Girly Checks

Checkbook Covers for 99 Cents

Friday, May 27, 2011

Marsh Trip 5-27-11 (Triple Coupon Event)


 



Here is a rundown of my Marsh Trip today they are tripling coupons up to $1.00 so the $1.00 coupons became $3.00 off :) .....  It was great i was like a kid in a candy store....  I had my 4 kids plus my niece with me ....   I could have gotten more but i was trying to hurry lol ....

This time i will list the product price and how much i paid for it instead of listing the coupon as well since there is so much ....

2 -- Sisters Dinner Rolls was $4.15 i paid $3.15 each...

1 -- Chi Chi Tortillas (small) was $2.00 i paid .50 cents ...

1 --  Chi Chi Tortillas ( large) was $2.09 i paid .59 cents ...

2 -- Jello was $2.99 i paid $1.19 each ...

4 -- Edys Smoothies was $1.79 i paid .29 cents each ...

1 -- Rhodes Dinner Rolls was $4.89 i paid $1.89...

2 -- Kraft Big Cheese Slices was $2.50 i got both of these FREE ...

1 -- Johnsonville Smoker Brats was $2.99 i got this FREE ...

2 -- Eckrich Smoked Sausage was $2.99 i paid $1.34 each...

2 -- Digiornio Pizzas was $3.00 each i got these 2 FREE ...

2 -- Heluva Dips was $1.50 i paid .40 cents each ...
2 -- Oscar Mayer Deli Meats was $4.19 i paid $2.69 each ...

2 -- Oscar Mayer Lunchable with Fruit was $3.29 i paid .29 cents each ...

2 -- Oscar Mayer Sandwiches was $4.29 i paid $1.29 each ...

2 -- Totinos Pizza Rolls was $1.50 i paid .90 cents each ...

6 -- Pop tarts was $2.18 i paid $1.18 each ...

4 -- Kraft Mayo / Miracle whip was $2.99 i paid $1.49 each ...

1 -- Country Crock Butter was $3.28 i paid $2.08 ...

2 -- Blast O Butter Popcorn was $2.00 i paid .50 cents each ...

2 -- Betty Crocker Cookie Icing was $3.59 i paid .59 cents each ...

3 -- Pillsbury Icing was $1.69 i paid .19 cents each ...

2 -- Kens Marinades was $3.15 i paid .15 cents each ...

2 -- Mrs. Dash Seasonings was $2.50 i paid $1.00 each ...

4 -- Ortega Taco Seasoning was $1.09 each i got these 4 FREE ...

1 -- Country Bob's Sauce it was $4.69 i got this FREE ...

2 -- Ragu Spaghetti Sauce was $1.93 i paid .43 cents each ...

2 -- Hormel Kids Meals was $2.00 each i got these 2 FREE ...

2 -- French's Mustard was $1.49 i paid .59 cents each ...

2 -- Dole Jello with Fruit was $2.49 i paid $1.36 each ...

2 -- Febreeze Spray was $3.09 i paid .09 cents each ...

2 -- Lysol Disinfectant Spray was $4.89 i paid $1.89 each ...

1 -- Downy Fabric Softener was $3.99 i paid .99 cents ...

2 -- Finesse Shampoo / Conditioner was $3.89 i paid .89 cents each ...

2 -- Loreal Vive Shampoo / Conditioner was $3.99 i paid .99 cents each ...

2 -- Pert Plus Shampoo / Conditioner was $3.39 i paid .39 cents each ...

1 -- No Yolks Noodles was $2.39 i paid .89 cents each ...

1 -- Welchs Grape Juice was $3.99 i paid .99 cents ...

4 -- Lays Potato Chips was $3.99 i paid .49 cents each ...  ( 2 bags not in pic ) 

4 -- Pkgs of Ground Chuck was $1.98 a pound ...

2 -- Purex Laundry Soap was $3.99 i paid .99 cents each ...



Total Before Coupons was : $317.60

Minus Coupons : $224.34

Total Paid was : $93.28   ( 71 % savings )



 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Freebie Frenzy Time 5-23

Freebie Frenzie Time! Freebie Frenzie was created so that we can have a reminder Monday – Friday to write to companies asking them for coupons, thanking them for their products, praising them and so forth. Sometimes we get great coupons, even coupons for FREE products and sometimes we don’t, but we keep at it! Our goal each week is to fill up our mailboxes with FREEBIES! It’s easy and only takes a few minutes each day to do! So, each day this week, I will post five companies for us to write to. We will each chose which one to write to each day in random order so that we are not all writing to the same company each day! So, come one! Let’s get to it!






Peter Pan Peanut Butter: http://www.conagrafoods.com/


Purdue Chicken: http://www.perdue.com/


Walmart Trip 5-23-11


 



Here is the rundown of my Walmart Trip ......

5 -- Bars Hot Dogs were .88 cents each minus the $5.00 coupon off of any Bars Products making each of these FREE ....

3 -- Noxema Razors were $2.67 minus $2.00 off of each making them .67 each ....

2 -- Noxema Bikini Razors were $1.97 each minus $2.00 off of each making them each of FREE....

4 -- Mr. Clean Magic Erasers were $1.97 minus $1.50 coupon off of each making them only .47 cents each .....  ( 1 not in pic ) 

1 -- Cascade was $3.97 minus my coupon for FREE cascade this made this product FREE....

6 -- Bic Soleil Razors were $4.47 minus $3.00 coupon making each of these only $1.47 each ....

1 -- Johnson and Johnson 1st Aid Kit was .97 cents minus my $1.00 coupon making this FREE ..

4 -- Ivory Bar Soap was .97 cents each minus $1.00 coupon off of each making each of these FREE ....  ( 1 not in pic) 

1 -- Glade Spring Collections was $2.66 minus my coupon for FREE item so i got this FREE...

1 -- Suave Shampoo/Conditioner was $2.84 minus my coupon for FREE item so i got this FREE 

1 -- Bag of One Beyond Dog Food was $6.48 minus my coupon for FREE item so this item was FREE ....

6-- Black Flag Flyswatters were .98 cents minus $1.00 off of each making each one of these FREE ....

1 -- Creamer was $1.88 minus my coupon for a FREE item (from www.vocalpoint.com) making this FREE...

6 -- Purex was $2.97 minus $3.00 coupon off of each making each one of these FREE (not in picture ) 

1 -- Country Crock Butter was $3.08 minus my coupon for a FREE item so this item was FREE 


Total Before Coupons was : $108.29

Minus Coupons : $76.69

Total Paid : $31.60


***** My out of pocket was high i knew my total should be below 20 dollars but there were tons off ppl behind me and when i got home i checked my receipt....  Its b/c she ONLY scanned 3 of my Bic Soleil Coupons jipping me $9.00 and on the Cascade coupon she put in $1.97 instead of $3.97 jipping me another 2 dollars ....  So i was jipped $11.00 dollars in this trip my total should have been $18.54.....  I'm so mad :( .... Lesson Learned always check ur receipt BEFORE leaving the store ..... 

 

Monday, May 16, 2011


Walmart: Deals & Coupon Matchups 5/15 - 5/21

You can Print the Walmart Corporate Coupon Policy from WalmartStores.com and keep it with you in case you run into any issues while shopping!


Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk, $1.42
$0.50/1 Thai Kitchen Product, exp. 6-30-11 (RP 05/01/11)
$0.92 ea. after coupon!


Hamburger Helper, $1.50
$0.75/3 Hamburger Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meal printable
$0.75/3 Hamburger Helper Skillet Meal, exp. 6-11-11 (SS 04/17/11)
$1.25 ea. wyb 3 after coupon!



Hunt’s Ketchup, $1.23
$0.25/1 Hunt’s Ketchup Product printable (Zip 07039)
$0.98 ea. after coupon!


Dole Fruit Crisps, $2
$1/2 Dole Fruit Crisps printable
$1/1 Dole Fruit Crisp, exp. 6-30-11 (SS 04/03/11)
$0.75/1 Dole Fruit Crisp, exp. 6-30-11 (SS 04/03/11)
As low as $1 ea. after coupon!



Nescafe Tasters Choice Sticks, $1.12
B1G1 Nescafe Tasters Choice Sticks printable
$0.56 ea. wyb 2 after coupon!

*(These often come with a $1/1 coupon good on ANY size inside the box!)*

Newman’s Own Salad Dressing, $3.18
$.75/1 Newman’s Own Salad Dressing
$1/1 Newman’s Own Salad Dressing or Thin and Crispy Pizza printable
As low as $2.18 ea. after coupon!


Kikkoman Soy Sauce, $1.42
$1/1 Kikkoman Product printable
$1/1 Kikkoman Sauce or Glaze printable
$0.42 ea. after coupon!


Ken’s Salad Dressing, $2.32
$1/1 Ken’s Dressing, exp. 6-30-11 (SS 05/08/11)
$1.32 ea. after coupon!


Hormel Compleats Kids, $1.68
$1/1 Hormel Compleats Kids, exp. 7-3-11 (SS 05/08/11)
$0.68 ea. after coupon!


French’s Honey Mustard, $1.97
$0.75/1 French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce printable
$0.75/1 French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, exp. 6-30 (SS 03/13/11)
$1.22 ea. after coupon!


Rotel, $1
$0.30/1 Rotel Product printable
$0.70 ea. after coupon!


Olivari Olive Oil (51 oz.), $12.98
$6/1 Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil printable
$1/1 Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil, exp. 6-30-11 (ALL YOU Apr ’11)
As low as $6.98 ea. after coupon!
    

Country Crock Honey Spread, $1.12
$0.40/1 Country Crock Product printable
$1/1 Shedd’s Spread Country Crock Spread, exp. 7-15 (ALL YOU May ’11)
As low as $0.12 ea. after coupon!
 

Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs (5 Ct.), $1.26
$1/2 Oscar Mayer Products printable
* Like them on Facebook and click on “Let’s Get Started” in order to submit good deeds and print coupons
$0.76 ea. wyb 2 after coupon!


International Delight Creamer, $1.88
$0.55/1 International Delight printable
$0.55/1 International Delight, exp. 6-30-11 (SS 04/10/11)
$1.33 ea. after coupon!


Lean Pockets, $2
$1.50/3 Lean Pockets Stuffed Sandwiches printable
$1.50 ea. wyb 3 after coupon!


Magnum Ice Cream Bars, $3.28
$1/1 Magnum Ice Cream Bars
$2.28 ea. after coupon!


Tylenol Precise, $5.97
$5/1 Precise Product printable
$0.97 ea. after coupon!
   

Carefree Pantiliners, $0.94
$1/1 Carefree Product, exp. 6-30-11 (SS 05/08/11)
FREE after coupon!


Finesse Shampoo, $2.57
$1/1 Finesse Product (ALL YOU May)
$1/1 Finesse Product, exp. 8-15-11 (SS 05/08/11)
$2/1 Finesse Mail In Rebate, exp. 8-15-11 (SS 05/08/11)

FREE after Coupon and Rebate!      

Gillette Fusion Razor (1 ct), $5.97
$4/1 Gillette Fusion ProGilde Razor, exp. 5-31 (P&G 05/01/11)
$1.97 ea. after coupon!


Bic Soliel Razors, $4.47
$3/1 Bic Soleil Razor, exp. 6-12 (SS 05/01/11)
$1.47 ea. after coupon!


Softsoap Hand Soap, $0.98
$0.35/1 Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap, exp. 5-31-11 (SS 05/01/11)
$0.63 ea. after coupon!


Alpo Canned Dog Food, $0.78
$1.25/10 Purina Alpo Brand Dog Food printable
B1G1 Alpo Can, exp. 6-13-11 (SS 05/01/11 #2)
$1/8 Alpo Can, exp. 6-13-11 (SS 05/01/11 #2)
As low as $0.39 ea. wyb 2 after coupon!
   

May 16th Freebie Frenzie Time :)

Freebie Frenzie Time! Freebie Frenzie was created so that we can have a reminder Monday – Friday to write to companies asking them for coupons, thanking them for their products, praising them and so forth. Sometimes we get great coupons, even coupons for FREE products and sometimes we don’t, but we keep at it! Our goal each week is to fill up our mailboxes with FREEBIES! It’s easy and only takes a few minutes each day to do! So, each day this week, I will post five companies for us to write to. We will each chose which one to write to each day in random order so that we are not all writing to the same company each day! So, come one! Let’s get to it! 













Saturday, May 14, 2011

Walmart Find


 



I wanted to tell all u mommies what i seen today at Walmart ...

Palmolive Dish Soap for Baby items ....  There were q's in the 5/1 Proctor and Gamble Insert ....

I just thought i would let u guys know a unique item i found ....  Maybe it has been out for awhile but this is the 1st i have seen it ....

 

Kroger Mega Sale Trip 5-14-11


 


 Here is a Rundown of my Kroger trip from today :

8 -- Ragu Spaghetti Sauce was $1.35 each minus my .50 cent coupons which dbl making them all .35 cents each ...


10 -- Kraft BBQ Sauce was .59 cents each minus my $1.00/2 making each of these only .09 cents each ....


6 -- Reach Flossers were $1.49 minus  $1.00 q making each of them only .49 cents each ....


4 -- Lays Chips were $2.15 each minus my $1.00/2 making them each $1.65 each ....


2 -- Moms Best Natural Cereal were .99 cents each :) 


4 -- Bic Pens were on the clearance table for 4/1.00 no q


Total Before Coupons :  $67.14


Minus Coupons and Sales : $44.80


Total Paid was : $22.34



Mail Call Week of 5-14


 


Here is a rundown of my Freebies/Coupons i got in the mail : 

1 -- $2.00 off of Kotex at CVS 

2 -- Save .55 cents off of any Crisco 

3 -- Save $1.00 off of any Johnson and Johnson Product 

4 -- Free Items for Yo Crunch Products 

2 -- Save .75 cents off of any Edy's Products 

4 -- Save .75 cents off of any Bar-s Products 

1 -- Save $5.00 off of any Bar-s Products 

1 -- Pyrex Pot Holder 

1 -- Always Pad Samples 


1 -- Head / Shoulders Samples 


1 -- Zapzyt Sample



All of these coupons i have gotten from writing to companies weekly :) ... I love getting coupons and freebies ... 

Kroger Mega Sale Trip


 



Here is a rundown of my Kroger Mega Sale Trip .... The ones with a * are the Prices after the Mega Sale...  Meaning Save $5.00 when u buy 10 items...

9 -- Mens Nivea was $2.49 each minus my $3.00 coupon making them free and i got .51 cents overage off of each of them ...  * 


4 -- Ivory Bar Soap (3pk) was .97 cents each minus $1.00 coupon so i got these FREE then got .03 cent overage... * 


20 -- Nestle Toll House Cookie dough were $2.25 each minus my $1.00 coupon making each of them $1.25 each ... *


4 -- Lays Chips were $2.49 each minus my $1.00 coupon off of each making them $1.49 each... * 


14 -- Creamette Pasta was .49 cents each minus .50 cent coupons off of each making them all FREE ... * 


20 -- Kraft BBQ Sauce was .59 minus $1.00/2 making each of these only .09 cents each ... * 


2 -- Velveeta Mac n Cheese was $1.89 each minus my .50 cent coupon off of each (which tripled) so it made each one only .39 cents each ... * 


3 -- Moms Best Natural Organic Cereal was .99 cents each minus my .75 cent coupon off of each making them only .24 cents a box... * 


4 -- Cases of Nestle Water was $3.29 each minus $2.00/2 making each of them only $2.29 each ... * 


Total Before Coupons was : $118.85


Minus Coupons and Sales : $75.43


Total Paid after Coupons was : $43.42

Walmart Trip 5-9-11


 


Here is a rundown of my Walmart Trip : 

9 -- Cap N' Crunch Cereal was $1.00 a box minus .50 cent coupon making each of these only .50 cents a box....


4 -- Similac Formula was $5.50 each minus my $5.00 coupon off of each making them each only .50 cents....

5 -- Womens Nivea Bodywash was $3.00 minus my $3.00 coupon making each of them FREE....

12 -- Airwick kits were $4.98 minus my $4.00 coupon making them each only .98 cents ....

Total Before Coupons was : $105.76

Minus Coupons : $87.50

Total Paid after Coupons was : $18.26


Mail Call Week of May 8th


 


Here is a rundown of all of my freebies/coupons i got in the mail during the week of May 8th ...

2 -- Kings Hawaiian Coupons one for .40 cents off of a product and a coupon for a FREE product.....

3 -- Breakstone coupons for  (2) for FREE items and (1) for $1.00 off ...

2 -- Kotex coupons worth .75 cents each 

1 -- Rouge Magazine also has coupons in it as well....

3 -- Huggies coupons worth $1.00 off of each item ....

2 -- Hungry Jack coupons worth .55 cents off each item ....

6 -- Country Crock coupons worth .75 cents off of each....

1 -- Suave coupon for a free product 

1 -- Coupon for .55 cents off of any Shout Product ....

2 -- Coupons for $1.00 off of any Driscolls Products....


So see it pays to email the companies i post on the Freebie Frenzy Posts and to put in for all the freebies i post b/c u will get them and it helps :) .... 

Walmart Trip 5-7-11


 



Ok everyone here is a rundown of a trip i did for me and my sister :) ....  


10 -- Cap N' Crunch was $1.00 a box minus the .50 cent coupon making each of these only .50 cents each...


20 -- Degree Mens/Womens Deodorants were .97 cents each minus $1.00 coupon off of each making them all FREE....0


1 -- Arm and Hammer Cat litter was $5.48 minus $1.00 coupon making this $4.48 ...


1 -- Breakstone Cottage Cheese 4 pk was $2.86 minus my FREE coupon from company so i got them FREE....


1 -- Breakstone Cottage cheese single pack was .86 cents minus the FREE coupon from company so i got this FREE as well....


 20 --Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs were $1.98 each minus $1.00 q off of each made them only .98 cents a pkg...  These are great for all of our cookouts we have in the summer....


6 -- Mr Clean Erasers were $1.87 each minus my $1.50 off q making them each only .37 cents each.... 


1 -- Suave Shampoo was $2.97 minus the coupon for a FREE item from company making this FREE ....  


Total Before Coupons : $82.39

Minus Coupons : $51.09


Total Paid after Coupons was : $31.30




 



 

Monday, May 9, 2011

*** Freebie Frenzy Time ***

Freebie Frenzie Time! :) Freebie Frenzie was created so that we can have a reminder Monday – Friday to write to companies asking them for coupons, thanking them for their products, praising them and so forth. Sometimes we get great coupons, even coupons for FREE products and sometimes we don’t, but we keep at it! :) Our goal each week is to fill up our mailboxes with FREEBIES! It’s easy and only takes a few minutes each day to do! So, each day this week, I will post five companies for us to write to. We will each chose which one to write to each day in random order so that we are not all writing to the same company each day! So, come one! Let’s get to it! :) 





Motrin: https://www.motrin.com/page.jhtml?id=/motrin/include/email

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Some helpful info on becoming a great Couponer



               

Get some coupons!

  • The Sunday newspaper is a great source of coupons. Buy the newspaper with the largest circulation in order to get the best coupons. You can sometimes get them cheaper by buying a double pack. You can check out what coupons to expect in your paper at Sunday Coupon Preview.
  • Ask your friends and family for coupons. If they get a newspaper but usually throw out the coupons then they’ll probably be happy to give them to you.
  • Peruse the Internet. There are many great online printable coupons to be found! Here are some of my favorite places to find printable coupons:
  • Use a clipping service. If there is a great coupon that you would like to have multiples of then you might consider ordering the coupons from a clipping service like The Coupon Clippers.
  • Check the store. There are many varieties of coupons that you can find in the store. Tearpads, peelies, and more - just keep your eyes peeled!
  • Request RedPlum Mailings - You can fill out a form to have RedPlum coupon inserts mailed to your home! Click HERE!
Here is a mail-in rebate form database - check it often as it is always changing!

Be sure to check the fraudulent coupons list HERE! Ignorance is not an excuse - you can still get into trouble even if you weren't aware that the coupon was a fake. 

Check the Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) for info on coupon misredemption and fraud - follow ethical couponing practices at all times!

Organize your coupons!
  • Envelopes. You can start by clipping and putting them all in an envelope or check file. But, once you’ve been couponing for a few weeks you will need something bigger.
  • File by insert. With this method you just file your inserts by date in a box and use an online coupon database to find the coupon you need. This method doesn’t require much work but you might miss out on unadvertised deals by not having all of your coupons with you at the store. I use a Rubbermaid file box, it's cute and sturdy and perfect sized for me.
  • Coupon Binder. With this method you would clip all of your coupons and file them in baseball card holders in a three-ring binder. With this method you can carry your binder to the store and have all your coupons with you while you shop.
Know your store’s coupon policy!
  • Loyalty Cards. If your store offers a loyalty card then make sure to get one. Some stores only give the sale prices to card-holders. Loyalty cards are Free!
  • Double/Triple coupons. Double/triple coupons is when the store will take your 50¢ coupon and double it making it $1. This is done automatically at the register, you do not have to do anything to take part in this promotion. First, find out if your store doubles/triples coupons. If they do then find out the maximum double/triple value and how many they will double/triple. Albertson’s will triple up to 35¢ and double up to 50¢. That means my coupons that are 35¢ and under will triple and 50¢ and under coupons will double. So, at Albertson’s my 50¢ coupon is actually worth $1. And they will only double/triple the first four like coupons. So, if I have 10 coupons for 50¢ off of shampoo, only the first four will double.
  • Stacking coupons. Some stores will allow you to use one store coupon (the discount is provided by the store) and one manufacturer coupon (the discount is provided by the manufacturer) per item. This is where some of the best deals are to be found!
  • Internet coupons. Find out if your store accepts Internet coupons.
  • Competitor coupons. Some stores will accept competitors coupons.
  • Expired coupons. Some stores will accept expired coupons!
Make a plan!
  • Weekly Ads. Read the weekly store ads to see what is on sale and which stores have the best prices on the items you need. If you don’t get the weekly ads delivered you can usually view them on the store’s website.
  • Coupon Matchups. See if you can match coupons to the sale items to get an even better deal! Some websites do this for you. Adventures of a Couponista will be listing matchups for Target, Walgreens, and Walmart but some sites do other stores such as Rite Aid, CVS, and Albertson's. 
  • Pricematch. Some stores, like Walmart, will pricematch. This means that if grapes are on sale for 99¢/lb at Kroger, you can take the ad to Walmart and at checkout tell the cashier that you would like to pricematch the grapes. Show them the ad and they will sell you the grapes for 99¢/lb versus their higher price. This works best when you have a store coupon for something but it is on sale at a different store. You can then price match it and use your store coupon to get the best possible price!
  • Make a List! Don’t go to the store without a list. Lists remind you what you came for and keep you from buying items you don’t need.
  • Rainchecks. If your store is out of the sale item, get a raincheck! Go to customer service and ask for a raincheck for the item you wanted. They will fill out a piece of paper with the item details and price. Then you can come back another day (usually no more than 30 days) and buy that item at the sale price by giving the cashier the raincheck. This also gives you more time to gather coupons for the item! You can still use a coupon if you are using a raincheck.
Don’t be fooled!
  • 10/$10 promotions. You do not have to buy 10 items to get the $1 price! The only exception to this rule is if the ad states that you must! Those times are rare and are usually for items that are buy x get y free, final price 2/$5, etc.
  • Rock-bottom prices. Don’t go out and use your coupon immediately! If you use that 25¢ off toilet paper right away when it’s not on sale you aren’t reaching your saving potential! Wait until toilet paper goes on sale for $1 then use the coupon. If your store triples coupons then you could get the toilet paper for only 25¢! Matching sales with coupons is getting a great price. Combining sales plus coupons plus another promotion (rebates, double coupons, store coupons) is getting the best price!
  • “One per Purchase.” I’ve heard this so many times! Most coupons say “one coupon per purchase” somewhere in the fine print. Cashiers will try to tell you that that means you can only use one coupon per transaction/day. This is NOT true! One per purchase means that you can only use one coupon per item purchased! So if you are buying 10 items and have 10 coupons then you can use them all!
  • Leave the kids at home! Shopping with kids will distract you and cause you to buy items not on your list!
  • Make a Pricebook. Start paying attention to prices and keep a list of items you regularly buy with the best and regular prices for those items. This will help you when you see that canned veggies are on “sale” for 10/$10 but the regular price is actually 99¢!
  • Limits. Stores will sometimes put limits on the item to make you think it’s a great price! If cereal is just on sale 2/$4 you might not even notice it. But if it’s on sale 2/$4, limit 2! then you will likely think it’s a great price since they had to put a limit on it!
  • Shop early. If you have couponers in your area then it’s best to get to the store as early in the sale as you can!
  • Bigger is better.” The cost per unit of the bigger box of cereal may be less than the smaller one but with coupons and sales the smaller box is likely a better deal.
  • Watch the cashier. When checking out pay close attention to the price screen to make sure everything rings up at the correct price. Also, make sure that the cashier scans all of your coupons. Coupons sometimes stick together or get dropped or the cashier will scan the coupon but not realize that it didn’t go through. Kindly point out that they missed one and they will correct it.
  • Check your receipt. BEFORE leaving the store look over your receipt to make sure everything rang up correctly and all of your coupons were scanned. If there is a problem take it to customer service immediately so they can fix it. If you leave the store and come back at another time then it might not be fixable. If the cashier missed a coupon and you notice right away it’s easy to see the mistake. But, if you come back later after several other coupons have been added to the cashier’s stack or the stack is gone then there is no way to prove that they missed a coupon.
Build your stockpile!
  • Start slowly. Don’t buy a ton of everything as soon as you get started or you will blow your budget! A stockpile takes time. Set aside a part of your weekly grocery money for stockpiling and do what you can with what you have.
  • Buy for the future. If an item goes on sale for a great price (or free!) then buy more than you need for just the week. Typically sales go in 12 week cycles so you only need to buy enough for 12 weeks. So, if you eat 1 box of cereal per week then when you find cereal at a rock-bottom price then you should buy 12 boxes. This way you have cheap cereal that will last you until you can buy it at a rock-bottom price again.
  • Know how much you use. Start paying attention to how many bottles of shampoo, packs of diapers, boxes of cereal, etc. you use. This will help you to have a better idea of how much you should buy and to not go overboard! If you only eat 1 box of cereal a month then there is really no need to buy more than a few boxes or they will just go to waste.
  • Donate it. Every couponer will eventually go overboard and buy too much of something. If there is no way you will use it before it expires then consider donating the item to a shelter or food pantry.
Commonly used abbreviations in couponing:

BLINKIES = In-store smartsource coupons near product, usually from red blinking box
BOGO or B1G1F or B1G1 Free = Buy One Get One Free
BTFE = Box Tops for Education
B&M = Brick & Mortar, as opposed to an online store
CAT or CATALINA = coupon dispensed at register after purchase
CRT = Cash register tape
DND = Do Not Double
DOUBLE COUPON = coupon that a grocery store doubles in value
ECB = CVS Extra Care Bucks earned for purchases
ETA = Edited to add
FAR = Free After Rebate
FREE ITEM COUPON = A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free
GDA = Good Deal Alert
HBA = The health and beauty aid section in the grocery store
HTH = Hope this / that helps
IVC = Walgreen’s Instant Value Coupon ( Found in the monthy EasySaver Catalog )
IP = Internet Printable Coupon
MFG = Manufacturer’s Coupon
MIR = Mail In Rebate
NED = No expiration date
OOP = Out of Pocket
OYNO = On your next order
P&G = Proctor & Gamble Coupon Insert found in the Sunday Newspaper
PEELIE = Coupon that you peel off the package
Q = Coupon
RP = Red Plum Coupon Insert found in the Sunday Newspaper
RR = Register Rewards (Walgreens)
SS = Smart Source Coupon Insert found in the Sunday Newspaper
STACKING = Using a store specific coupon with a MFG coupon (most stores allow this)
TEARPAD = A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display
TMF = Try Me Free
TRIPLE COUPON = A coupon that a grocery store triples in value
WINETAG or WT = A coupon, usually for $ off any meat, cheese or produce
WYB = When You Buy
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary = Success of the attempt may vary at your store