how do you save so much?

[NHmomma2teenagers]

on the front page of the CM, there is a blog. You will see "free" items listed there, and the "hottest" deals of the week from CVS, Rite Aid and Wags.

also, on the front page of the CM, there is a Deal alert. If you put in, let's say Lloyd's Ribs, you will get an emial saying when there is a coupon in your area paper, and also if you enter your are supermarkets, they will email you where your preferred items are on sale.

If that sounds over whelming, just keep your receipt, and enter the brand names off the receipt. I know this works for food and non food items.

[Debbiep]

We've been at it a while.

It takes time to build your coupon stash, as well as learning all the different store ins and outs. We make the system work for us.

I would suggest you continue to build your Q supply, always getting multiple papers each week. Also, I've found several other blogs that list various weekly deal scenarios. It takes the guesswork out of it and cuts my valuable time dramatically as I prepare for each weeks featured deals in the various stores. I strive to get in and get out, as rapidly as possible. Then, on to the next one!

After a few months, you realize you've gotten pretty darn good at this game. And ya got the stockpile to prove it!

[coupondiva29]

I agree, the longer you stay at it the better you will become at getting 50% or more savings on your groceries. I have been couponing since I was a little girl...of course helping my mom cut and organize...not actually purchasing at that time...lol. When I became an adult, it was like riding a bike. I definitely thank my mom for showing me the ropes early on...now I find out about deals before she does...especially from this site! I call her and inform her (she is not a computer person).

[Sylvia]

Originally Posted by Mrs.O

The basic tips:

1. Try to buy only items that are on sale (especially for things you really need but don't have Qs for).
2. As above, match your coupons with sale items to get the best deal possible.
3. Try to find a store that doubles Qs...that's how a lot of people get those huge savings percentages I know a lot of times these stores are the more expensive shelf price stores, but with the double Qs, you'll find much better deals than elsewhere.
4. Stock up when you do find great deals, that way you won't have to buy those items again until sale time. (Buying more than one paper is key)
5. Don't expect to save 80% everytime...this is rare. 30-40% is a good savings. I personally always try to shoot for 50%. Set goals and move up as you get better

Good luck, and we're always here to help and answer questions!!

I'd like to add a couple more tips

6. use the store's online copy of their ad and list maker. Make your list matching coupons looking to maximize savings by getting as many of the 10/$10 items matched with $1 Q's as you can 10 items = $10 les 10 $1 Q's is $0.

7. STICK TO YOUR LIST!!! Don't go fouling up your savings by "browsing" for deals.

[smriel]

I was wondering the $200 for $20 as well. I don't ever do that well. But one thing I wanted to add as someone suggested is to visit ebay for coupons. You aren't paying for the coupons but rather the time it takes for those to cut them out, sort them, etc. I buy $1 off coupons on items I use regularly!!

[jillynoodle]

all of the suggestions are wonderful here...just keep reading on this forum and look at the grocery deals by state section...i cant tell you how much this helped me every sunday morning to get the best deals without having to do much...but the forum is where everyone shares what they figured out and their experiences and questions...its the best part imo...but ifyou want to not go nuts about it it i suggest the stephanie e books first read then grocery deals by state...and buy multiple papers...find out which papers have the smartsource p&g and redplum...its usually the bigger paper in my area(and of course the most expensive) and just keep reading and ask any questions you have...it does take time to get your coupon stash going but when it does wow its amazing really...i do save so much i cannot imagine not using coupons now...i havent paid full price for something in at least six months...and if you stockpile...then you can be real picky about what price you will pay for something..have fun with it, this site is awesome, every morning before work i hit "new posts" and thats how i start my day

[ameeker]

One thing which helped me a TON, was to learn a little shopping self control. I simply do not buy anything unless I can get it for at least 50%, and more likely it has to be 75% off or more to get my attention. It took about 6 months to build up a stockpile that can hold out for that price, but now that it's in place I can hold out for that low price indefinitely.

Oh and a lot of times $30-40 might be the sum total of my coupon redemption, but because I bought EVERYTHING on sale, the total savings is quite a bit lower than that.

[suzyqs]

Originally Posted by angela2678

Buying two papers a week won't do it. When there's a coupon that will make a staple free (like pasta), you have to have a lot of them.

This isn't my post, but I wanted to ask, exactly how many papers do you buy? The first month I started with two and am now getting three a week thinking I should have had more than that this week? My DH is thinking I need a 12 step program after I brought home 9 shampoo/conditioners after the CVS and Kmart deals this week

[ameeker]

Originally Posted by suzyqs

This isn't my post, but I wanted to ask, exactly how many papers do you buy? The first month I started with two and am now getting three a week thinking I should have had more than that this week? My DH is thinking I need a 12 step program after I brought home 9 shampoo/conditioners after the CVS and Kmart deals this week

I think the coupon addiction program is 12 steps with the 13th FREE, and it's BOGO if you bring a friend. Hello my name is Amy and I'm a coupon addict... HA!!! AS IF!!! Seriously there is NO WAY a room full of coupon addicts would ever be able to get each other to STOP using coupons, those meetings would start with swapping and end with field trips!!! Just tell your DH that when you save money with coupons you are happy, and when you are happy, chances are he is too.

[suzyqs]

Originally Posted by ameeker

I think the coupon addiction program is 12 steps with the 13th FREE, and it's BOGO if you bring a friend. Hello my name is Amy and I'm a coupon addict...

Too funny! Going to quote you to him when I bring in today's haul