Archives for March 2009

How long does it take you to shop?
For grocery shopping it generally takes me 30-45 minutes. This is because I don’t browse. I have my list organized, and my coupons cut. I know exactly what I need. I also tend to shop when my husband can take care of the baby. Pharmacy stores take me 20 minutes. I take the baby.

How long does it take you to check out?
This takes time. On a big bill maybe 15 minutes. I apologize to the person behind me, but they are always amazed to see my bill. I sometimes tell them I might be awhile as I have a lot of coupons. Kindness always gets you far. I actually shop during the most busiest time of the week – Sunday afternoon. I do not recommend it unless you need someone to watch over the kids (which is my story.)

Do stores take expired coupons?
Stores get credit for expired coupons up to 6 months after it has expired, but THEY DO NOT take expired coupons unless you are a military family. In the case of a military family, I am not sure if you have to shop at a certain location – perhaps at grocery locations on base. You can send your expired coupons to APO addresses so that you are helping a military family. You can read where to send them Here.

Have you had trouble with printed coupons?
No I have not. Target sometimes will only take ONE printed coupon of each type. If you are having trouble, I would take to the manager. If that doesn’t work, call the coporate office. You can see a list of corporate office numbers and contact information Here.

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Last Updated on March 2, 2009 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

I am so happy to be helping everyone save no their grocery bills. I wish I could answer all of your questions individually but I think it might be best for me to post a number of your questions in a post so that everyone is able to view the answers.

Where do I get coupons?

They exist folks. There are many places to print/retrieve coupons. 1) Coupons.com. You can utilize this resource on my left column where it says print coupons 2) Sunday inserts. Larger cities get better coupons. Small town folks are out of luck. I haven’t found a good solution to this. Try a book store to see if they have an edition to a larger city newspaper. If so, see if the inserts are in there (likely not.) 3) Manufacturer websites 4) My website has links 5) Smart Source 6) Eat Better America 7) All You Magazine – you can buy it on my website. I remember when I started couponing I would google to search for coupons. This is a waste of time. Let the coupons come to you. When you search for them, you can find yourself wasting a large amount of time looking for coupons that do not exist.

Isn’t Store Brand Cheaper?

Yes, it is but you save more money when you combine sales and manufacturer coupons that the larger brand names put out. When I do not have a coupon or sale and I am REALLY in need of an item, I buy store brands.

Where Can I Find Organic Coupons?

Again, let the coupons come to you. They exist. Manufacturers know that consumers want these coupons. They are producing them. I can tell you, though, that organic coupons are produced much less than processed food. My advice is begin saving on your beauty, cleaning, health, and other items. By saving a lot here, your budget will still drop.

How do I Find Meat and Produce Coupons?

These are few and far in between. These are usually items you find on sale by the stores. Some stores put out coupons like $2 off a $5 purchase.

Organization Questions

I do hole punch my coupons. This has not caused trouble when scanning because I am hole punching the insert not the individual coupon. I do not write what is inside on the front. I just date it. When a shopping list requests me to go to a certain dates insert, I go. I then find the coupon I need. I stay organized by dating them. I have the newest in front, the oldest in the back. By sorting coupons immediately (meaning I cut them as soon as I get them, my accoridan folder becomes too large. I also might neglect a coupon of something I could get FREE later and donate. I do not throw away the coupons of items I don’t need. I believe strongly in donating.

How do I make my shopping list?

I highlight the list on my website. I copy it. I paste it into word and then I have my shopping list.

Time, Time, Time – How do I find the time?

It does take time. I would do it when I had someone (my husband) to watch the baby. This works for us on Sunday afternoon of after the babies go to bed. You have to decide is saving is worth your time. It will take more time up front, but in the end you will be moving very fast. The average couponer takes about 45 minutes a week for around 2 stores. It will take some time, but it WILL BE worth it. I promise. Don’t drive yourself nuts, though. Do what you can.

Do I need to download software?

You will need to install a couple programs on your website to print coupons. You will soon find out most of the websites use the same software. I have never received a virus from these program. I do weekly/monthly deleate cookies and run a scan for my own computer safety. I trust manufacturer websites (for downloading coupon printers) and coupons.com.

Thanks for all the support and well wishes.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Last Updated on March 2, 2009 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living