Where to shop...
Here is a list of stores in my area (by area I mean within a 45 minute drive):
Commissary
Target
Walmart
Walgreens
Hyvee
Dillons
Rays Apple Market
Kiers Thriftway
Dollar General
Country Mart
Aldi's
Every location has different local stores. Take the time and check each one out. Explore each store and make a mental note of what you love/hate about each store. The importance of this is I really feel that going to each store every week kind of defeats the purpose. It can just be way to overwhelming! So find your favorite stores and stick with them! Sometimes this can be a good thing because some store have loyalty rewards for returning customers. Once we really get this blog up and running we will have links for everything I have listed on my site for convenience...so please be patient and stick with us it is all under way!
Ok... I am going to blog on each of my local stores and express what I love/hate about each one. Maybe this will help you along in your own adventure!
Commissary: For all the military spouses out there that need some tips about the commissary...First, I want you to know I am only speaking about the Commissary in our area (Fort Riley) Our Commissary accepts Internet coupons! They also accept manufacture coupons. What I love about the Commissary is they also have their own military only coupons that you can pick up. They are usually in front of the item they are for. They do not double coupons but they seem to always have the best prices and sales...Hands down! Our local Commissary has been making many changes and is in construction. I can't wait for the finished project so I can get back to knowing where everything is again!
Target: I love Target because they stack coupons (I will blog about stacking in a later blog)! Stacking coupons at Target is alot like being able to use a double coupon, which I love because most stores in our area have strict guidelines on doubling or just refuse to let you double anything. I love Target because it is always clean and easy for me to find their items. I have not had an unpleasant shopping trip there yet and the associates have always been helpful and courteous. I also want to mention that Target has gift card sales too. This means if you buy a sale item a gift card is attached and you can use it to buy other items on your next purchase! If the item has a gift card it could be really beneficial, especially if it's an item you normally purchase. Target accepts manufacturer coupons, Internet coupons and they also have their own special Target online coupons you can print out and stack. The only reason I have a hard time with Target is they are definitely not the cheapest place to shop, so if your looking for something really cheap or FREE you really have to keep your eyes open. Having a price spreadsheet for Target is really helpful and can assist in deciding if the drive is worth it. If there are only a couple of great items, you will have to debate the trip.
Walmart: Well....Walmart really does have low prices and they have ad matching. Walmart also accepts competitor coupons...but personally sometimes there is just such a headache for me when I go. Yes, everything is there at your fingertips and convenient. I can't remember a time I headed to Walmart and couldn't find what I needed. However, my experiences with the cashiers and customer service is always lacking. I think the only person that smiles at you is the elderly person at the store handing out smiley stickers! The cashiers have that look on their face that anyplace but working there is a better place to be...Walmart is a huge money making corporation but I really feel they need to get back to basics and cater more to their customers and work on customer service. Maybe the guy passing out the stickers at the door should start passing them out to the employees? Not trying to offend here...just my own experiences and mybe just an issue at my local store! With all that said if you can find a great deal or a FREE item...heck it might be worth the headache :) One reason to love Walmart is their All You magazine. It is filled every month with great coupons, recipes and great information. If you can't find it in the store they also have access to the All You magazine online.
Walgreens: Hello Walgreens! Love them for all hygiene, health (medicine, vitamins, etc.) and miscellaneous items that are on sale weekly! What a great pharmacy/drugstore! I really like Walgreens because they stack coupons (later blog). Walgreens accepts Internet and manufacturer coupons. Walgreens has one of the best customer loyalty programs out there. Can you say REGISTER REWARDS? Register rewards is a program for Walgreens customers where they have a sale and if you buy the product you get a Register Rewards (or also known as Catalina coupons) to use for your next purchase. These coupons can be in excess of $10. What this means is you pay for the item on sale, get the register rewards coupon and you can use them to get FREE items on your next purchase! Register Rewards are coupons that print at the register for your next purchase. The RR’s can be used on most items in the store, unless specified against. However, you can't keep buying the product over and over for more RR's. If you purchase the item again and use that particular RR, a new RR will NOT print out.
Hyvee: I love the online access Hyvee has. Every week they have great online weekly ads. Hyvee's grocery sections are huge and their deli and fresh meat sections are amazing. Hyvee also has wonderful cooking classes available for kids. I really like that Hyvee has such a variety of items. I even found lactose free ice cream there which was great because one of my boys can't have milk. Sometimes I head over to Hyvee just for this special treat! As for sale items they have them on occasion but honestly their prices are easily beat by competitors. I can find a really good deal there every once in a while. I have to admit though there is something that draws me to Hyvee and keeps me coming back! UPDATE: Hyvee will stack manufacturer and their own printable coupons! Found another reason to keep going back :)
Dillons: This store has a great rewards program! They have a point system where for every purchase you can earn points towards saving money on gasoline! I also love this stores 10/$10 program. You can usually mix and match the items and get 10 great items for $10. Dillons also has the customer loyalty card program where you can receive more store discounts. This card can also be loaded with coupons online from Dillons website. This is a store I go to frequently to find deals. I also want to mention that occasionally Dillons will have gift card sales too. This means if you buy a advertised sale item a gift card is attached and you can use it to buy other items on your next purchase! Lastly Dillons does double coupons but only up to $1, so keep that in mind when looking for great deals.
Rays Apple Market: The Rays in my area will double coupons up to $1 but you will have to ask your own local store. Rays also has a 10/$10 sale program every once in a while. Rays participates in a gas saving program. After each purchase you receipt will have info on how much you can save at Rays gas station. Other than that keeping an eye on the sale ads is the best way to find sales at this store.
Kiers or Thriftway (depending on your location): Kiers will double coupons up to $1. I really don't shop here much, it is a small chain of stores but is more community based.
Dollar General: This store also stacks coupons (later blog) and accepts Internet and manufacturer coupons. With this policy and the fact that the store has alot of cheap items you can find good deals here.
Country Mart: Country Mart does not accept Internet Coupons. However Country Mart does have their own coupons on their website that you can access for printing. I have never personally shopped here so I don't have much to write about...if you have please leave comments about anything other information that might be useful for someone shopping at Country Mart:)
Aldi's: Aldi's does not accept any coupons. They have really low prices. Keep in mind most the brands are generic. If you do shop there you need to know you have to bring your own bags and bag your own groceries. One last thing to mention...bring a quarter if you want to use a cart! You will get it back after you turn your cart back in.
I hope this blog helps to know each store and some of their policies to make it easier to shop and find deals. Stayed tuned in for a blog from Amanda on some other local stores with great deals like Home Depot, Lowes, Alco, Orscheln's and more.
Next Tip: Stacking Coupons! FINALLY!
Staying happy when shopping means being prepared!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Stay Informed!
Coupon policies is a list of rules nd regulations each store has for coupons used in their store. Each store has a different policy so make sure you print out each stores policy you go to and keep it in your binder!
Printing up to date and current Coupon policies is vital! You spent all that time getting organized and clipping coupons. How awful is it to spend this time looking up sales on weekly ads, clipping, driving to the store, shopping...just to get to the checkout line and find out that this particular store does not accept Internet coupons, or does not double coupons, etc? I really suggest to print out each stores coupon policy and keep checking back periodically for new policies amended.
Where to get coupon policies....
Most stores have links on their websites for the policies to print out directly. If they don't take some time to email or write a letter to the company asking for a written policy be sent to you so that when you head to the checkout you are prepared! If this doesn't work take a trip to the store and ask a manager what if they have a printed copy of their stores current version of the coupon policies. Most cashiers and even some supervisors have no idea what the coupon policy actually is but if you have your printed policy it is easier to get through the checking out process! Trust me couponers are now under a HUGE microscope.
I will link up where I have found my coupon policies soon...if you can't find a certain stores policy, leave a comment and I will help you!
Stay happy by being informed!
Andrea
Printing up to date and current Coupon policies is vital! You spent all that time getting organized and clipping coupons. How awful is it to spend this time looking up sales on weekly ads, clipping, driving to the store, shopping...just to get to the checkout line and find out that this particular store does not accept Internet coupons, or does not double coupons, etc? I really suggest to print out each stores coupon policy and keep checking back periodically for new policies amended.
Where to get coupon policies....
Most stores have links on their websites for the policies to print out directly. If they don't take some time to email or write a letter to the company asking for a written policy be sent to you so that when you head to the checkout you are prepared! If this doesn't work take a trip to the store and ask a manager what if they have a printed copy of their stores current version of the coupon policies. Most cashiers and even some supervisors have no idea what the coupon policy actually is but if you have your printed policy it is easier to get through the checking out process! Trust me couponers are now under a HUGE microscope.
I will link up where I have found my coupon policies soon...if you can't find a certain stores policy, leave a comment and I will help you!
Stay happy by being informed!
Andrea
Stay Organized!
The hardest thing I have come across when couponing is having an organized system that allows me to keep track of expired coupons, different coupons from different stores, etc. I have read different blogging forums ways to stay organized and have come up with a way that fits my needs the best! I can't stress enough the importance of staying organized. Being organized helps prevent losing valuable coupons, being embarrassed at checkout and spending extra time in the store when you come across a item or sale that you left the coupon at home for :) I don't know about you but with having boys with special needs I need to get in and get out!
The way I keep organized is mainly through binders. I bought a thick binder that has a canvas cover that zips up (this is amazing so things do not slip out) and has lots of storage pockets! My favorite one I found is even sold at AAFES (local military store) but you can find them just about anywhere! The pockets are great for scissors, pens and even has a small file system in the front for inserts, store ads, coupon policies (I will talk about this later) and even recipe cards picked up in the stores. I included dividers in my binders that have pockets attached to them. I place my coupon policies in them for easy access.
I want to back up a little and let you know I organize with 2 binders. I have one that is divided up into each store I go to for sales (Target, Walmart, Dillons, Commissary, etc). I do this because alot of stores have their own coupons that can only be used at that specific store. I also do it for easy match ups for stacking (I will explain this later too). In my area (middle of no where Kansas) the only stores that stack are Target, Walgreens and Dollar General. I will explain stacking later though...promise! The other binder I use for regular manufacturer coupons or Internet coupons. This way when I go to go shopping and see a deal I just pull it out of my main binder and add them to the each individual store. This helps me remember what store has what deal and organizes it so I don't forget what coupon goes where! The dividers in this binder are labeled by aisle or type of item. Some people like to organize their binders by date of coupons. I really like it by aisle or separating them by items such as meat, dairy, snacks, cereal, etc. This helps me stay organized and makes it easier for me to find the coupon. Now another great tip is I love to use the baseball card inserts to keep my coupons in. It really helps me find the coupons fast! I really love this method and if I need more space for coupons, I just add a new sheet of baseball card inserts. They are clear so it is easy to read your coupon and pull them in and out. I usually put "like" coupons in the same pocket, again saving time. If your family is as busy as mine this is definitely a time saving way to organize your coupons!
Ok...so binders are great right? YES! Except when you have to carry them through the stores. If you are like me and don't like people staring at you with all your huge binders or have to keep track of the kiddos and don't have enough arms...there is a short cut I take:
Every week I write a list of what I want to purchase, from what store and before I leave home I write each stores list on separate envelopes and put the coupons in them. This is great for 2 reasons! One, it helps with impulsive buying, you basically buy what's in your envelope. Two, you don't have to lug around 2 huge, thick binders and have to waste time flipping through them all to find your coupons! Again, I really have to stress that everyone has to find their own comfort zones :) So, the question is if you do the envelope technique what if you come across something that you might need a coupon for? Funny thing is I usually ask the hubby to run out to the car to the binder and grab it...he loves this! Now if hubby is deployed, etc. or you went shopping with little ones so this might be hard to do! This is just my way that I am most comfortable doing :) My boys are older so I can always just send someone out to the car. Do what is best for yourself, my techniques are just suggestions!
My last organizing technique is a lengthy one and not for everyone. Some people have great memories and just memorize everything! I have had to make my own personal spreadsheet of all the stores I go to with each of the items I buy and the prices that are there (I will attach a link as soon as I get it all together, it is always a work in progress). I use excel spreadsheet but again everyone has to find what system works best for them. These spreadsheets have been amazingly helpful, it lets me see very quickly what stores have the best prices and see if it is worth the trip to each different store. The reason this is so helpful is I live 30-45 minutes from most of these stores and I don't want to spend in gas what I can save in buying groceries!
I know this has been loads of information but saving money takes time and trust me the time is well worth it! On the average I save $75-100 dollars on groceries every 2 weeks. I do grocery shopping every 2 weeks because I live so far away from all the stores. Most stores have new ads every week so there are shoppers that go weekly...it really just depends on the individual :)
WOW! That was alot of information to digest! Just remember to take your time and organize it really helps! More to come...Our next blog will be on Coupon policies...Happy Organizing!
Andrea
The way I keep organized is mainly through binders. I bought a thick binder that has a canvas cover that zips up (this is amazing so things do not slip out) and has lots of storage pockets! My favorite one I found is even sold at AAFES (local military store) but you can find them just about anywhere! The pockets are great for scissors, pens and even has a small file system in the front for inserts, store ads, coupon policies (I will talk about this later) and even recipe cards picked up in the stores. I included dividers in my binders that have pockets attached to them. I place my coupon policies in them for easy access.
I want to back up a little and let you know I organize with 2 binders. I have one that is divided up into each store I go to for sales (Target, Walmart, Dillons, Commissary, etc). I do this because alot of stores have their own coupons that can only be used at that specific store. I also do it for easy match ups for stacking (I will explain this later too). In my area (middle of no where Kansas) the only stores that stack are Target, Walgreens and Dollar General. I will explain stacking later though...promise! The other binder I use for regular manufacturer coupons or Internet coupons. This way when I go to go shopping and see a deal I just pull it out of my main binder and add them to the each individual store. This helps me remember what store has what deal and organizes it so I don't forget what coupon goes where! The dividers in this binder are labeled by aisle or type of item. Some people like to organize their binders by date of coupons. I really like it by aisle or separating them by items such as meat, dairy, snacks, cereal, etc. This helps me stay organized and makes it easier for me to find the coupon. Now another great tip is I love to use the baseball card inserts to keep my coupons in. It really helps me find the coupons fast! I really love this method and if I need more space for coupons, I just add a new sheet of baseball card inserts. They are clear so it is easy to read your coupon and pull them in and out. I usually put "like" coupons in the same pocket, again saving time. If your family is as busy as mine this is definitely a time saving way to organize your coupons!
Ok...so binders are great right? YES! Except when you have to carry them through the stores. If you are like me and don't like people staring at you with all your huge binders or have to keep track of the kiddos and don't have enough arms...there is a short cut I take:
Every week I write a list of what I want to purchase, from what store and before I leave home I write each stores list on separate envelopes and put the coupons in them. This is great for 2 reasons! One, it helps with impulsive buying, you basically buy what's in your envelope. Two, you don't have to lug around 2 huge, thick binders and have to waste time flipping through them all to find your coupons! Again, I really have to stress that everyone has to find their own comfort zones :) So, the question is if you do the envelope technique what if you come across something that you might need a coupon for? Funny thing is I usually ask the hubby to run out to the car to the binder and grab it...he loves this! Now if hubby is deployed, etc. or you went shopping with little ones so this might be hard to do! This is just my way that I am most comfortable doing :) My boys are older so I can always just send someone out to the car. Do what is best for yourself, my techniques are just suggestions!
My last organizing technique is a lengthy one and not for everyone. Some people have great memories and just memorize everything! I have had to make my own personal spreadsheet of all the stores I go to with each of the items I buy and the prices that are there (I will attach a link as soon as I get it all together, it is always a work in progress). I use excel spreadsheet but again everyone has to find what system works best for them. These spreadsheets have been amazingly helpful, it lets me see very quickly what stores have the best prices and see if it is worth the trip to each different store. The reason this is so helpful is I live 30-45 minutes from most of these stores and I don't want to spend in gas what I can save in buying groceries!
I know this has been loads of information but saving money takes time and trust me the time is well worth it! On the average I save $75-100 dollars on groceries every 2 weeks. I do grocery shopping every 2 weeks because I live so far away from all the stores. Most stores have new ads every week so there are shoppers that go weekly...it really just depends on the individual :)
WOW! That was alot of information to digest! Just remember to take your time and organize it really helps! More to come...Our next blog will be on Coupon policies...Happy Organizing!
Andrea
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Saving Money
Over time I have learned that saving money takes time, organization and action. I have spent countless hours coming up with my own couponing system when grocery shopping. My advise is to spend time researching your own methods and find what fits your own needs.
So where are all the coupons at? After researching I have found many invaluable coupon resources. Here are my favorites!
The Sunday Paper. I use Kansas City Star. I have a subscription and found a local store in town that sells the Sunday paper everyday. I am not an "extreme couponer" so I do not feel the need to spend all the money I save shopping on paying for inserts. Two papers a week really works for me, everyone has to find their own comfort zone.
Free Printable Online Coupons! Did I mention FREE? Well...you do have to pay for ink and paper :) My favorite websites to print from are:
WeUseCoupons.com
Coupons.com
Smartsource.com
Redplum.com
I also go to the brand name web pages and either request coupons or click on their promotions/coupon links for FREE printable coupons. My favorite "brand name" web sites are:
PG brand saver
Kraft
Kelloggs
Pillsbury
Another way I have gotten coupons is by emailing or writing a letter to the company! Believe it or not I have gotten great responses back! I have received letters in the mail with coupons attached! The best responses I have had are from the following companies:
Smuckers
Bar S
McCormick
Continuing with how to find coupons...another great way is from the store itself! Most stores are linked to the web and have their own couponing methods. Some have reward cards you can download the coupons directly from the web site (this saves time clipping). Others have coupons you can print directly from their web site! They can also have coupons in the aisles next to the merchandise in blinkies.
Recently I have subscribed to a great coupon resource from AllYouMagazine. You can either buy this magazine from Walmart or sign up for a subscription online: http://www.allyou.com
FACEBOOK! Companies have recently gone facebook crazy! All you have to do is "like" them and then you will have access to a FREE printable coupons! This has been a great way to get amazing "right now" coupons, the only downfall is most of the time there is a limit of coupons available and it is pretty much first come, first served kind of idea. You have to be quick and have a facebook account of course.
The last way is through coupon clipping services online where you can order coupons and they ship them directly to you. This method however is under scrutiny and needs to be used with discretion depending on the legality. I have not found they are illegal as of yet, I heard you are paying for the service and not selling or buying the coupons but it is not something I have personally committed to. Honestly, I have a hard enough time keeping what I have organized!
Well I hope these tips have helped you learn WHERE to get coupons. I will continue to add more tips I have learned about couponing and links as well! Happy Couponing :)
The next blog will be on how to stay organized with all these coupons!!! So stayed tuned in!
Andrea
So where are all the coupons at? After researching I have found many invaluable coupon resources. Here are my favorites!
The Sunday Paper. I use Kansas City Star. I have a subscription and found a local store in town that sells the Sunday paper everyday. I am not an "extreme couponer" so I do not feel the need to spend all the money I save shopping on paying for inserts. Two papers a week really works for me, everyone has to find their own comfort zone.
Free Printable Online Coupons! Did I mention FREE? Well...you do have to pay for ink and paper :) My favorite websites to print from are:
WeUseCoupons.com
Coupons.com
Smartsource.com
Redplum.com
I also go to the brand name web pages and either request coupons or click on their promotions/coupon links for FREE printable coupons. My favorite "brand name" web sites are:
PG brand saver
Kraft
Kelloggs
Pillsbury
Another way I have gotten coupons is by emailing or writing a letter to the company! Believe it or not I have gotten great responses back! I have received letters in the mail with coupons attached! The best responses I have had are from the following companies:
Smuckers
Bar S
McCormick
Continuing with how to find coupons...another great way is from the store itself! Most stores are linked to the web and have their own couponing methods. Some have reward cards you can download the coupons directly from the web site (this saves time clipping). Others have coupons you can print directly from their web site! They can also have coupons in the aisles next to the merchandise in blinkies.
Recently I have subscribed to a great coupon resource from AllYouMagazine. You can either buy this magazine from Walmart or sign up for a subscription online: http://www.allyou.com
FACEBOOK! Companies have recently gone facebook crazy! All you have to do is "like" them and then you will have access to a FREE printable coupons! This has been a great way to get amazing "right now" coupons, the only downfall is most of the time there is a limit of coupons available and it is pretty much first come, first served kind of idea. You have to be quick and have a facebook account of course.
The last way is through coupon clipping services online where you can order coupons and they ship them directly to you. This method however is under scrutiny and needs to be used with discretion depending on the legality. I have not found they are illegal as of yet, I heard you are paying for the service and not selling or buying the coupons but it is not something I have personally committed to. Honestly, I have a hard enough time keeping what I have organized!
Well I hope these tips have helped you learn WHERE to get coupons. I will continue to add more tips I have learned about couponing and links as well! Happy Couponing :)
The next blog will be on how to stay organized with all these coupons!!! So stayed tuned in!
Andrea
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