If you are interested in starting to coupon, the first thing you need to do is start collecting coupon inserts from your Sunday (and Thursday) newspaper. Even if you don't have a newspaper subscription, you should have no problem finding friends or family members who normally throw away their insert. There are also great coupons available online at sites like coupons.com, and coupon match-up sites like Southern Savers. Target has their own store coupons mobile coupons now, and Publix has in-store fliers full of coupons.
The best way to start using coupons and scoring cheap stuff is to first look through your weekly ad for items you want or need. Second, you should look through your coupon stash (or online) for a manufacturer's coupon that matches the sale item. Third, look on the store's website or fliers for store coupons for that same item. Of course, Southern Savers does all of this for you already!
Here is what I picked up today, as well as the coupons I used for them. My advice is to start small - just buy a few items at a time until you are comfortable using coupons.
Publix: I spent a grand total of $4.80 on items that retail $21.17.
Here is a summary of my haul:
(1) Publix Special Roast Coffee = $0.01 [ Oct. 10th Publix penny item ] (regularly $3.49)The Publix penny item is available on Thursdays only. The coupon arrives in the pages of the Thursday newspaper and is good for one "surprise" item on that day. Read about it in my most recent Publix grocery post. Sign up for more Publix coupons on their monthly email list here.
(1) Wish Bone Dressing, 16 oz. = $0.33 [ $1 off Publix coupon ] (regularly $2.49)
(2) Mueller's Pasta = $0.23 each [ (2) $0.55 off newspaper coupons ] (regularly $1.57 each)
(4) Herbal Essences Shampoo = $1.00 each [ (2) $3.00 off 2 newspaper coupons ] (regularly $2.95 each)
Target: I spent a grand total of $0.00 (I had a gift card from a previous deal) on these items. With coupons, they would have cost $10.31, and retail for $39.50.
First up: stuff we can eat. Not pictured above: two Dole Smoothie Shakers (I totally forgot to take them out of the freezer!).
(2.37 lb) Bananas = $0.23 [ $1 off mobile coupon ] (regularly $0.52/lb, or $1.23 for this bunch)To get the Target mobile coupons for these items, text FRESH to 827438. You will get a text back with a link to a website. That website has a code that is scanned at checkout. Easy!
(1) Iceberg lettuce = $0.19 [ $1 off mobile coupon ] (regularly $1.19 each)
(1 lb) 80% Lean Ground Beef = $1.49 [ $1 off mobile coupon ] (currently $2.49/lb, regularly $3.89/lb)
(1) Market Pantry White Bread = $0.49 [ $1 off mobile coupon ] (regularly $1.49)
(2) Dole Smoothie Shakers = $0.52 each [ (2) $1.00 off internet coupons ] (regularly $1.52 each)
(1) Tresemme Hairspray = $0.81 [ $2.50 off newspaper coupon ] (currently $3.31, regularly $3.49)Ok y'all, the warmer units don't have the scented oil in them. I'll have to just wait until I can get some cheap, but honestly - Target paid me $0.26 to take them! It's almost like I got free bananas from it. Also, that Colgate stuff is normally super expensive - at Publix it was $3.99 per teeny-tiny bottle. Sheesh! It has an anti-gingivitis compound in it, which is probably why (and my gums bleed sometimes, so it's probably good for me). They were buy 3 get 1 free!
(1) Tresemme Keratin Heat Protectant Spray = $1.99 [ $2.50 off newspaper coupon ] (currently $4.17, regularly $4.49 each)
(2) Dial for Men Soap = $0.54 each [ $2 off 2 Target coupon + $2 off 2 newspaper coupon ] (currently $2.54, regularly $2.99)
(2) Glade Warmer Unit = -$0.13 each [ (2) $1 off internet coupons + $1 off Target coupon ] (regularly $1.37)
(4) Colgate Total & Optic White Rinse = $1.14 each [ (4) $1.10 off internet coupons ] (regularly $2.99 each)
Happy couponing! I'll be getting more lettuce, bananas, ground beef, and pasta this week...er, rather The Hubs will. He's such a good coupon buddy.
- Maggie White
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