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Coupons For Dummies
This may come as a surprise to some of you but I just recently started using coupons. I always liked the idea of coupons but they also seemed a little too complex and quite frankly a pain to deal with. Given the times I decided to give it a try and see if they are worth all the hassle.
My first baby step into using coupons was to subscribe to a friends website http://stretchingyourdollarsnewsletter.com/. Its geared for Southern Idaho but it still made the whole process easier. She goes through the local stores sales, all coupons available and tells you what you should buy, where and how much you’ll pay. She spends hours doing this so you don’t have too. There are several sites like this but I use this one.
Here are a few tips for those of you that are wanting to join the couponing adventure:
1. Collect your coupons in a small organizer so you can carry it with you and you know what you have.
2. The Sunday paper is a great place to see all the local stores sales and get coupons. You can also print them online:
www.smartsource.com
www.coupon.com
www.couponbug.com
www.redplum.com
3. Some stores will double the value of your coupon. - Albertson’s has “doubler” coupons in their ad (you can pick them up at the front of the store). Use the doubler coupon to double the value of your manufacturer coupon up to $1. You can get a lot of items free this way.
4. Some stores will honor other stores sales ads. - Rite-aid will match competitors prices if you bring the ad. Walmart will also match prices. *This is nice because you don’t have to drive all over town for sale items.
5. Don’t be suckered into buying something just because you have a coupon. - The only time I buy something not on my list is if the items is really cheap or its free.
6. Sign up for the stores rewards card. Fred Meyers, Albertsons, ect. - You get extra saving and coupons. *Since I buy lots of diapers, wipes, baby food and formula I will get special coupons for those type of items. Last week I got a $10 off coupon for formula!
7. If you are making a trip to a store for just a few items make a trip out of it. - About once a week I meet my sister for coffee at Fred Meyer. We do this because they have “Freddies Play Land” which is FREE childcare for 1 hour. We drop off the kids, get a coffee and pick up the items that are on sale. We save money and its fun for moms and kids!
8. Don’t be afraid to ask. - If the store is out of a sale item don’t be afraid to ask if they will give you a rain check. Ask if they will take competitors coupons or price match.
9. Shop during off hours. - If you have a lot of coupons or if you may need help it’s better to shop when the store isn’t busy. The store staff will be a lot more accommodating and you won’t hold up the lines when checking out.
Yes, couponing can be a hassle but bottom line is that if you do a little home work before you go to the store including getting your coupons organized you can save a lot of money. I save about 30% per grocery trip just by doing this.
I’m still learning about coupons and saving money at the grocery store so if you have advice for a novice please email angela@momsfirststop.com or post to the group. Helping others save money is a great way to share the love!
Another Great Read:
8 Cheap to Free Childcare Options When You Need a Little “me time”
8 Cheap to Free Childcare Options When You Need a Little “me time”
We have all been there as parents when you’ve just had enough and just need to get away even just for a moment. After the birth of my daughter I remember spending lots of time at the grocery store going down each and every aisle enjoying the silence and freedom of being there alone. We shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting some alone time or adult time with our spouse and friends. It’s natural and frankly healthy. You will be a better mommy and wife if you make sure your needs are being met. Here are my 8 cheap to free childcare options when you need a little “me time”.
1. FREE - Friends and Family – This should be your first option if you have any family or friends that live close. Ask for a weekly or monthly appointment where they can take your kid(s) for a couple of hours. You will be surprise how accommodating and sympathetic your loved ones will be for a favor like this.
2. FREE - Parent co-op or Kid(s) swap – Find another mom or group of moms in your situation willing to take turns watching each others kid(s). craigslist.org usually has listings for parent co-op’s in your area.
3. CHEAP - Join a gym – Most gyms offer childcare so this is a great way for you to get some exercise in and get a break. Don’t feel like exercising? Relax in the sauna, sit in the hot-tub or just pretend to exercise and do some people watching or read a book. Also, I have even seen some gyms offer “date night” where they will watch your kid(s) for a couple of hours while you and your spouse have a date.
4. FREE - Join a church – Most churches offer free childcare during their service or bible study. A ladies bible study is a great way to meet other moms, grow your support system and faith.
5. FREE - Freddy’s Playland at Fred Meyer - Fred Meyers is a regional grocery store and they have a great little service called “Freddy’s Playland.” It’s a place where kids, between the ages of 2 and 5, can go for one hour while their parents do their grocery shopping. There are a couple really great things about this: 1) it’s free 2) the store is huge, along the lines of a Super Target with all your shopping needs 3) it has a Starbucks inside 4) My daughter loved going there. 5) Even if you don’t have shopping to do, you can have a 1 hour break of all parenting obligations.
6. FREE - Public Library service – Most public library’s offer fun free activities for kids off all ages. You do have to stay onsite but this is a great way for someone else to entertain your kid(s) or an hour and you can take a mental break.
7. CHEAP - Teen babysitter or mommy helper - There are a lot of qualified teenagers available after 3pm on week days that have taken classes on babysitting including safety, emergency training and are experienced. You can post or read ads out on craigslist.org or check out a babysitting service that can find someone for you. Have the sitter come over for an interview to see how comfortable you are with them and they are with your child. This is a cheap childcare option and a great way to schedule some regular “me time”.
8. CHEAP - Timeshare a nanny - Find another parent wanting or willing to share a nanny on a part-time basis.