yesterday 5/9

Attention Customers!!

Due to an increase of Coupon Shopping. We are implementing certain limits on register rewards and coupon items.

We are limiting each register reward to four per item per day.

We are limiting buy one get free coupons with buy one get one free ad price. To a buy four get four. Which is a total of eight per day.

All other items will be subject to the limit set on the ad.

This is for this location only.

Thank You, Management

So what do I think about this new rule? You may be shocked that I support it 100%, now let me explain why.  Remember last week when we talked about being able to find items in stock, and which store are ok to stock up at.  Well not everyone follows these rules.  Walgreens is not a warehouse, instead they are more of a quick stop in go store, and are limited to the quantities they can order and receive.   What is happening  is, a few coupon shoppers are lining up at the doors  Sunday Morning and totally clearing the store out of every Register Reward item, or hot promo within the first few hours of being open.   Yes a few shoppers were able to score BIG, but the store is then left ALL week with frustrated shoppers unable to find the deals they came for.

Personally I feel allowing you to get 4 of each Register Reward item, each day is VERY generous.  For example you can get 4 toothpaste, 4 shampoo, 4 Razors… etc.  Walgreens has great deal every week, so before long you will have more coupon items than you know what to do with.  This will  also allow you to find the fabulous deals they offer in stock, and allow for a more pleasant shopping experience.  Plus this store will now be able to serve or bless the lives of a whole community not just a few shoppers.

I am lucky to have a coupon friendly Walgreens right down the street from me, and I feel this new limit really is a blessing.  Since I do not shop on Sundays, I am looking forward to being able to  coupon shop and find the items I am looking for in stock.  I understand that they are setting limits not to be harsh on coupon shoppers, instead to allow more of you to be able to shop there….. and soon you too will understand why this is  one of my favorite stores to coupon shop at.

Related posts:

1. Limits at Walgreens
2. Wincos limits on Propel coupons
3. Walgreens Coupon policy

I have a question on starting a stockpile. How do you get started and what do you start with. Do you start with what you can get free ? It seems that when Im able to get something at a realy good price, and for one I may  only have four coupons per item, I dont know how to get more but by the time a sale runs on the same item again, I have already used what I was able to get from the last time, I guess I feel that I cant keep a stockpile its always gone. How do you fix that problem. The only thing I have been able to get free is floss,and my family cant live on that And I also was wondering do you just take extra money and start your stockpile that way. If I had more of a stockpile it would be easier to add to it, but like I said when you only have a few of each item it doesnt last long in my house. Just wondering how and what you did to start your family stockpile .

What tips do you have for starting or maintaining a Coupon Stockpile?

Related posts:

1. Extreme Couponing – Do you have a Healthy Stockpile?
2. Q&A- Start slow
3. Start small and it will grow, place an order.

How does a coupon that say’s $2/2 work? Is that 2 dollars off each item when you buy two?

Answer:

This is a great question, and something many new coupon shoppers ask.  The above coupon would take a total of $2.00 off of 2 items purchased (or $1.00 off each product purchased).

$1/1- will take $1.00 off one item

$2/3 will take $2.00 total of 3 item or a $.67 savings per item

To read the recent post we did on the question what does One Coupon Per Purchase means Click Here

If you are new to the couponing world the “coupon lingo” can be a little hard to understand at first.  Here is a list of commonly used Abbreviations you may find useful.

B1G1 or BOGO – Buy one get one free

B2G1 – Buy two get one free

Blinkie – In-Store SmartSource coupon dispensed near product, usually from a red blinking box.

CAT – Coupon dispensed at register after purchase, usually has a red border, redeemable only at the store that it printed at or at stores that accept competitor store coupons.

Catalina – Coupon dispensed at register after purchase, usually has a red border, redeemable only at the store that it printed at or at stores that accept competitor store coupons.

DND – Do not double, a coupon with this wording is not supposed to be doubled at stores that double coupons. However coupons that have aUPC code that starts with the number 5 will often times still double, while ones that start with a 9 will not.

Double Coupon – Coupon that a grocery store doubles in value. Only certain stores double coupons, please check the coupon policy of your local stores.

GM – General Mills

Hangtag – A coupon or form found hanging from a tag around the neck of a bottle or jar.

Insert – Booklet of coupons found in the Sunday newspaper, insert coupons.

IP – Internet printable, a coupon or form you can print from the internet.

MIR – Mail in rebate.

MM – Money Maker, a deal where after coupon or rebate you make money with overage of some sort.

MQ – Manufacturer Coupon, a coupon issued by a manufacture (as opposed to a store coupon, which is issued by a store).

OOP – Out of pocket

OYNO – On your next order, wording on Catalina or register reward coupons for which you purchase an item and receive a coupon that is for money off your next order.

Peelie – A coupon that you peel off the package.

PG or P&G – Proctor & Gamble Sunday insert coupon.

POP – Proof of purchase, required for a refund or other offer that is physically taken from a package

Printable – A coupon that you print from the internet and your computer.

RC – Rain Check a slip of paper that a store issues when an item is out of stock allowing you to purchase that item at a later date at the sale price.

RP – Red Plum Sunday supplement coupons (formerly Valassis).

RR – Register Reward, the name of the Catalina promotion at Walgreens.

SCR – Single check rebate, Rite-Aid store rebate program.

SS – SmartSource, a company owned by News Marketing America that issues a Sunday insert, Blinkie coupons, printable coupons and other forms of coupons.

Stacking -When you use an instore coupon along with a manufacturer coupon

Tearpad- coupon found in store,  normally on a display case in a tearpad

V – Valassis Sunday supplement coupons, has been renamed Red Plum.

VV – Video Values (Rite Aid)

WAGS – Walgreens

WYB – When you buy

YMMV – Your mileage may vary – the success of the attempt may vary at your store.

Thanks Hot Coupon World

Related posts:

1. Q&A: One per purchase
2. Extreme Couponing?- ONE COUPON PER PURCHASE?
3. What are you talking about…Coupon terms

Few reasons the store may not have the items in stock:

More coupon shoppers- TLC ‘s new show Extreme Couponing has really brought a lot of attention to couponing in the last month.  I was talking  with my local store manager and he said they have seen a dramatic increase.  There are more coupon binders in the store than ever before, which they love.  They are working hard to order in enough products but do not want to be stuck with overstock either.  It is a balancing act, and they will get better at knowing supply and demand as time goes on.

Store has a limited supply-  Many stores  like Walgreens only get an allotted number of the hot promo items for that week. They are more of a quick-stop-shop store NOT a warehouse.   This number is normally based on past sales and earning.  Stores that get a limited supply are great to get a good deal at….BUT we do not encourage you to stock up or buy large quantities.

Stores do not know of sales that match with coupons-  Most stores are aware of the upcoming sales and what their projected sales may be.  BUT what many of them do not know is  the coupons that may match up with these sales.  Thus turning an “ok sale” into a stock up frenzy.   For example a store may know that $.50 for a bottle of Propel water is a good price and they may sell 500 bottles, and order accordingly .  But they may not know there is a $1.00 off 2 coupon making them FREE.  Which means they now have more people wanting the item and the need goes from 500 bottles to 2,500.  Most stores would love to move 2,500 bottles they just need to know ahead of time, so they can order in time.  I encourage you to get to know your store managers, tell them about upcoming match ups and help them know what to order.

Some stores value coupon shoppers others do not-  Not all stores understand the benefit of having coupons used in their store.  I have met personally with some store managers that are clueless as to how coupons work, and the fact they they do in fact get paid by the manufacturer for the full face value of the coupons PLUS an $.08 handling fee.  They see it as a hassle, choose not to stock up for sales, and really wish you would shop somewhere else.  If this is the case, the only advice I have is to try and educate them with a smile, or if you are a chicken like me shop somewhere else

When to shop-  You need to be aware that there are better times to shop than others.  The first day of the sale, or the day they restock is normally the best time.  Early morning is often a good time, because they restock at night at many stores.  Don’t hesitate to ask when the next shipment comes in and plan accordingly.  Also do not get upset if you walk in the last day of the sale and find empty shelves,  as much as the store would love to have every product you want….. do not take it personally if others get to the items first.

Place and order-  Many stores will allow you to place an order, if you are buying in large quantities.  This will allow you to get what your family needs but not take away from others.   Most of my local stores do NOT do this, but I know many other areas do.

Other coupon shoppers clear the shelves -  Yes it is sad but not everyone’s Mommy taught them to “play nice” and some couponers will clear the shelves, and buy many more than they really need.  BUT getting upset at others actions, really does not help anything.  Do not spend hours mourning the loss of your “could have been deal”.  Try to lead by example and show the better way to shop.  Also do not be to quick to judge, many people will say all I wanted was one…. and that lady took 6.   What you may not know is that lady has 10 kids, and she drove 45 minutes to get to the store.  Everyone’s needs are different, and if they really are just being greedy then shame on them… but it does us no good to judge others

Most important rule of all THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER SALE- do not let coupons rule your life.  Getting a good deal is fun, and helps me provide for my family…..  it needs to fit into my life but not take over my life.  If you try to hit every sale, and shop every store you will in deed get lots of good deals but at what price?   Freebies or good deals  are never worth it, if it means my kids do not have time with Mommy.  If you miss out on a sale it is ok, another one will roll around……

What tips do you have?  I would love to hear them

Related posts:

1. Extreme Couponing?- ONE COUPON PER PURCHASE?
2. Extreme Couponing – Price Comparison Shopping – does it work?
3. Extreme Couponing – Do you have a Healthy Stockpile?

Question from my inbox this week, this is a question that has come up before read about that here, when the price of fuel rose so much.

I know u get a lot of rewards with Albertsons gas. I actually got 10 cents off my gas at albertsons for a month!! I think that’s a first. So its’ 05 cents for every $50 u spend at Albertsons? How high can u go? And what is the easiest way to rack up the point. Albertsons just had so many great deals this month. I shopped a lot there instead of Walmart!

Answer: Yes, for every $50  pre-coupon total earns you $.05 off in gas! These points last for only 60 or 90 days (I find my self calling the 800 number on my receipt  to find out the earliest my rewards will expire and make sure I hit the gas station before that day with an empty tank ~if you use it you want to make sure you can get your up to 20 gallons). The easiest way to rack up the points? Well for instance this last weeks sale had Orange Juice 2 for $5 and get eggs. I used (2) $1 off 1 coupons and two twice the values and the free eggs coupon. This got me $6.78 toward my $50 and closer to another 5 cents off a gallon, however I only paid $.78 for all three items. On an average month I can easily rack up $.10 -$.20 off a gallon which I use about once a month or so. 

Related posts:

1. New info on Albertsons Gas Rewards
2. save $1.50 on Häagen-Dazs Ice Creamat Albertson’s SoCal.
3. Very Thrifty Deal on A1

One of our readers Mandi wrote an excellent article on Suite101 about her inner battle to coupon or not. She wanted to share it with us:

Coupons are a trend that is picking up speed in our society, with today’s economy. With National Coupon Month at a close, I find it an opportune time to discuss the dollars and sense of coupon clipping. There is a lot of hype on whether or not it is cost effective to clip coupons; so, what better way than to put coupon clipping to the test.

I found myself sitting in a coupon clipping seminar this month and thought, “why not?” So, I put my scissors to work during the last half of September. I have often clipped a coupon here and there for items that I thought I might use, only to find that by the time I remembered they were in my purse, they were expired. I sat in awe as I listened to a stay-at-home mother explain how she purchases around $1000.00 worth of groceries a month for no more than $200.00.

I tapped myself into a couple of local coupon blogs that did most of the work for me and I found it a little easier than I had anticipated. There are a plethora of websites and blogs out there that will give you a list of all the weekly ads and the best deals for the week, for just about every grocery store out there. Not only do they tell you about all the deals, they even direct you straight to the coupons you will need. Talk about taking the work out of it for someone on a time crunch.

I pretty much stuck to one store, simply because it is close to my house and I like to shop there. I was already subscribed to the local Sunday paper, so that part was easy; and, many newspapers will have specials for subscribing to multiple Sunday papers. I didn’t find myself organizing my coupons as well as I would have liked, but I did use a little plastic envelope with dividers that worked pretty well. All-in-all, with clipping, printing, sorting, and a little extra time in the store, I spent around three to four extra hours a week preparing for the deals.

So, how does three to four extra hours a week compute to spectacular savings? Well, I have been carrying around a little notebook with me, keeping track of grocery lists, the best deals, the coupons, and the receipts. I took a little time to add it up today and found that I purchased $924.33 worth of groceries for $376.43. Fifty-nine percent is pretty spectacular savings, especially considering I shopped fairly conservatively and was feeding a family of five for about $700.00 to $800.00 a month for the last several years. The extra money spent went to stocking up. That is right, I actually stocked up! I am not talking about a little stocking up either. My freezer is full, my pantry is full, and my cellar shelves are on their way.

Now I have to get to the good stuff. ‘Coupons are just for foods and products you would otherwise never buy,’ you say? Well, I like to feed my family healthy food. I buy organic milk, eggs, yogurt, bread, cereal, fruit, vegetables, and more. Yea, I know, ‘organic isn’t necessarily organic.’ Here’s the thing, there are a number of ingredients that I like to avoid, including growth hormones, antibiotics, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, and partially hydrogenated oils. When I buy organic, I know those are not in the ingredients (I don’t like to spend a lot of time reading ingredients). Well, for some of the organic items that I purchase on a regular basis, I ‘paid someone for their time,’ and purchased them online for pennies on the dollar. The coupons arrived fast, too.

Doing the math on my savings, I calculate that even with me being completely new at this and figuring things out as I went, I spent right around seven hours over a two week period and saved $547.90. That is $78.27 per hour for clipping coupons. That seems like a pretty good income (or savings) for doing a job with kids in tow the entire time. I did figure out that it does save on time to go to the store when it is less crowded and the cashiers are a bit more patient. I am also cutting down on my time as I get the hang of bargain hunting and develop methods for my clipping and organizing.

Let’s admit it, the coupon industry is a big one. According to the Promotion Marketing Association, consumers redeemed nearly 3.2 billion coupons in 2009, saving nearly 3.5 billion dollars. That is over a dollar per coupon. In addition, coupon redemption increased by 7.9% in the first half of 2010, and consumers saved almost 2 billion dollars in that time. The coupon industry is a growing trend and manufacturers are catching on. Coupon distribution increased by 11.4% in the first half of 2010, as well. Internet coupon usage has grown by a whopping 79% from last year, but only represents 1.2% of coupon distribution. Finally, the projected redemption value of online coupons in the United States in 2010 is 12.7 billion dollars.(Coupon Facts 2010)

Who says clipping coupons doesn’t pay? My $78.27 per hour says it does. I definitely say, “Money Maker!” What could you do with an extra $547.90 in a time of decreased budgets and tightened belts?

Read more at Suite101: Coupons: Money Maker or Time Waster?

Related posts:

1. Coupons – Money maker or time waster
2. Extreme Couponing 101
3. Does Extreme Couponing include milk and meat?

I know I will get a question on a good place to buy a second fridge or freezer, and  no we not paid for this – but Zach over at Complete Appliance is the place we use. They give every appliance a free complete warranty on all of their second hand product. Its clean and and all flaws are repaired.

To read more about our fridge buying experience, and to print off a coupon for 10% off CLICK HERE.

Related posts:

1. Does Extreme Couponing include milk and meat?
2. Extreme Couponing – Price Comparison Shopping – does it work?
3. Extreme Couponing – Do you have a Healthy Stockpile?