It’s a guilty pleasure when I get to indulge in TLC’s shows like Toddlers & Tiaras and Extreme (extreme!) Couponing, but I can’t stop watching them. You kind of learn things to do/not to do, and decide how much effort you would put towards things like that yourself. (i.e. not a lot for me, but I’m a people watcher at heart so that’s enough entertainment to keep me entertained). They mention tips and tricks about coupons and talk about some online resources (Krazy Coupon Lady is #1 apparently) to get yourself started.
Some places take “preloaded” coupons so you can use a card and some places take clipped paper coupons. Green vs. not-green. I figured I would try this, but at Walmart. (yes, groan and groan- but who seriously has time to visit 3-4 supermarkets?!). I made up a spreadsheet- and I Lurvvvveee to put anything on a spreadsheet- divided into four main categories: cold/frozen, aisles (boxed/canned/bagged), fruits/veggies, and HBA’s (health and beauty accessories) and then specifically searched for the coupons of products that we use.
Usually, most people peruse the coupons and make your list from there. But we end up with so/so brands of stuff we may or may not completely use and less waste – even from a big box store- is better for sure. And my family has super sensitive skin and stomachs, so generic off-brands are just about a no-no 99% of the time. I have to say the spreadsheet worked out well for me- and I highlighted the items I had coupons for in red. I had 16 coupons that saved me about $14. I think next time I’ll try it at Hyvee, since that’s where I go for our organic veggies and meat counter requests after the local farmer’s market. Do you go extreme? Or what’s your easy- breezy way to still get the best deals?
LunchingMomma 