When I teach my coupon classes I talk about how much or your budget to set aside  for couponing and how to stock up.  When a new couponer watches a shows like Extreme Couponing they are lead to believe that you are suppose to build a massive stockpile in 1 day, using 100′s of coupons and walk away paying nothing.  This “can” be done but is NOT realistic and is more for tv ratings than  to teach you a skill to save you money.

When you first start couponing you will need  to still buy the “normal” things on your weekly shopping list because you do not have a stockpile at home.  What I suggest is to take 10-20% of your budget and set that aside just for couponing.  Then shop like normal with the other 80-90% of your money.  Becuase if you where to put ALL you money towards the lowest stock up deals that week… sure you would get a good deal but you would not have the items needed to create a menu plan for your family.  Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to creating a well balanced  stockpile.

Now what are you going to buy with your 10-20% set aside, you are going to focus on stocking up on the items that are at there LOWEST price point and try to buy multiples.   For example if mayonnaise  is a regular item on your shopping list you are going to pay $3-$5 per bottle depending where and when you shop.  This  last weeks ad  at Albertsons you could get mayo for low as $.49  a bottle after sale and coupons.

Best Foods Mayo $2.99 when you buy 10 $2.49

• Use the $1.00 off Best Foods Mayo in the 5/20 Smart Source Insert
• OR Use $1/2 Hellmans or Best Foods Products printable coupon
• also use a twice the value coupon
• Final Price low as $.49 each

These bottles do not expire will February  2013 giving you 8 months to use them.  So stock up when the price is low, and get 8-10 bottles for the same price you would pay for one bottle that is not on sale.  This now gives you the power to mark that item off your list for the next 8 months and you DO NOT have to buy it until it is a price point you are willing to pay. You also get to use that money towards other items like fresh produce or milk… or apply it towards more coupon deals.  The longer you shop this way you will build up a stockpile and you will get to “shop your stockpile” instead of shopping the stores for your  pantry staples.

I taught a coupon class on Tuesday night to a group of ladies at a local church.  I told them you can coupon and save money on many different levels… some will go all out and coupon at several stores.  Others will shop as normal but just add one or two coupons to each trip… it may not seem like a lot but even a $5 savings per week = $20 a month = $240 a year.  That could be put towards a family trip, professional family photo, college funds… so many things $240 could be used for.

So one of the easiest ways to save is to print coupons for item you already have on your shopping list.  You can look for coupons by name on our Coupon Database or you can check out Coupons.com and see what is listed, or tune into our site daily and we will try and keep you up to date on all the hottest printable coupons.

If you live in Idaho or Utah you will be happy to know that (normally) each month we get printable coupons for $.75-$1.00 off any brand of milk or any brand of cheese.  Really this is such an easy way to save!  They are normally listed the first day/week of the month and run out of prints by the 2nd week.  Then they are refreshed (which means you can print them again) the next month.  You can print 2 per computer in your home.

To find these coupons head to Coupons.com ( remember if you use our links, you help support our site)

In the zip code bar on the top left type in an Idaho or Utah zip ( I used 83605)

Then you can narrow your search by clicking on the Food category on the left side bar.

You can print your coupon, select a few more because you can print 3 per page, and this saves paper and ink because sometimes if you only print one, a big ad will print on the bottom of the page as well.

You can then come back and print them again, often they will be found on the vary last page on your second print.

Once you have printed a coupon 2 times it will show up on the very last page highlighted in blue, and say that the print limit has been reached.

Simple as that… you are on your way to saving money on the items you already buy.

Thanks to Brittaney for this question: Paul’s is having their case lot sale going on right now and I wondered your opinion about whether or not items were worthy to buy or not.

Answer: I know many people who do not coupon but instead use the case lot sale as a chance to stock up each year on some of their pantry staples.   It is a quick way for them to save each year without the weekly stress of matching coupons with sales.  It works for them so for that I say great job.

A few of the draw backs are you do have to buy in bulk (not always depends on store) so since the case lot sale is only once a year you have to put a HUGE investment down in one shopping trip. If you have the money now great, but never put it on credit, the interest you have to pay will defeat any saveing you may see.  I know many who use their tax return each year to purchase case lot items and it works for them.  Also often you are buying store brand, so if you are brand loyal you may not be happy with the selection offered at your store.

That being said I think many of the price below are rather good (not rock bottom but good), and if it is a product your family uses worth stocking up on.  Yes you may find some of these items much cheaper throughout the year with coupons but you can just add them to your pantry and know not to purchase them next year.

 I would LOVE to hear READERS FEEDBACK…. what do you think of these prices?

Here is the current case lot sale items: (all of these are the western family brand)

15 to 15.25oz Canned Fruit, peaches, pears, apricots or fruit cocktails 24 ct for $20
14.5 oz Canned Tomatoes (crushed or diced) 24 ct for $13.20 = $.83 a can
11 to 15.25oz Canned Corn or Green Beans 24 ct for $13.50  = $.56 a can
15 oz Canned Beans (kidney or pinto) 24 ct for $13.50  = $.56 a can
15 oz Canned Mushrooms (stems and pieces) 24 ct for $13.50 = $.56 a can
48 oz Spaghetti or Macaroni 8ct for $23.00 = $2.87
Macaroni and Cheese (macaroni or spirals) 24 ct for $10.50 = $.44 a box
32 oz Mayonnise or Salad Dressing  12 ct for $28.00 = $2.33 a jar
24 oz squeeze or 20 oz upside down Ketchup 16 ct for $15.00 = $.93 a bottle
64 Apple Juice or Cider 8ct for $12.88 = $1.61 a bottle
46oz Tomato or Vegatable Juice 12 ct for $19.00 = $1.58 a can
8 oz Tomato Sauce 48 for $15.00 = $.31 a can
5 oz Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water 24 ct for $28.80 = $1.20 a can
Maruchan Instant Lunch 12ct for $3.88 = $.32 each
28-32 oz Bagged Cereal 8 ct for $21.00 =2.63 each
42 oz Quick or Old fashioned Oatmeal 12ct for $22.00 = $1.83 a can
128 oz corn, canola or vegetable oil 4ct for $34.50 = $8.63
Cake Mix 12ct for $11.50 = $.96 a box
12 oz evaporated milk 24ct for $20.00 = $.83 a can
Seasoning Packets 24 ct for $7.50 = $.31 each
16oz Saltine Crackers 12 ct for $16.80 = $1.40 each
15oz Nalley Chili with Beans 24 ct for $21.60 = $.90 a can

For a post we did on Costco Vs Ridleys case lot sale click here.

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 !

Question: Dear A Thrifty Mom, why have you not been coupon shopping?  I look forward to your shipping trips as they help me plan for my own personal shopping trips, but the last few weeks you have not been listing them as much. Are you not shopping or just not posting them on the site.  Should I be taking a break too, I do not want my coupons to go to waste,  thank you for your help.

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

Click here for Online
Couponing 101 Class

I am reposting this, because it seems to be one of the most commonly asked questions.

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!

 We originally posted on this a few months ago and it recently came up in an email and thought it was worth reposting. With the Extreme Couponing shows there are so many more couponers that stores are having to adapt to.

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

Here are a few ideas on some tools to build your coupon binder with. The inbox has a question about this at least once a week, and while we enjoy this correspondence, the thought occurs that where there is one question there is bound to be more.

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.

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

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

Ingard’s out of pocket for her Fred Meyer shopping was $8.00 before tax, before sales and coupon this would have been $30

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?

Let’s face it shopping at Walgreens can be a little tricky.  It takes a bit of time to learn all their weird little tricks and rules.  But once you get it down, it is totally worth it because they have awesome deals each week!  I happen to have a VERY coupon friendly store, with knowledgeable staff  that makes shopping there very easy.

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.

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.

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?

Wall-A-Wall Coupons left this link on our facebook page.   I wanted to share it with you because I loved her story and more important her positive attitude.  She faced empty shelves like many of you may find, yet she asked questions, stayed positive and was still able to find a few thrifty deals.  With a positive spirit and knowledge sounds like she is bound to be a couponer for the long haul!

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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.

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.

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?

Question posted to our Facbook page,

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

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