Couponing 101 with Steph

So I've had a lot of people asking me how I do what I do. Like people calling me on the phone and stuff. I've even had several people almost begging me to take them shopping with me so they can see how it's done. Yes, I am that cool.



Now I would love to take anyone shopping with but getting up at 5 am to run to the grocery store on Wednesday morning kind of ruins it for some people. I can barely get up myself so I understand. A month or so ago I typed all this up and emailed it to a couple of other friends who were ready to up their couponing game. Anyway all of this information and tons more can be found at my favorite website http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/. They even explain things better over there. PYP was started 5 years ago by two moms here in Cache Valley Utah (Hyde Park to be exact). I was led to it several years ago by an ebay seller turned website owner Kim of http://www.youcanmakethis.com/. The owners of PYP are top notch people and for that reason PYP is free and will always be free which is way cool. There are a TON of other grocery/couponing sites that charge a monthly fee for their service and tips.



This is how I do it. You may like to organize things differently but this is what works for me. Something to remember is Utah is losing all it's Albertson's stores except 2 in St. George on Oct. 25th. Also as I said this was typed for some friends several weeks ago. So when it says last week it was really a few weeks ago. I'm too lazy to redo the whole thing. I've still had some great recent trips like this week I got Kellogg's cereal for FREE, Ronzoni whole grain pasta for .20 cents/box, granola bars for .50/box. . . Even though the below list is older I think it still paints a good picture of how I organize my shopping trips and the possible scenarios with some of these sales.



Here goes:

#1 Get some coupons.

I get 3 copies of the Sunday Paper. Some experts recommend 1 paper per member of your family but 3 has been enough for us.




I have signed up with Smith’s and get coupons from them about every 3 months.




In Utah the Red Plum insert now comes in most people’s mail. Not mine, (because apparently I just think I'm that cool, according to my zip code I am not) but ask your family or neighbors if they are using them and get extras.




Tons of coupons are now available online. Each month there are 100’s of new coupons. Check PYP’s "Printing Pennies" forum for links to all of them.

#2 Organize

Figure out a way to organize your coupons that works for you. I like to cut all my coupons. I keep them organized in a Coupon Caddie. Seen here http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/caddie.htm. I only take the coupons I am going to use to the store. I don’t take all my coupons to the store which means I sometimes miss out on deals but that’s okay. Some people leave their inserts whole and file them by date. They clip only the coupons they will use and right before they use them. Some people keep all their coupons in a binder with baseball card protectors and keep all their coupons in those. Apparently I have not evolved to that level yet. I highly doubt I will ever be a binder carrier but that's okay. You have to do what works for you.

#3 Planning your meals

Shopping with coupons requires you to plan your meals a little differently. I plan my meals by the month. We eat 30 different dinners during the month. Each month is a little different by just a few meals so I know how much to stock up on of certain products. I know in 12 months time we will eat 18 cans of green chilies so when they are on sale I stock up. Or in 1 years time we need about 120 boxes of cereal. We eat out of our food storage every single day. At the beginning of the month and each week a small portion of our food budget goes to just a few fresh items like sour cream, milk, eggs, etc. Even cheeses and meat I store. Like I got Tillamook cheese for .80 cents a lb a couple of weeks ago so I have 10 lbs, shredded and chunk, in the freezer. We have 105lbs of all different kinds and cuts of meat in the freezer as well.

#4 Storage organization.

Keep your food storage organized. There’s lots of ways to do this but you need to know where everything is, how much you have and when it expires. If you don’t all that $ you saved by couponing is pointless.


#5 Rock Bottom Prices

I only buy items when they hit rock bottom prices unless it’s something I absolutely have to have. Here is a good price list that shows rock bottom prices for groceries in Utah. You will need to cut and paste it into your browser. When things hit a 5 star deal and occasionally a 4 star deal I stock up.



http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/PricePoints.xls

#6 Grocery store ads and promotions

Each week I pair my coupons with grocery store ads. This is easy because PYP has done all the work by posting each stores ad paired with the available coupons and it tells you where to find the coupon if you are a person that doesn’t clip them until you use them. PYP also tells you what kind of deal it is a 3 star, 4 star or 5 star. You can also sign up for these free shopping lists to come straight to your email. The lists are also usually out on Monday two days before most of the ads start in Utah giving you plenty of time to plan. They do have other states shopping lists. Go to the site and check it out. http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/

Not only do Smith’s and Albertson’s have sale prices they also have special promotions each week. Sometimes it’s instant savings. In this case you purchase a certain number of specified products or specified products up to a certain amount and the register instantly takes off $$$. This is calculated BEFORE coupons. Sometimes you get $ back in the form of a Catalina coupon to be used on your next shopping trip. This is also calculated BEFORE coupons and will come from the Catalina machine. These spend like cash at the store they were earned at. PYP also puts these deals and available catalinas on their shopping lists.

The trick to using these is to make sure you stay right at the increment you have to spend to earn the Catalina. If it says spend $30 or more and get $15 ONLY spend $30. If you want more, do another transaction and earn $15 again. Do this again and again for maximum savings. Use your $15 from the previous transaction each time you check out. Albertsons will let you do 3 separate transactions at a time after that you have to get in line again. With the instant savings you can usually do as many as you want in a single transaction.

Double coupons – Most weeks in their ad and in the Sunday paper Albertson’s has printed double coupon vouchers. Each one will double one coupon up to an additional $1. The trick is you can only use one set per shopping trip. So you have to take your stuff out to the car and walk back in again. Sounds like a lot of work but I think the savings is worth it. Last week Smiths had unlimited double coupons for 3 days. No one knows if this will be something they do more often but watch for it. PYP listed tons of items and where to find the coupons to go with this double coupon promo as well.

So. . .

Sale prices + coupons + available double coupons + store instant savings/catalinas = maximum savings on your groceries.

#7 Make a list

I first use PYP’s shopping lists. They have a shrink feature so you can highlight the items you want, then shrink the list so only the items you will be buying print. I then make lists for each of my transactions. I organize my coupons in little piles for each transaction with a paper clip.

#8 Shop early


Besides without kids it’s important to get to these sales early especially in Utah. I go each Wednesday (the 1st day of the ads) and at 6am when the stores open. This way I will get everything on my list in the right amounts to get the most savings. Another good day is Saturday morning at least for Albertson’s because they restock during the night Friday. Also take your ad with you. That way you can make sure you get the right stuff or if you have questions about which size you can look.

So here is a list of my shopping transactions. I have done them 2 different ways the first shows savings by product and the second shows savings by transaction. Maybe this will help you see how/where I was able to save. I always calculate the savings from a Catalina on the products I bought to earn it.

(I) = Coupon I got from the Sunday inserts or Red Plum insert in the mail
(IP) = Internet Printed coupon
OYNO = Catalina, money you can spend on your next order. Like cash back.

Trip #1 Smith’s for double coupons & Proctor and Gamble buy any 4 P&G products (mix or match) save $4 instantly.

Transaction #1
6 boxes Honey Bunches of Oats $1.88
- $1/2 boxes (I) x 3 = -$3
-$3 double coupons
Earned $5 OYNO for buyin 5 boxes
Final price $.05/box

4 Raid Wasp & Hornet Spray $4.89
-$1/1 can (I) x 4 =-$4
-$4 double coupons
Earned $2 OYNO for buying 4 cans
Final Price $2.39/can

Transaction #2
Used my $7 earned on the last transaction as tender

4 boxes 40 load Tide $5.88
-$4 Instant Savings
-$1/1 box (I) x 4 = -$4
-$4 double coupons
Final price $2.88/box

4 216 count Puffs tissues $1.69
-$4 Instant savings
-$.25/3 boxes (I)
-$.25 double coupons
Final price .57/box

Crest toothpaste $1
-.50/1 box (I) x 4 = -$2
-$2 double coupons
Final price FREE




4 20 count Tampax $2.99
-$4 Instant Savings
-.50/1 box (I) x 4 = -$2
-$2 double coupons
final price .99/box

6 cartons Yoplait Yogurt .60
-.60/3 cartons (IP) x 2 = -$1.20
-1.20 double coupons
final price .20/carton

8 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel $2
-.55/2 boxes (IP) x 4 = -$2.20
-$2.20 double coupons
Final Price = $1.45/box

2 Ritz Bits sandwiches $2.99
-$1/1 box (IP)
-$1 doubled
Final price $.99/box

4 Duracell Batteries 4pk $2.99
-$1.50/1 pack (I) x 4 = -$6
-$2 double coupons (Smiths will only double the coupons up to $2 total value)
Final price .99/pack

3 Nalley Pickles $1.99
-$1/1 jar (I) x 3 = -$3
-$3 double coupons
Final Price FREE

8 Mentos Gum .$1
-.55/1 pack (I) x 8 = -$4.40
-$3.60 double coupons ( Smith’s will not double over the value of the item)
Final Price FREE

2 Kelloggs Rice Krispies $1.50
-$1/2 boxes (I)
-$1 doubled
Final Price .50/box

2 12 count Kelloggs Pop Tarts $1.50
-$1/2 (I)
-$1 Double Coupons
Final Price .50/box

3 Secret Deodorant $2.33
-$1/1 (I) x 3 = -$3
-$3 doubled
Final Price .33/deo

4 Right Guard Deodorant $1
-$1/2 (I) x 2 = -$2
-$2 Double coupons
Final Price FREE

1 Degree Ion Deodorant $2.49
-.75/1 (I)
-.75 Double coupons
Final Price .99/deo

3 pack Juicy Fruit Gum $2.19
-.1/1 (I)
-$1 double coupons
Final Price .19/3 pack

3 pack Twizzlers $1.67
-$1/3 (I)
-$1 double coupons
Final Price $1/bag


2 6packs Dannon Light and Fit Yogurt $1.88
-$1/2 6 packs (I)
-$1 doubled
Final Price .88/6 pack

3 Danimal Crush Cups $1.88
-$1/1 Cruch cups (I) x 3 = -$3
-$2.64 double coupons
Final Price FREE

3 Danimal Drinkables $1.88
-$1/1 drinkables (I) x 3 = -$3
-$2.64 double coupons
Final Price FREE

2 Eggo Waffles $1.50
-$1/2 (I)
-$1 double coupons
Final Price .50/box

1 Keebler Sandies $2.50
-$1/1 Sandies (IP)
-$1 double coupons
Final Price .50/pack

4 6oz Land o Frost Bistro sliced Roast Beef $2.99
-$1/1 Bistro (I) x 4 = -$4
-$4 doubled
Final Price .99/pack

1 16oz Land o Frost Ham $3.49
-$1/1 (I)
-$1 doubled
Final Price $1.49/pack

3 tubs Land O Lakes Butter $1.25 (marked down because close to expiration)
-$.50/1 tub (I) x 3
-$1.50 double coupons
Final Price .25/tub

Total spent at Smiths $66.18
Total Saved at Smiths $214.12
Saved 69%

Trip #2 Albertson’s

Transaction #1
3 24 oz Dove Shampoo $4.99
-$1/1 Bottle (I) x 3
4 Vasaline Lotions $5
-$1.25/1 bottle (I) x 2
-$1 double coupon
-$1 Double coupon
-$1 double coupon
Earned $12 OYNO from Unilever
Earned $15 OYNO because I spend $30 before coupons
Final cost FREE

Transaction #2
6 boxes Q-tips $3.49
-.30/1 box (I)x 4
2 24oz Dove Conditioner $4.99
-$1/1 bottle (I)x 2
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
-$.30 double coupon
Earned $12 OYNO from Unilever
Earned $15 OYNO because I spent $30 before coupons
Final Cost FREE

Transaction #3
6 BC Cookie Mix $1.67
-.40/1pouch (I) x 6
8 Pillsbury cookie dough $2.50
-$1/2 packs (IP) x 4
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
Earned $15 OYNO because I spent $30
Final Cost for entire transaction $5.60

Transaction #4
5 All Detergent $3.50
-$1/1 bottle (I) x 5
6 BC Fruit Snacks $2
-.40/1 box (IP) x 6
1 box BC cake mix $1
1 tub BC frosting $1.50
-.55/ both Cake & Frosting (I)
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
Earned $15 OYNO because I spent $30
Final Cost for entire transaction $6.05

Transaction #5
4 BC cake Mix $1
1 BC Frosting $1.50
-$.55/both cake and frosting (IP)
4 Chex Mix $1.67
-.50/1 bag (IP) x 4
2 jars Skippy Natural PB $2
-.75/2 jars (I)
2 Ragu Spaghetti Sauce $1.67
-$1/2 jars (IP)
2 Lipton Rice Sides $1
-.75/2 pouches (I)
1 Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt $2.50
-$1/1 pack (IP)
1 Breyers Ice cream $3
-$1/1 (I)
1 Degree Deodorant $2.50
-.75/1 (I)
1 Suave Body Wash $2
-.50/1 (I)
1 Vasaline Lotion $2.50
-$1.25/1 bottle (I)
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
Earned $15 OYNO because I spent $30
Earned $1 OYNO because I bought 2 Skippy Naturals
Final cost of for entire transaction $3.71

Transaction #6
2 Pringles Chips $1.50
-$1/2 cans (I)
1 box Pampers Diaper $18.99
-$1/1 Pampers (I)
1 tub Pampers sensitive wipes $3.49
FREE when you buy any Pamper’s diapers (I)
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
Earned $5 OYNO for buying $20 in P&G products
Final cost for entire transaction $12.99

Transaction #7
2 Pringles Chips $1.50
-$1/2 cans (I)
1 box Pampers Diapers $18.99
-$1/1 Pampers (I)
1 tub Pampers sensitive wipes $3.49
FREE when you buy any Pamper’s diapers (I)
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
Earned $5 OYNO for buying $20 in P&G products
Final cost for entire transaction $12.99

Transaction #8
18 jars Ragu $1.67
-$1/2 jars (IP) x 9
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
Earned $15 OYNO for spending $30
Final cost for entire transaction $1

Transaction #9
18 jars Ragu $1.67
-$1/2 jars (IP) x 9
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
-$1 double coupon
Earned $15 OYNO for spending $30
Final cost for entire transaction $1

Total Spent at Albertson’s $43.34
Saved at Albies $371.74
Saved 89%

Trip #3 Macey’s
15 Speed Stick Deodorant 2/$4
-$2/1 stick (Someone stuffed a ton of coupons in my sister’s mailbox!)
Final cost for entire transaction FREE

Total saved $623.21 or 86% off my grocery bill

Cost of coupons:
$11.80/month for my newspaper subscription.
About $5 in printer ink and paper.

Time printing, organizing my list 1 hour
Time shopping about 3 hours between 2 days

Basically I made $151.60/hour and I don’t have to pay taxes on the money I saved unlike if I had a job outside the home.


I could write a whole other post on being frugal but not cheap. I think in today's world being frugal is definitely an asset.