How I save on groceries: Couponing

Don't touch that "back" button! Seriously.

A long time ago, more than 17 years past, I entered the world of couponing. The world was kind to couponers back then, with 2 for 1 sales and triple coupons galore. I could pick up 150.00 worth of groceries for a third of the cost. The problem was that the food was junk. Now, if you are in such a bad way that you can not afford healthy foods regardless, this was an okay strategy. We had shelves of cereals filled with HFC's and salty premade foods that we got for practically nothing.

Then I became more aware of how various additives in our foods affect our bodies. Grim realization that I was probably contributing my my child's weight problem, and even though we were pretty bad off financially, I did what I could to reverse the problem.

Fast forward to now. My husband's pay raises have not kept up with the cost of living for over a decade now. He does not make enough to keep a roof over our heads, never mind food in our bellies unless I do some major budget cutting.

Yes, our farm stand helps a great deal. We can get bulk foods and shave the costs off of the next couple of weeks food budget, relying on the foods we purchased cheaper. The foods are healthier and local for the most part, and if not their own, it is labelled. I have started canning to take advantage of these deals, but I know that I am still in a better position than many who simply do not have the cash all at once to take advantage of these types of deals.

In comes the coupon experience again. I have decided to jump back in, just more cautiously this time around. My savings are different because I only choose things we generally use, but I still can stock up on things without shattering my weekly/biweekly budget. This week I saved 51.00 dollars and spent a little over 80.00 dollars. Since I was able to take advantage of other sales, I didn't have to worry as much about some of the basics, but this works even if you are still dealing with buying the basics.

First up, join My Points. If you would like to help me out, just send me your email and I will send you a referral which will get me more points. Otherwise, just sign up straight on the site. This place will send you emails (I suggest making a folder and rule to send them to their own place to avoid clutter in your mailbox) that you can click on to earn points. There are also surveys and such. I mention this because they also have links to coupons. You receive points for clipping and using these coupons, so you are getting a double whammy. Points can be used for gift certificates at many different online and brick and mortar stores like Target and Amazon.

Once you are done there, go to SavingStar , sign up and enter your shopper cards for all of the places you shop. Once you do, you can load savings onto all of your cards for specific food items. For instance, this week I purchased Toaster Strudel (yes I know.. not good for you, but a nice treat) for 2 for 5.00 and had 3 75 cent off coupons plus a .75 cent credit for three at SavingStar. The math is:
6 @ 15.00
- coupons: .75 cents off 2 (had three)
-doubled coupons: .75 cents off 2 (for three coupons)

So, I spent  10.50 for six packages (usually 2.89 a package here). Now, Savings star is sending me .75 cents (after I have accumulated enough credits) so my total cost is now 9.50 meaning I spent 1.63 a piece.  I am now receiving over 5.00 in cash from SavingStar due to combining sales, coupons and the offers there.

Generally I don't like buying a lot of premade items, but with everyone working or going to school (or both), having a quick snack or even breakfast, is not a bad idea. Along with that, there were many other sales available, such as a whole roaster chicken for .99 cent a pound. Between the sales and coupons I have enough food for my family for some time.

There are many sites out there that will help you stretch a buck. The trick is to be sure that your family will actually use the products. I have said time and time again, it isn't a bargain if you never use it. I got a few quickie meals because my husband isn't very good at making things from scratch unless it is planned out for him, so having a couple meal helpers are a good idea. We aren't eating them regularly, but they are good to have in a pinch. Homemade bread is wonderful, but if you don't have time to make it (and yes, it can be very cheap), finding a good deal on whole wheat bread is important, but if you are making it all the time, then it isn't worth it for your family. (Personally I do both, depending on the time I have).

This takes time. You need a printer to use the paper online coupons, and that can be expensive depending on the quality of paper and how expensive your cartridges are. That needs to be taken into consideration too. I probably spent an hour yesterday clipping and planning the stores I would go to and what I would buy.

Another source of savings that are often overlooked are "Catalinas". These are the coupons on the bottom of your receipt. I get .20 cents off every gallon of gas for my purchases, plus over 10.00 in additional, in-store coupons for items that I either purchase or could fit into my weekly menu.

It takes creative meal planning and a willingness to try new things, but it is a system that works for many people. If you are even luckier and can pay off your credit bill immediately (like, as soon as you use it, just go online and pay right away), you can use reward credit cards for your purchases saving you even more money! I do not suggest doing this if you are not positive that you can pay it off as soon as you get home though. Even one months of interest could blow any rewards you receive away.