Showing posts with label Money Saving Q and A. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Money Saving Q and A. Show all posts

Money Saving Q and A: Starting a Stockpile

Q:  I want to start a stockpile.  Where do I begin and how do I go about it all?

A:  I just sat down with a friend who is having a baby soon and wanted to get her stockpile built up for the next six months.  I created this form for us to use:
We basically sat down with my price book, going through each category and listed all the things her family needed to stock up on or things can that can be stockpiled.  We determined for each product whether or not the family was name brand specific or flexible with a generic brand.  We determined how many the family would need of each item to last for around six months.  Next, we wrote down the maximum price per unit, using my price book, so that way when my friend was out shopping she had a price she would not spend over for each item. This method takes a bit of an investment at the beginning, but is worth it for big events coming up!

Above is an example of a short term stockpile goal or even a good way to build a beginning stockpile.  Once you have a stockpile established, focusing on one or two items a week is a great way to maintain a stockpile.    I know some stockpilers keep a tally of what they have.  While this would be effective, I personally keep an eye on things and keep an eye on the sales and deals....stocking up on freebies or close to free anytime!  A good rule of thumb is to stockpile three months worth of product on an item.  Personally though, if I find a really good sale on something  that rarely goes on sale, I may even buy up to a year's worth of it if the investment fits in our budget.


I have more info HERE on why stockpiling is smart and some pictures on how to organize a stockpile HERE!

I'd love to hear your thoughts or tips on this topic! Leave it in a comment! Have a question? Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com! Read more Money Saving Q and A HERE! 

Money Saving Q and A: Favorite Site

Q: What's your favorite website to check before you go shopping?

A:  As far as retail shopping goes, the printable coupon section of Mommy Saves Big is my very favorite blogs to check.  It is definitely my go-to blog before heading to the mall or craft stores.  Anna, at Mommy Saves Big, always has the latest and most current printable coupons.   Click HERE to check it out and be sure to click on Retail in the top left corner to get an alphabetical list of all the stores!

I'd love to hear your thoughts or tips on this topic! Leave it in a comment! Have a question? Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com! Read more Money Saving Q and A HERE!

Money Saving Q and A: Cost Per Unit

Q:  How I can easily decide which product is a better buy when comparing sizes of the exact same brand?

A: One way to save money is to figure the cost per unit for products you buy.  Buying bigger is not always better!  Some stores already have this figured for you on the price tag, but for the stores or items that don't have it available, knowing how to quickly figure the cost per unit can save you a lot of money in the long run.  I keep a calculator handy and take the cost of the product and divide it by how many units it has, depending on the product, such as the number of ounces it has.  For example, if you are buying cheese and are comparing a smaller package that costs $3 with 8 ounces to a bigger package that costs $5 with 12 ounces, which is the better deal?  Here's the math:

Smaller Package: $3.00/8 = $.375 per oz
or
Larger Package: $5.00/12 = $.416 per oz

Start saving on many of the products you buy, which are averaged at least 100 different products, and we are talking about saving hundreds to thousands (depending on your household and previous spending habits) of dollars a year simply by figuring the cost per unit! 

By the way, this example is figured without using coupons. Use coupons and prepare to make a drastic change in your budget!


I'd love to hear your thoughts or tips on this topic! Leave it in a comment! Have a question? Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com! Read more Money Saving Q and A HERE!

Money Saving Q and A: Coupon Match Up Code and Lingo


Q:  How do I read the coupon match ups and lingo on coupon blogs?

A:  For couponers, time is of the essence and we have a code to make things short and sweet.  When reading match ups on a blog, you may see something like this:

$1/3 SS 3/28 exp 4/14

This means that there is a coupon in the Smart Source (SS) insert that came out on March 28th. In order to get $1 off of the product, you have to buy three. This coupon expires on April 14th. 

 As for the lingo, here's a list of the most common used abbreviations:

$$/$$ – This means $ off when you spend $ amount. Example: $5/$30 is $5 off your purchase when you spend $30.

$/# – This means that you get $ off for every # you buy. Example: $5/2 would mean that you get $5 off every 2 that you buy.

B1G1 = Buy One Get One Free (B1G2 is Buy One Get Two Free etc.)

Blinkie = A coupon that prints out at a machine in the store. They are located by the product associated with that particular coupon.

BOGO = Buy One Get One Free

Cash Register Tape = Your Receipt. Also referred to as CRT.

CAT = Catalina. A coupon that prints out at the register that is either $$ off your next purchase or $$ off a certain product. You typically have to use them at the store they printed, but some stores will take “competitor’s” coupons. Note: These are sometimes delayed in printing so wait a minute before walking away from the register. If you think you were supposed to get one and didn’t, talk to the cashier/manager and explain.

Closeouts – These are typically greatly reduced items that the store does not plan on re-stocking.

Competitors – This is the term meaning “of related chains.” For example, grocery stores will take other grocery store’s coupons and drug stores will take other drug store coupons. Always check with each store on what their couponing policy is and whom they consider to be a competitor.

Couponing Policy – This is the statement that each individual store abides by, in relation to coupons. What is typically included in their policy is whether they: take competitor’s coupons, take coupons past expiration dates, “double” or “triple” coupons, accept Internet Printables or if they even accept coupons.

CRT = Cash Register Tape, or your receipt

Discontinued – This means that a store has depleted their inventory of an item and does not plan on re-stocking it.

Double Coupons = This is the term used when stores will double a coupon’s value. Example, if you have a $.50 off coupon, they’ll take $1 off. Stores vary on how often they do this ranging from never, always, on occasion or specific days of the week. Some stores may also set a maximum value limit.

ECB = Extra Care Bucks. Exclusive to CVS. They work like cash on your next order.

EXP = Expires or Expiration Date

FAR = Free After Rebate

FAE = Free after Extra Care Bucks (See ECB or Extra Care Bucks for explanation)

FARR = Free After Register Rewards (See RR or Register Rewards for explanation)

Inserts = These are “packets” of coupons found in Sunday papers and also sometimes in the ads mailed to you during the week. These are typically sent out by Smart Source (SS or S), Red Plum (RP) and Proctor & Gamble (PG).

Internet Printable = A coupon that can be printed online. Also referred to as IP or Printable.

IP = Internet Printable Coupon.

IVC = Instant Value Coupon. These are found at Walgreens in their weekly ads.

MFR = Manufacturer

MIR = Mail In Rebate. These are checks or coupons that the manufacturers/stores will send you if you meet the requirements on the rebate form.

OOP = Out-of-Pocket. This is the amount of money that you have spent after coupons, ECBs, RRs, Catalinas.

OOS = Out-of-Stock. This means that the store is temporarily out of an item but plans on getting in more inventory. Sometimes they will offer a raincheck in cases like these.

OYNO = On Your Next Order. Used when referring to coupons that you can use on your next order at that store. (Sometimes Competitors will take them.)

OYNP = On Your Next Purchase. Used when referring to coupons that you can use on your next purchase (order) at that store. (Sometimes Competitors will take them.)

Peelie = Coupons found on products in the store. (Don’t forget to pull these off and hand them to your cashier when you check-out. Don’t rely on the cashier to notice them for you.)

PG = Proctor & Gamble.

Prtinables - These are coupons that you can print online. Also referred to as IP or Internet Printables.

Q = Coupon

Raincheck = A slip you can ask for in the store when an item’s on sale and out-of-stock.

RP = Red Plum. This is a coupon insert that you’ll either find in your paper or the mail.

Register Rewards or RR = Exclusive to Walgreens. They work like cash on your next order. (Some restrictions do apply.)

Rolling Catalinas – This means that you can use a catalina (see definition) as payment on another transaction of equal merchandise and another catalina will still print. Example, if you buy 5 “name brand items,” a $5 catalina will print. If you then buy another set of those same 5 “name brand items,” you can use the previous catalina you received as payment towards the order and another $5 catalina will print.

S or SS = Smart Source. This is a big name coupon source. They not only send out inserts in the papers but they also have an online site with printables.

Stacking Coupons = This is the term used when stores will let you use their own store coupons along with a manufacturer’s coupon for the same item. Example: Most Targets would let you use their $ off “specific brand” product coupons along with a manufacturer’s coupon for that same “specific brand” product.

Triple Coupons = This is the term used when stores will triple a coupon’s value. Example, if you have a $1 off coupon, they’ll take $3 off. Stores vary on how often they do this ranging from never, always, on occasion or specific days of the week.

UPC = Universal Bar Code. This is the bar code that’s scanned on products for pricing/info at the stores. Several companies will ask you to mail these in on rebates

WAGS = Abbreviation for Walgreens

YMMV = Your Mileage (Manager) May Vary. This is what you’ll see when someone finds a deal but they want you to know that your store branch may not offer the same deal.

WYB = When You Buy

(Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com with the LINGO as your subject and I can email you the lingo list in a Word document! :)

Hope that helps someone newer to the game. If that's you, hang in there! It gets easier!

I'd love to hear your thoughts or tips on this topic! Leave it in a comment! Have a question? Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com! Read more Money Saving Q and A HERE!

Money Saving Q and A: Generics

 

Q:  Aren't buying generic products cheaper than buying a name brand with a coupon?


A:  Sometimes, but not always!  It just depends on the product and the sale cycle.  The majority of my stockpile items are name brand, including food and non food items.  When a generic is cheaper, by all means, buy it... as long as it is quality!  How do you know if it's a high enough quality for your own personal preferences?  Try it out!  I have tried many generics that I've been very happy with. Occasionally I'll come across something I'd never buy again though.  The key is knowing the prices of the products you buy. I highly recommend keeping a price book, tracking these prices at your favorite stores.  The sale price cycle is six to eight weeks, so when your favorite name brand product hits its lowest price and you have a coupon for it, it is almost always cheaper than the generic.  Top that with a promotion, such as a Catalina, Register Reward, Extra Care Buck, or in store discount promotion, and the name brand product price goes way below a generic's price, many times resulting in a freebie or money maker!

Examples: 

Week 1:
-Hunts Diced Tomatoes $1.59 vs Generic Dices Tomatoes: $.89
-Even with a $.50 coupon, the generic is going to be a better buy.  I can never tell the difference!

Week 7:
-Hunts Diced Tomatoes  $.99 (on sale) vs Generic Dices Tomatoes: $.89
- The Hunts tomatoes would be cheaper with the $.50 coupon!

Week 13
-Hunts Diced Tomatoes $.49 (in store promotion from buying ten participating times...Dillons always has these.)  vs Generic Dices Tomatoes: $.89
- The name brand here would be a freebie!  Stock up!  Even if you don't have a coupon, its cheaper than the generic!  How will you know this?  By tracking prices in a price book! One of the keys to couponing is knowing when to "hold" your coupons until the best possible time to "play the game."  


I'd love to hear your thoughts or tips on this topic! Leave it in a comment!  Have a question?  Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com!  Read more Money Saving Q and A HERE!
 

Money Saving Q and A- Time Spent Couponing

 

Q: How much time do you spend couponing?  I don't feel like I have time for anything else!

A:  I'll be honest here.  Couponing is not sitting down five minutes before you go to the store and clipping two coupons for things you have on your list.  I mean, you can do that, and you might save a whole dollar, but if you really want to see a difference in your budget, it does require some time and preparation.  The more time you put into it, the more you'll save.  The longer you coupon, the easier it gets and the less time you'll spend actually clipping and preparing for shopping trips.  I would say I spend around an hour a week.  This hour is spent in front of my TV watching one of my favorite DVRed shows and I'm done before I know it.  (The way I like to exercise too!)  Also, I'd say I spend an extra hour per month, usually at the beginning of the month, going through my binder and pulling out expired coupons.  I may sit down for a just a couple of minutes every other day to check for any new printable coupons.  I'd say it also takes an extra five minutes when shopping with coupons, if your organzied.  So at the most, I spend about five hours a month couponing and I save HUNDREDS of dollars!  Well worth the time spent!


I'd love to hear your thoughts or tips on this topic! Leave it in a comment!  Have a question?  Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com!  Read more Money Saving Q and A HERE!

Money Saving Q and A- Online Coupon Sites

  Q: How often do Red Plum/Smart Source/Coupons.com update their coupons online?  

A:  These websites update some of their coupons daily!  The time when most of them do major updates is the first of the month, especially Coupons.com.  I advise to check them atleast once a week and if I notice that there is a random high dollar coupon printable available, I try to blog about it to alert my readers.  

As for many of the manufacture websites with printable coupons, the availability to print a "bricks" coupon that you have already printed seems to be around 30 days, as these sites usually reset their coupons the first of the month as well.  If you've had problems with printing "bricks" coupons, here are some helpful tips:

If you are printing a Bricks coupon (url starts with “http://bricks.coupons.com/….”) you can change a few letters in the url depending on the browser you are using to make the coupon print.

Here is a Bricks coupon example:

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qetefel30843030&bt=vi&o=56697&c=BA&p=RE9Wd6Dc

The vi in the url is the part you will change to make the coupon print for you. Based on the browser you are using, these are the letters you should put in that spot:
Internet Explorer: vi or wi
Firefox: vg or wg
Safari: xs

Just change those key letters and you should be ready to print!

I'd love to hear your thoughts or tips on this topic! Leave it in a comment!  Have a question?  Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com!  Read more Money Saving Q and A HERE!

Money Saving Q and A- I'm a Newbie...Coupons, Sales,... Help Me!


Q:  I'm new to couponing am having a hard time figuring  all this out! How in the world do you keep track of what coupons you have and what the sales are? 

A:  This is going to be a BIG answer and some of it is from some of my Couponing 101 posts, but here goes....

Part 1: I can't remember all the coupons I have!  I do the best I can though by organizing them in a way that I can find them best.  I utilize a few different methods.  Here's information from one of my previous articles:

I LOVE to get organized and as soon as I start feeling unorganized and behind, I find I don't use coupons as effectively as I should.  My goal is save my family money and in order to do this, I had to get more organized.  I was getting frustrated with getting home and not using coupons I should have or just not ever being able to find anything.  Although I was organized before, check out my older way HERE, my new method of keeping everything in it's place rocks!  I showed several family members and they think I'm crazy, but I knew my fellow couponers would understand!

First, I bought a new binder!  It zips so my coupons don't fall out everywhere and had handy pockets to hold other things, like scissors and my calculator.  It was only $9.99 at Target.  Check out the slots in the front for current ads, my shopping list, and coupons I need to file.



Next I color coded my tabs with  my labels alphabetically!

Then I switched to the baseball card sleeve method, folding coupons, but am able to see them all.  They are in alphabetical order (roughly) behind each section.  When I first started couponing I saw others using this method and didn't understand why go through all the trouble, after couponing for about a year, I totally get it!  It's so much more effective!

Behind each corresponding tab, I added my Price Check (read info on that HERE) and my quick reference cheat sheet, which I'll be sharing with you all soon!


Here's one of my favorite new things...color coded shopping list!!  I pull this out and write out my list, putting a C next to things with a coupon.


Also, I am keeping a calendar and placing coupons that expire on their corresponding dates.  I just started this and am only doing if for the really important/high dollar coupons, including my Walgreens Register Rewards.


Last, I made a sorting mat!  When I am clipping coupons from inserts, I lay them out on here to help with sorting into the different categories, which I keep folded up in the back of my binder.  I used an old pillow case for this!


From my old method, I still keep all the left overs coupon inserts in dated  file folders and keep all my restaurant, shopping, entertainment, store coupons in the little organizer below.


I am feeling so good now to have everything in it's spot!  By the way... I used the idea HERE to create my binder.  I say, use what ever method works for you, go for it! 
 
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Part 2:
Secondly, my biggest tip in keeping on top of the latest sales is to use blogs!  They are the best resource out there!  Find a blog that does coupon match ups for the stores you shop at and check it each week to help you.  Use the Grocery Gathering to help you in finding a blog that does match ups for your stores.  Here are the steps I take in preparing for grocery shopping:

(previous post)
I have been wanting to write this post for awhile, but have been trying to get my brain around how exactly to go about it. With the help of many pictures, I'd like to explain how I prepare for a coupon trip, step by step.  For those of you who are new to couponing, I am sorry to report that I don't just walk into the store with my coupon binder and come out with bags of groceries and a savings of 75% off.  It truly does take preparation and organization to be an effective couponer.  I am not saying that this is the only way to go about it because there are tons methods, but this is what works for me...currently...I am always changing things up and finding more efficient ways to do things. I hope this tutorial helps someone who is new to couponing or someone who is frustrated with couponing who may find something to try.  If you haven't read my post on my coupon binder, start HERE.  Ok, here are the steps I take before my big coupon shopping trips.  Take a deep breath!  It's a lot to take in, but stay with me and see how it all comes together in the end!

The first thing I do is sit down at my computer and make a list of coupons I need.  I use my coupon match ups, other blogs' match ups, forums, online ads, and my coupon data base to create this list.  


This list is nothing special.  Just a white piece of paper with coupons to find on one side and coupons to print on the other.  I use codes on where to get them, like either in my binder or which insert to look in.  PS~ I know I have manly handwriting...but I can read it! :)


Next, I recommend finding a good spot and spreading out all your needed materials.  I use my binder, sorting mat, shopping lists, scissors, and tub of filed inserts....along with a sweet tea. ;)  By the way, I can't believe I am actually posting this picture of myself.  This is at 10:00 at night after a long day and no make up.  Oh well, just ignore the dinner spot on my shirt, fake smile, and terrible angle!

The I use my list to go through my  binder and filed by date insets to pull out the coupons I am going to for sure use on my shopping trip.  I use my binder as a way to organize coupons at home that I print, get from random sources like the mail, or clip because I know I will eventually use it.  I leave the rest in the inserts to clip when I come across really good deals.  I still take my binder with me to the store to utilize if I find things on markdown or for unadvertised sales.


As I pull out each coupon, I add the item to my shopping list.

I place those coupons on my sorting mat, as I go, keeping them organized by category.



After finding all the coupons from my list, I do a binder run through, starting with my freebie page.  I pull out coupons to add to my sorting mat and jot the products down on my list.  I go through my baseball card holder sleeves, searching for coupons that may expire soon or something we need to buy.  Couponing can be a game of knowing when to hold out for a sale and knowing when to use a coupon out of necessity.


*If you are new, you may want to skip this step.*  As I am going through my binder, I think about my stores I am shopping at.  In the example above, I am shopping at Dillons (doubles coupons up to fifty cents) and Walmart (no doubling).  Fifty cent coupons I usually end up spending at Dillons and add those products to my Dillons list, looking for that doubled coupon extra savings.  Many $1 off or higher coupons I will use at Walmart, utilizing the lower priced selection.  Some things I will put on both lists with a check, which means I will do a price check at each store and use the coupon at the store with the lower priced product.  For example, I haven't heard of any big drug store deals on the higher dollar $2.50 Finish Dish Soap coupon and I have several of them, so I will compare prices at the stores I'll be at, looking for the best deal.


Next I put all coupons that I am for sure using in my smaller holder to have handy at the store.  I found myself needing to do these kinds of trips during the day with my children, so this is the most effecient way for me to be completely ready at the store.  This step could be skipped and the coupons can be left in the binder....it just seems more stressful to me.

The next thing I do is head to the kitchen to do some of my flexible meal planning (read my post HERE for details about it).  I check my list to see how many meals I need to buy before my next trip.  I check my fridge shopping list that I add food to during the week as I find that we're about out, so I don't have to make tons of extra trips.  I add these items to my mega list.
I check my fridge, pantry, and stockpile to find meal ideas.

If I'm in the mood, I go through cookbooks for inspiration.

If not, I go to my trusty recipe binder.  It may be ugly and decorated with post it notes, but it keeps my family's tummies happy!

Although I should have stopped there, I here's a peek into my secret recipes.  Although it's mess, I know where everything is!  

I add to my shopping list and meal planning list the few ingredients needed after taking into consideration all the ingredients I will be getting super cheap to free with coupons.  I left this step out for a while, especially on the big coupon trips.  Sometimes its fun to see how low you can get the total at checkout, but to be efficient and avoid running to the store constantly,  you can work up to combining coupon trips with needed ingredients for meals trips.  You'll save time and money. Going to the store more often can result in buying more if your not careful!

That's it!  You made it all the way to the end!  I know it may be a lot to take in, but for someone who is struggling with the steps on how everything comes together, hopefully this helps!  It has taken me some time to find a way that works for me, which like I said, is always changing!  Happy shopping!
 
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics! Leave it in a comment!  Have a question?  Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com!  Read more Money Saving Q and A HERE!
 

Money Saving Q and A- Organic Coupons


 Q: Are there many organic coupons and can you eat organically on a tight budget?


A:  First of all, I'd like to explain what the term organic means.  I found some wonderful information from the Wholesome Mommy."Organic is a legal term that means the item is not genetically modified and has been produced without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides. Pesticides are toxic by design and many pose health dangers to people.  There are certain types of produce that receive a heavier dose of pesticides and/or several different types of pesticides and these are the items on the Environmental Working Groups “Dirty Dozen List.”   You can lower your pesticide consumption by nearly four-fifths by avoiding the “Dirty Dozen” and instead eating the least contaminated produce, or the “Clean Fifteen” according to EWG calculations.  Another option, of course is to purchase at least the items on the “Dirty Dozen” list organically.  The "dirty dozen" in order from the dirtiest is celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collard greens, potatoes, and grapes.  For the items on the “Dirty Dozen” list, specifically, I look for items that are organic and sometimes local." 

Secondly, yes, there are tons of organic coupon sites and "green" frugal living blogs to help cut grocery costs.  Here are a few I recommend:

Organic Blogs:
 
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Leave it in a comment!  Have a question?  Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com!

Money Saving Q and A- Where's my printable coupon???


Q: Why do some printable coupon links take me to a printable coupon site for which the coupon doesn't exist? Is it because some coupons are available for some zip codes and not others?

A: Yes, coupons available on sites where you enter in a zip code are set to be printed from a particular region and are only available through certain zip codes.
Also, lots of times, there is a set limit of coupons released by manufacture and once the limit is reached, the coupon is pulled from the list of available printable coupons. Coupons will also become unavailable to print due to reaching expiration dates. It's important to print high dollar coupons as soon as you come across them!

~By the way, if you have a "bricks" coupon that just won't print, read my tips HERE on how to fix the problem. If you've had a hard time installing the coupon printers, don't give up! I know I had a hard time at first, but it is well worth the effort to walk through the troubleshooting steps. Everyone once in a while, I still have to reinstall, my guess is that they have everyone do this for updates!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Leave it in a comment!

Have a question?  Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com!

Money Saving Q and A- Stacking Coupons



Q: I am having a hard time understanding how to stack coupons. For example, I found Hamburger Helper on sale for $1.00 and  have a coupon that says $.75 off of three. Isn't that only one coupon for three boxes? Please Help! 

 A: The first thing to understand is that there are different types of coupons. There are manufacture coupons, store coupons, and eCoupons. There are also coupons that print at the time of purchase called Catalina coupons, Register Rewards, and Extra Care Bucks. Here is some information on each type:

Manufacturer’s coupons are the coupons that come from newspapers, magazines, websites, inside products, on products, or from blinkie machines. They are made by the manufacturer of the product and say so near the top of the coupon.

Store coupons are coupons that a particular store puts out. Walgreens, for example, has a weekly flier with weekly deals inside and Walgreens coupons you can use for that week. 

eCoupons can be loaded to your shoppers card for an extra discount automatically deducted at the register!

Catalinas, Register Rewards, and Extra Care Bucks are printed when you purchase certain products at certain stores. You'll find catalinas at most grocery stores, such as Dillons. Register Rewards print from Walgreens registers and Extra Care bucks come from CVS. These type of coupons can be used on the next purchase, but are like free money to me! They will say things like save $2 on your next purchase.  (Read through my Couponing 101 links for more information on these.)

One of the ways to get a really great deal is to be able to “stack” store and manufacturer coupons for the same item. The store pays for the one store coupon and the manufacturer for the other. This is why you can “stack.” The thing to always remember for a “store” coupon is to make sure it is a STORE coupon—no where on the coupon can it say “Manufacturer’s coupon” as some will list a store but state that. In addition to Walgreens and CVS, Target also has stackable store coupons! You can also stack a manufacture coupon with an eCoupon!

Examples:

Hamburger Helper $1
-$.75/3 Manufacture Coupon (doubles to $1 at my store)
-$.75/3 eCoupon
-Catalina promotion- Buy three get $1 off your next purchase
Final Price: When you buy three....$3-$1-$.75-$1=.25 for three or $.08 per box!

Huggies Diapers $8.99
-$3/1 manufacture coupon
-$2 Register Reward
Final Price: $3.99

Kraft Dressing $2.00
-$1/1 manufacture coupon
-$1/1 store coupon
Final Price: FREE

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Leave it in a comment!

Have a question?  Email me at couponmomoftwo@live.com!

Money Saving Q and A- Small vs Big Quantities


Q: Is it better to buy is smaller quantities?

A:  It is better to buy in smaller quantities in certain cases.  Many times the smaller sized product will be FREE after a coupon.  So get your hands on several coupons and get several freebies!  You just won't see a big change in your bill when your saving $.50 off a family size bottle of shampoo.   Pair a coupon with a smaller sized item on sale and you'll start to see big changes.  Products generally have a six to eight week sale pattern.  No reason to buy out the store!  Buy enough for your family to last until the next sale.   You will learn which products always release coupons and which items always go on sale.  On the other hand, when you only have a couple coupons (ex:high dollar Facebook printable coupon) on something you always buy but doesn't go on sale very often or rarely to never has a coupon, you should buy the bigger item.   For example, cereal always goes on sale and always has coupons!  I LOVE the regular Hidden Valley Ranch and have only come across a couple of coupons for it in the past year, so I used them on the bigger size.  This is something you will learn with time on the things you normally buy for your family.  It may also depend on your budget and what you have to "spend out pocket" at the time.


Here's an example I just did today:

Cereal (14 oz)$1.49
-$.55/1 coupon that doubled to $1 at my store
Final Price: $.49  ....I bought eight boxes and spent $3.92.

Cereal Family Size (24 oz) $5
-$.55/1 coupon that would double to $1 at my store
Final Price: $4  ....If I bought eight boxes, I would spend $32!   I'd also have 192 oz of cereal that could expire before my family could use it all.)

Breaking down the cost per unit... the small boxes come to $.03 per oz, where as the family size comes to $.06 per oz....twice as much per oz!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Leave it in a comment!


Money Saving Q and A


I am excited to announce a new series I will be writing called Money Saving Q and A!  I will be addressing the many questions asked during coupon classes, emailed to me from my blog readers, or asked on Facebook.  I have learned so many money saving techniques that I'd like to pass on.  Living this fabulously frugal lifestyle has become a way of life that has saved us so much money, enabling us to not only live better, but give more to others and reach many goals!

So...I'm opening up my series simply letting my readers know that now is the time to send in all those money saving questions you have!  Email me @ couponmomoftwo@live.com with MONEY SAVING QUESTION as your title!  I will do my best to share my knowledge, do research if necessary, and open up the floor to all my frugal readers as well!

I look forward to helping you saving money!