Sounds like an absurd idea, right? Not to use coupons?
If you’re just getting started, you already know when to not use coupons and what stores don’t accept them (aka Aldi’s Food Stores); however, if you’re like one of those money-saving wild coupon fanatics, you may want to take a few notes here.
Yes, you can still save money by not always using coupons on every shopping trip or at every store.
Searching coupons online and cutting out the newspaper coupons every week may not be practical if you’re going on an extended vacation (especially out of the country or on a cruise). I stopped couponing for a couple weeks prior to going on vacation, and I didn’t miss anything although I did bring along a few snack food coupons and national fast food chain restaurant coupons.
How You Can Shop Every Week Without Using Coupons
1. Scour & save all your local grocery store ads. Compare prices on items you need and use frequently. Buy these items in bulk – figure 1-2 months worth when you know it’s the lowest price. (Don’t buy 10 items at 89 cents each, when you know you can get it at 59 cents in a couple weeks!) Save ads for 6 weeks to determine the sale rotation of items you buy.
2. Buy more grocery items just before the holidays. Especially around Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, grocery stores will advertise many canned and frozen goods at unbeatable prices. Stock up and save on these items. If you have too many of something, donate it to your local church or food bank!
3. Sign up for frequent shopper discount cards (Loyalty cards). You’ll get the sale price every time and you could also benefit from their rewards program if they have one. I opt-in for the weekly circular in my email as well as any unadvertised specials. One store I frequent has super deals on 32 oz Powerade bottles, power bars and pastas about every 2 months, this is the time I stock up on these items. I only buy the super good deals and walk out of the store only spending $20 or less!
4. Utilize store coupons. Kmart, Kroger and even some local grocery stores offer store only coupons in their weekly circular. Save your register receipt coupons…these oftentimes have extended expiration dates and you can utilize these with your discount card too. (Ask your friends and family for these as well if they don’t use them.)
5. Shop national discount stores. I love shopping at Dollar General and Aldi’s. When the sales at the grocery store don’t have what I want, I turn to Aldi’s Food Stores. Dollar General is about the only place I shop for paper, plastic, personal hygiene, health and beauty products. And Dollar General accepts ALL manufacturer’s coupons. (Call your store about limits on how many coupons you can use at one time.) I haven’t bought any more than 2 of the same item, so I haven’t encountered a problem. However, you can still shop their weekly specials and save money. **NOTE: Aldi’s Food Stores DO NOT accept any type of coupons.** I can still save up to $150 per month just buying groceries. They do offer some national brands, but mostly food items are generic or Aldi’s brand.
