It might come as a surprise to know that I am somewhat of an extreme couponer. I’ve never shared my coupon routine here and I’m excited for the opportunity to show you how I try to save money on household items. When it comes to food items from the grocery store I tend to pay more attention to the weekly ads than my stash of coupons. And yes, by stash of coupons, I mean my huge neatly organized Trapper Keeper binder I tote around with me everywhere. Sometimes other shoppers give me odd looks and I know I’ve had a few eyes rolled at me as I enter a shopping line. Does that bother me? Not even a little bit.
Each week I spend approximately three to four hours cutting and organizing coupons. I get two copies of the Sunday paper delivered to my home. That means every Sunday I go through the entire paper and pull out all the inserts with coupons. Then I clip, organize, and file them in my binder. I usually shop on Mondays. Before shopping I completely review the weekly ad for my local grocery store and then I make a list. I have just one simple rule to save: with out a coupon unless we are in urgent need of something or it is an item from a manufacturer that does not offer coupons, I don’t buy it. Fry’s is the only grocery store I go to weekly. Why? There are a few reasons: 1) I’ve tried shopping at other grocery stores and always end up spending more, 2) every manufacturer coupon is worth $1 (be sure to check the weekly ad and/or the coupon policy before shopping), and 3) they have amazing sales on items I buy frequently.
There are a few household items that make it to my shopping list regularly. I know some of you assume the grocery store is never the best place to purchase household items and they are there simply for shopper convenience. I disagree completely.
I never buy in bulk when using coupons. Smaller quantities usually provide a bigger discount with a coupon. Take a look at my examples below.
This week I went shopping and found some great deals. Charmin Bath Tissue is regularly priced at $3.99. The Sunday paper had a 25 cents off 1 coupon. Remember at Fry’s that coupon is worth $1.00. So you end up paying only $2.99. Stock up and save!
Tide Laundry Detergent is normally priced $8.49. The sale price this week was $5.99 but you could save an additional $2 by purchasing 2. Awesome deal at only $4.99 each. Use your $1.00 off 1 coupons and save even more. With the cart buster sale and coupons you could purchase Tide for only $3.99 each. Definitely a stock up price!
I don’t regularly add air freshener to my shopping list but I saw in the weekly ad that it was on sale and I had a coupon. Of course I would purchase Febreze Air Effects for only $1.99 each!
Now do you believe me? Don’t make an extra trip to a different store because you’re afraid of purchasing household items from the grocery store. Just do your homework and make sure you’re shopping smart. Smart, as in now during Kroger’s incredible Cart Buster Sale!
Download a digital coupon for a different product each day straight to your shopper card at the Cart Buster site for great deals on your favorite products at the Kroger Co. Family of Stores!
I was selected for participation in this campaign as a member of Clever Girls Collective.