Frugal Friday: Coupon Clippin' Fool

Who is the lucky Kroger cashier that gets to deal with ME today?
I can't wait to see how much money I'll be saving!
Later, I will be posting all of my Kroger finds.

What's the secret to this coupon savings stash? Psst...hey...let me tell you...there really is no secret. Just a little time and planning is all it takes.

Step 1: Get your local grocery store flyer.

Step 2: Plan your grocery shopping according to what is on sale. Don't just buy "whatever you normally buy." Change it up a bit! Compromise! Don't pay over $1.99 lb. for any meat!

Step 3: Search through your coupons for items that are already on sale (so you can double your savings). Also, search the internet for printable coupons. Even better - find the ones that will double for items that are already on sale. See how it all stacks up nicely?

Step 4: See if your store accepts ecoupons - such as Cellfire. With those, all you have to do is sign up and load the coupons onto your shopping card. It's simple! Though, remember, they work like regular coupons. If you sign up for $.40 off of granola bars - it will only work on one box - not on every box you buy. The good thing about Cellfire coupons is that even though you are getting the e-discount, you can also use paper coupons on the same item! For example, if I get $.40 off of granola bars through Cellfire and I ALSO give the cashier a $.40 paper coupon (which doubles at Kroger), I'm getting a total discount of $1.20 off of one box! Don't be overwhelmed. The more you work the deals, the easier it becomes. For some of us, it becomes an addiction! *wink*

Step 5: Make a list of what you want to buy. Don't go blindly into the store picking up whatever sounds good to eat on the ride home. You wouldn't believe how much you add to your bill by doing that.

Step 6: Grab your reusable bags and start saving some money! Did you know that some stores, like Martin's, will pay you $.05 back for every reusable bag you bring in? Sounds like pennies, but that is $12 - $15 (or more) per year, just for bringing your own bags. And, if you were a good environmental citizen, you would donate that savings to your favorite earth friendly cause.

See how this all works?

More Frugal Friday at "Life As Mom"