29 Days Of Couponing Tips: 10 Commandments of Couponing!

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad
Day 21: How to Make a Price Book
Day 22: Rock-Bottom Prices & Sales Cycles
Day 23: Finding Coupon Match-Ups and Deals (part 1)
Day 24: Learn How to do Coupon Match-ups (part 2)
Day 25: Menu Planning 101
Day 26: Freebies 101
Day 27: Tracking Coupon Savings
Day 28: What I've Learned Along The Way
Day 29: 10 Commandments of Couponing!


Today is already the 29th and final day of the 29 Days of Couponing Tips Series! I have shared a lot of  information with you and I hope that you have learned something along the way! Since today is the last day, I thought that it would be fun to share the "10 Commandments of Couponing" that I found at Hot Coupon World!

(Please know that I am not poking fun of the real 10 commandments of the Bible. I truly mean no offense.)





Do you have your own 10 commandments for couponing? Share in the comments below!



I hope that you have enjoyed this series! But, just because it is the end of this series, it doesn't mean that that is the end of the "Couponing Tips." I look forward to sharing many more couponing and money saving  tips in the coming months!



*Never Miss a Deal! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Don't Forget to sign up for my Free email newsletter or RSS feed, so that you never miss any tips! Thank You for reading & subscribing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!

29 Days Of Couponing Tips: What I've Learned Along The Way!

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad
Day 21: How to Make a Price Book
Day 22: Rock-Bottom Prices & Sales Cycles
Day 23: Finding Coupon Match-Ups and Deals (part 1)
Day 24: Learn How to do Coupon Match-ups (part 2)
Day 25: Menu Planning 101
Day 26: Freebies 101
Day 27: Tracking Coupon Savings
Day 28: What I've Learned Along The Way

While I have always been a coupon clipper, I didn't realize the true value or power of couponing until I had to. I have now been a "serious" couponer for about 4 years now. Today, I wanted to share with you some lessons that I have learned along the way from my perspective.

I will never forget the first time that I accidentally found a coupon/freebie website. I was doing a google search for a coupon for the first time after I watched a daytime talk show and they mentioned a coupon online for a product that I wanted to try. Freebies4Moms came up in the google search. I found the coupon that I was looking for, and for my very first time ever, I printed an Internet coupon! As I started reading Freebies4Moms I saw more printable coupons and how to use them at Walmart to get items Free! I couldn't believe it!

So, I did what any other novice couponer would do… I printed off the coupons, and headed to my local Walmart store... Scared, I must add! I found all of the items on my list, and headed to the checkout lane petrified of what might happen. The cashier scanned all of my items, and with shaking hands, I handed over the coupons. My total before the coupons was over $20. After she scanned the coupons, my total came out to be only $1.47! WooHoo!!! No one chased me out of the store accusing me of shoplifting, Phew! At this point I was on top of the world, and I was hooked!

Here are some things that I've learned along the way...

* As long as your honest, you are not doing anything wrong. Though I was scared in the beginning, I now know that I was not doing anything wrong!

*Be Organized - Many mistakes can be eliminated with a little organization. If you’re like most couponers, you plan your shopping trip ahead of time so that you know exactly what you’re doing when you arrive at the store. Still some mistakes can and will happen. If you make a mistake, it's okay to tell the cashier to void an item (ect.)

* Small savings can add up, even those 25 cent coupons make a difference especially if your store doubles coupons! And an item is on sale!

*Take Baby Steps!  If you need to reduce your budget, take baby steps!  For example, set a goal to save just $5-$10 this week at the store pairing coupons with sales. Then increase this amount as you get the hang of it. Start with just one store at a time. And only a handful of coupons/deals at a time. After while you will be a Coupon Pro!

* Do what you can – some weeks you’ll be able to give more time to planning and saving than others. Something is better than nothing!

* Treat saving money as a game. Challenge yourself and make it fun!

* Find like minded people to share your excitement, goals and progress with. It has been so fun for me to meet and become friends with other like minded women, plus it helps to keep me accountable! If none of your "in real life" friends/family seem interested, there is a whole host of people online (blogs, forums, Twitter, Facebook) to connect with! I would love to connect with you! Just give me shout! Send me an email bragging about your freebies or deals that you got & you might just see it posted here on Tips From A Mom of 3!

* Find a formula that works best for you and your family - there is no one size fits all approach to anything in life. Do whatever approach works the best for you!

What is your Couponing Story? What Lessons Have You Learned Along The Way! Send me an email or leave a comment below!

*Never Miss a Deal! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Don't Forget to sign up for my Free email newsletter or RSS feed, so that you never miss any tips! Thank You for reading & subscribing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!

29 Days of Couponing Tips Day 27: Tracking Coupon Savings!

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad
Day 21: How to Make a Price Book
Day 22: Rock-Bottom Prices & Sales Cycles
Day 23: Finding Coupon Match-Ups and Deals (part 1)
Day 24: Learn How to do Coupon Match-ups (part 2)
Day 25: Menu Planning 101
Day 26: Freebies 101
Day 27: Tracking Coupon Savings


By tracking your coupon savings, you will be able to figure out how much money you have saved with coupons. It will also help you to track how much money you are spending, which allows you to better budget your money.

Here are some Free Coupon Savings Tracker Spreadsheets:

Feeding God's People: Free Coupon Savings Tracker

Happy Money Saver: Free Coupon Savings Tracker

Coupon Closet: Free 2012 Coupon Savings Calculator

The Coupon Project: Free Savings Tracker


If you'd rather print it out and manually write in your information then check out these two printable versions of a Coupon Savings Tracker both from Coupons deals and more.






*Never Miss a Deal! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Don't Forget to sign up for my Free email newsletter or RSS feed, so that you never miss any tips! Thank You for reading & subscribing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!

Freebies 101 : Day 26 of 29 Days of Couponing Tips!

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad
Day 21: How to Make a Price Book
Day 22: Rock-Bottom Prices & Sales Cycles
Day 23: Finding Coupon Match-Ups and Deals (part 1)
Day 24: Learn How to do Coupon Match-ups (part 2)
Day 25: Menu Planning 101
Day 26: Freebies 101

Today, I wanted to talk about Freebies, How to Get them, Why you should get them and Some Freebie Tips!

Why Should I Get Freebies And How Can I Save Money With Freebies?

Getting Free samples or Freebies in your mailbox aren't just great because they are Free, they also often come with coupons. You can use the free samples when you or family goes on a trip or vacation, or put them in a place that you will use them regularly instead of going to the store to purchase more of said item. Here are some more reasons why Freebies can actually save you money.

1. If you are a shopaholic, substitute ordering "Free Stuff" for spending money.

2. Instead of buying a product that is "NEW" or that you haven't tried yet, consider trying the FREE sample offer first before buying it.

3. Check out various Free service or entertainment sources instead of one you pay for. This will save you a lot of money. For example, I receive several Free magazine subscriptions.


How Do I Get Freebies In My Mailbox?

If you are interested in receiving freebies online, here are a few tips that I would highly recommend before starting!

Step #1
I would highly recommend getting a new email address set up! I usually sign up for several offers/freebies  a day, and my inbox is usually always full, or close to it, and if you have all these emails mixed in with your personal emails, you could lose opportunities, or personal emails. You will also get a lot of spam, and it's just not smart to mix them. Go to yahoo, hotmail or gmail to sign up for a free email account. Regardless of what you choose, just please set up a new email mailbox.

Step #2
Sign up for Google Voice. It is quick, and easy to sign up. You will get a Free phone number. You can change the settings so that your phone never rings, and instead goes straight to your email. Go Here for all the details. You will want to have this phone number, so that when an online form asks for your phone number, you will not have to give out your home or cell phone number.

Step #3
After you set up a new email account, and receive your new phone number, the next step is to go to RoboForm and download it for free. (Please Note: That the links that I am providing is for the Free download. This is what I have and I am very happy with it. You can pay a Fee to upgrade, but I'd give the Free download a shot, before you decide to spend any money.) Roboform will be your best friend, trust me! It will automatically fill out all of your online forms with the click of one button. You can also bookmark your favorite sites, and it even has a password keeper! It will save you a lot of time! And, believe me it will take a lot of time filling out all of the forms to get freebies. So I definately recommend doing this! If you'd rather not download roboform, then atleast consider the Google Form filler located in the google tool bar.

Step #4

Read Tipsfromamomof3.com! I love to save money and get Freebies in my mailbox every week! I also Love to share them with you so that you can take advantage of the freebies available too!

*If you want to be excited to go to your Mailbox, and see it explode with Freebies, please make sure to check out my "Free Stuff Friday" post every Friday! Check all available freebies, by clicking Here to see all posts labeled "Freebies."


You will also find time-sensitive Freebies posted throughout the week as they come available, so please make sure to check back often. Make also make sure to "Like" Tips From A Mom of 3 on Facebook and make sure to sign up for my daily email or RSS feed so that you never miss out on all the great freebies, and coupons!

To see the freebies that I have received in my mailbox check out my Mailbox Monday posts.


More Tips About Freebies:

• When you see an available freebie, apply for it as soon as possible. I say this because freebies are available "while supplies lasts" and they usually go fast! I have missed out on too many freebies, because I thought I'll just do it later, and then when I went back, it was gone!

• Keep in mind that most freebies take about 4-8 weeks on average before they will show up in your mailbox.

• Avoid trial offers, that you will need to "cancel" later. Often times, you will forget to cancel and then end up spending money that you didn't intend to spend. The only way that I will have an exception to this rule, is if I write it on my calendar 2 weeks before it needs to be cancelled, and add it to my digital calendar, and send reminders to my phone, to guarantee that I will not forget to cancel. But the best way is to avoid these offers!

• Watch out for "scam-ish" freebies. Typically, if a freebie requires that you make a purchase, or give them your credit card number, than it is not a true freebie. The best way to get your freebies, is to stick to only getting the freebies that I post here at Tipsfromamomof3.com or by reading other deal blogs such as Hip2Save. or Freebies4Moms. I can guarantee that I only post deals, freebies, and coupons that are 100% legit, and only freebies that I would consider applying for myself.

Do you have any questions about Freebies? Would you like to share any tips that I missed? Please leave a comment below!

*Never Miss a Deal! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Don't Forget to sign up for my Free email newsletter or RSS feed, so that you never miss any tips! Thank You for reading & subscribing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!

Menu Planning 101 : Save Money By Writing a Menu Plan!

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad
Day 21: How to Make a Price Book
Day 22: Rock-Bottom Prices & Sales Cycles
Day 23: Finding Coupon Match-Ups and Deals (part 1)
Day 24: Learn How to do Coupon Match-ups (part 2)
Day 25: Menu Planning 101

Many of you might be thinking - "Why is she talking about menu planning when this series is about couponing?"

Well, the two concepts actually go together perfectly, Why?

Because, there is no point in couponing and stockpiling and getting a bunch of things for free or cheap at the grocery store and drug store if you don't have a plan for how you will use them to feed your family each week. If you don't have a plan you can still be overspending on groceries every month.

By planning your meals each week, before you go to the store, you will save a lot of money (even without using coupons!) It is a pretty easy concept, basically you will plan what your family will eat every day and write it down!

Top 3 Reasons Why I Menu Plan....

 

 1. To save money. Not knowing what's for dinner will leave you making more trips to the store, thus you end up spending more money at the Grocery store. Or you end up eating out too much!

2. To be More Organized. I hate the famous question, "What's For Dinner?" So making a Menu Plan eliminates this dreaded question.
3. Eat Well Balanced Meals. To also make sure that we are trying to eat well-balanced meals!

"How do you Make a Menu Plan?"

Here I will explain how I write my weekly menu plan.

Tip #1
First, you will need to write a Master list of everything that your family likes, and write down Meals that you eat most often. And keep this list in a convenient place, like your Home Management Binder.

Tip #2

Every week, I go through my Pantry, Fridge, Freezer, and Stockpile. I note items that we might need, or items that need to be used. This is a beginning step in writing your menu.

Tip #3

Base your weekly menu plan by what's on sale for the week. For example, if Chicken is on sale, then I will include Chicken in as many days on the menu plan that I can. I also only buy produce that is "in season" or on sale. This really helps us to stick with our budget!

Tip #4

This is probably the hardest part for me! Now you'll sit down & write your Menu Plan. When I write my menu plan, I write it based on the 3 tips above, what my family likes, what we already have on hand, and what is on sale that week. If I need some inspiration on putting together a meal, I will look into my Recipe Binder for a good recipe to make. I also Use Online resources to find new recipes to try. Some of my favorite recipes sites include, but are not limited to...

All Recipes

RecipeZaar

Eat Better America

Kraft Foods

Pillsbury

Betty Crocker

Campbell's Kitchen

After you find the recipes, and meals that you want to make, start writing it on your Menu Plan. Then you'll need to go back to your shopping list to add anything else that you need for the recipes. But in order to save the most money, you will need to STICK TO ONLY BUYING WHAT IS ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST!

Tip #5

A Few other resources to help with your Menu Planning. I try to post my menu plan on Mondays. You can also find more idea's by checking Org Junkie's Menu Monday. Hundreds of people link up their menu plans every week.

Free Printable Menu Plans:

*Money Saving Mom Free printable Menu Planners & More!

*Mom Advice - Weekly Menu Planner

*Organized Home - Several Printables

*Org Junkie Printables


You can also get a printable Here.

*If you just type in "Printable Menu Planner" in your Swagbucks toolbar, there are a lot of printables available on the web, these are just a few of my favorites. Or you could make your own!

Do you have any questions about menu planning? Do you have any tips that I missed, that you'd like to share? Please leave a comment below!

*Never Miss a Deal! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Don't Forget to sign up for my Free email newsletter or RSS feed, so that you never miss any tips! Thank You for reading & subscribing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!

29 Days of Couponing Tips Day 24: Learn How To Do Coupon Match-Ups {part 2}

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad
Day 21: How to Make a Price Book
Day 22: Rock-Bottom Prices & Sales Cycles
Day 23: Finding Coupon Match-Ups and Deals (part 1)
Day 24: Learn How to do Coupon Match-ups (part 2)

Yesterday, we talked about How to find coupon match-ups and deals. Today I wanted to talk about How to do your own coupon match-ups!

Why would I want to do my own coupon match-ups?

Here are a few possible reasons why you would want to know how to do your own coupon match-ups:

1. Because you can't find a blog that does coupon match-ups for the store that you want to shop at.
2. Because you can't find coupon match-ups for the items that you want to buy.
3. Because (gasp!) I don't post the deals that you are looking for, and I might miss some great deal. The truth is, there are a lot of deals available out there, and it is very hard for me to keep up with all of them. I try my best to keep up with this blog, but between being a momma of three kiddo's, keeping up with my housework, and everything else that comes up in real life - the truth is that I try my best, but I'm human!

Honestly, Coupon Match-Ups are pretty easy, they just take a bit of time. I'm going to share with you  5 easy steps (plus other tips) that I've found to be the easiest way for me to do coupon match-ups, but don't feel like this is the absolute only way to do it. Do whatever works best for you.

Step 1:

Get your weekly ad. You can have the actual ad in your hand, or go directly to the store's online site to view it, or print it off. Now, you will first look through the ad and circle the deals that look like exceptional prices to you. Make sure to pay special attention to the front and back of the ad, where most of the best sale prices should be listed. There are also sales in the inside to, so don't overlook them. Next, go through and circle, or note any special promotions, such as "Buy 10, Get $5 off instantly" type of sales. Third, go through and circle any items that you were planning on buying anyway, that your family needs, such as milk ect. I usually also have a notepad and pen nearby, and I will start writing my shopping list.

Step 2:

Check out these Internet printable coupon sites to see if there are any available coupons that you need for the items you circled, or for any other needs. (Go here for more info about printable coupons)
Coupons.com
Coupon Network
Red Plum
Smart Source
Step 3:

Check for any eCoupons that you might need. (Go here for more info about eCoupons)
Cellfire
Shortcuts
Kroger eCoupons
P&G eSavers
Meijer mPerks
Upromise
Saving Star


Step 4:

Next, you will need to open up a Coupon Database. I usually use the WUC Coupon Database. It is very easy to use. In the search bar, just type in and search for all of the items that you have circled from the ad, or for items that you need. If there is a coupon available for the item that you searched for, then write it down next to the item on your list, or on the ad next to the item that you circled.

Step 5:

Subtract the amount of the coupon from the price in the ad and voila! You have your final price! If it a price that you feel comfortable with paying and it is a product that you need then go for it. You can always refer to your "Price Book" to see if it is a good price or not. Now, you will just need to clip the coupons that you need from your coupon inserts, or pull them out of your coupon binder.

That is all there is to it. Just remember, don't just buy something just because it is on sale, or because there is a coupon for it! Timing is everything!

I know that this post is starting to get long, but just one more thing....

All you has a great feature called, grocery circular roundup. This might be something that you might find as a helpful resource.

Here's How:

Step #1:

First, Go Here and type in your zip code, to pull up all of the stores in your area that are in their database.

Step #2:

You can browse each stores circular (also known as sales ad's). You can also search by the items that you need, by brand or type, to see which store has the items that you need for the best price, or to see if the item is on sale at any of the stores. Plus, you can make your shopping list, and it's even available on your mobile phone.

This is a nice feature, but it does not include coupon match-ups. Therefore, you will still need to continue on with Step #2 - #5 as listed above. It will help you with price comparisons by store if you are looking for certain items.

I know that this is a lot of information to take in! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! Did I miss any tips? Please share by leaving a comment!

What's coming up?
Tomorrow we will talk about tracking your coupon savings. Then we move on to menu planning, and why we should do it to save time and money!

*Never Miss a Deal! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Don't Forget to sign up for my Free email newsletter or RSS feed, so that you never miss any tips! Thank You for reading & subscribing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!

29 Days of Couponing Tips Day 23: Finding Coupon Match-Ups and Deals {Part 1}

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad
Day 21: How to Make a Price Book
Day 22: Rock-Bottom Prices & Sales Cycles
Day 23: Finding Coupon Match-Ups and Deals (part 1)
Day 24: Learn How to do Coupon Match-ups (part 2)

So far, we have learned a lot about coupons and how to use them. Today, and Tomorrow I wanted to talk about how to find coupon match-ups and deals, and learn how to do your own Coupon Match-Ups!

What does Coupon Match-Up mean?

A Coupon Match- Up is Pairing a particular coupon for an item with a store sale to get maximum savings! You will "literally" match a coupon to a sale.

How Do I  Find Coupon Match-Ups?

Every week, here at Tips From A Mom of  3, make sure to check for my Best Couponing Deals Round-Up post. Basically, I highlight all my favorite deals ( mostly free, less than $1, or rock bottom priced items) plus I will also include a link to the Full Coupon Match-Ups. Also, throughout the week, If I find an awesome deal, I try my best to post it, so make sure to stop back often!

More Places to find Coupon Match-Ups:

We Use Coupons
(Search their comprehensive forums to find store's deals and coupon policies for stores across the Country)

A Full Cup
(Search for store deals across the country)

The Frugal Map
(a resource developed by Bargain Briana to help you to locate deals in your state)

Deal Seeking Mom
( Check out DSM's Grocery Grab which features grocery store deals across the 50 states)

Money Saving Mom
(Check out MSM's listing of grocery store deals from across the country)



Do you have any questions? Did I miss any tips that you would like to share? Please feel free to leave a comment!





*Never Miss a Deal! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Don't Forget to sign up for my Free email newsletter or RSS feed, so that you never miss any tips! Thank You for reading & subscribing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!

29 Days of Couponing Tips Day 22: Rock-Bottom Prices and Sales Cycles

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad
Day 21: How to Make a Price Book
Day 22: Rock-Bottom Prices & Sales Cycles

We have already talked about sales cycles, stockpiling, and how to make a price book. So, today I wanted to talk a little bit more about Rock-Bottom Prices and Sales Cycles.


What does "Rock-Bottom" Prices Mean?

Rock-bottom prices refers to when a product is at it's lowest possible price. Typically, a product is 50% off or more when it is at it's rock-bottom price. When a product is at it's rock-bottom price, that is when you should buy multiple's to stockpile. When you do this, you will never pay regular retail prices for products ever again!

Once you start to keep a price book, you will start to notice when a product is at it's rock bottom price.

So, How do we use this to our advantage?

I'm just going to show you an example of how we can use this to our advantage and save money! So, if we shop while prices are at their rock-bottom cost, and stock up, then we will have enough of that product to last us through when the price is higher again. For example, If BBQ sauce is on sale for $1 in June, and we use a $.50 or $1 off coupon to go with it to make it FREE, then we will stock up, so that in December when we need BBQ sauce, we won't have to go the store and spend $3.50 for it!

When Should I Stock Up?

Typically, you should stock up when products that you purchase regularly are 50% off or more. So how much should I buy? Most savvy shoppers will say, "as much as I can use before it expires." This will provide a "safety net" for your family, ensuring that you can avoid paying regular retail (full price) over the next several months.

Here are some examples of Rock-Bottom Prices that I would consider to be the highest prices that you should ever pay for these products. If you aren't actively shopping with your coupons and sales, be prepared to be amazed as you're about to see how you've been losing hundreds of dollars a month.

Examples of Rock Bottom Price Lists {Use this for a basis when starting your own Price Books}

Cereal- any under $1, under $1.50 for large sizes, and under $1.25 for healthy, or organic cereals.

Oatmeal- under $1.50 for instant, under $1 for whole oats

Ketchup- $1 and under for 24 oz.

BBQ sauce - under $.50 per bottle

Speghetti sauce - under $1 per jar

Pasta & Noodles - under $.50 per package

Canned Veggies - under $.50

Juice - under  $1.25 for 24 oz.

Cheese - $1 and under

Frozen veggies - under $1

Hot dogs - under $1 per package

Bread - under $1 per loaf

Laundry soap - under $1 per 50 oz.

Dish Soap - under $.50 for 8-10 oz. bottle

Yogurt 4 pk. (danimals, ect.) - $1 and under

Items I Never Pay For (unless I really want to)

Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Body Wash
Lotion
Razors

This is a basic list. Here are some more examples...

Faithful provisions "Get It Now" List (rock bottom price lists)

Grocery Price Book Example from In Good Cents

Extensive Stock up List from Krazy Coupon Lady


Yearly Sales Cycles

Yearly Sales Cycles are actually pretty easy to figure out. Here is a short rundown of the basic yearly grocery store sales cycles:


:: January

New Years Resolutions (diet foods)
Cold & Flu Season (medicine, vitamins, ect.)
Super Bowl Sunday (snack foods, soft drinks)
National Oatmeal Month

:: Febraury

Valentine's Day
National Canned Foods Month
Breakfast foods

:: March

Frozen Foods Month
Spring Cleaning (deals on household cleaning products)

:: April

Easter (ham, baking items, eggs)
Passover (Kosher foods)
Earth Day (Organic, and natural items)

:: May

Grilling season begins (condiments, meat, cheese, ect.)
Cinco De Mayo (tortilla's, beans, ect.)

:: June

National Dairy Month
Grilling Items

:: July

July 4th ( Grilling items, condiments)
National Ice Cream Month
Back to School sales begin

:: August

Back to School (snacks, juices, school supplies)

:: September

Back to School sales continue
Breakfast foods

:: October

Getting ready for fall baking
Halloween (candy)

::November

Thanksgiving (turkey, stuffing, baking supplies)
Black Friday

:: December

Christmas (Ham, Turkey, party items)


This is a very basic list. Here is a more detailed list...

Guide to Sales Cycles for Rock Bottom Prices


Do you have any questions? Would you like to share any tips? Please leave a comment and share!



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29 Days of Couponing Tips Day 21: How To Make a Price Book!

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad
Day 21: How to Make a Price Book


Making a Price Book will help you to keep track of the best prices for your favorite products. By keeping a price book, you'll be able to see at a glance if you are getting a deal. Then, you will also be able to see when your favorite products are at "rock-bottom" prices, therefore you will know when to stock up, or stockpile so that you never have to pay regular retail prices again!

What is a Price Book?

A price book is an easy system that helps you to track the costs of items that you purchase frequently for your family, so that you know if you are getting a good deal.

How Do I Make a Price Book?

There are several different ways to make a price book. Choose the method that you are the most comfortable with.

Step 1:

Buy a three-ring binder or a spiral notebook to start your price book. If it is small enough to fit in your purse, then it will be easier to fit in your purse to bring it with you when you go shopping, however this is personal preference. Keep in mind that if you get a binder, it is easier to add or replace pages, then a spiral notebook.

Step 2:

Create food categories. Dedicate a page or two to such purchases as produce, meat, canned goods, boxed foods, dairy, snacks, non-foods, etc.

Step 3:

Record your receipts. Make five columns running down each page. List the date, what you bought (including the brand name) the size, and the price. You will also need to write down the store name where you made the purchase.

Step 4:

Bring your binder with you when you shop. You'll be able to look up a product and know at a glance if it is an unbelievable deal. Make sure to set a maximum price limits on groceries and give them a pass when the cost is too high. After awhile you will start to notice trends, such as how often your store offers sales on canned goods, paper goods, meat, etc.



Free Printable Price Book Pages:

There are several Price Book Printable Templates available online.

Free Customizable Price Book Download @ Money Saving Mom

Price Book Template @ Organized Home

Free Printable Price Book @ Mom Advice

Printable Price Book @ About.com

 

Free Printable Grocery Store Price Book

Some People even choose to keep track of prices in an excel spreadsheet. Here is a great excel spreadsheet sample from cheapcooking.com. The excel spreadsheet can calculate unit cost for you (if you know how to use excel)


Here is a great example of a  Price Book @ Proverbs 31 Woman.



Do you have any questions? Do you have any tips to share? Please leave a comment below!


Tomorrow we will talk more about "Rock-Bottom" prices, General Sales and Sales Cycles to expect throughout the year!



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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!

Couponing Tip Day 20: How To Read a Sales Ad!

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles
Day 20: How to Read a Sales Ad



Sales ads are an important tool when saving money. The key is knowing what to buy and when to buy it. The sales ad lets you know what is on sale each week in the store, and how long the sale will last. Most stores display their store's add as you walk in the door, and usually are not hard to find.

*For Cincinnati area readers -In the Cincinnati area, there is also a company called, The Door Store, that delivers sales ads right to your front door each week.  Call 513-731-1200 to request a Door Store to be delivered to your door. It contains weekly ads for Kroger, Meijer, Remke- Biggs, and sometimes other stores (Ad's vary by location).

You can also view a store's ad by viewing it online. To find your store's online ad, you can usually find it by going directly to the store's website.

Here are a few tips that will help you to Understand Sales Ads a little better!

Sales Ad Dates
Sale ad dates or "run dates" are crucial. These are the dates that the sale prices and promotions are valid and effective. While stores vary their start and end dates, they typically (in my region) start on Sunday and end on the following Saturday. Except for Kroger in my area, which starts on Monday, and ends on the following Sunday.

Why does it matter?
If I write a shopping list for Meijer on Friday, and cut all of my coupons, and then I don't get to the store until Sunday, then guess what? Everything I planned to purchase from the ad that I used on Friday is no longer on sale! Sunday starts the new sale ad cycle, and the new sale prices!

Good Sale Prices vs. Ad Placements
This is a very important principal to grasp! Just because an item is on the front page of a store's ad doesn't mean that it's a good deal, or a rock bottom price! To save the most money, you must know the best prices on the items you purchase.

How do I know the Best Prices?
The best way to know what is the Best Price or a Rock-Bottom price of an item, is to create and use a Price Book or Price List. Then you can easily check your book, or list. Then you will know if it is truly a good deal or just an ad placement!

{Later on in the series we will talk about How To Make a Price Book or Price List.}


Do you have any tips for reading a store sale ad? Share them with us in the comments section below. I Love to hear your tips and tricks!




*Never Miss a Deal! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Don't Forget to sign up for my Free email newsletter or RSS feed, so that you never miss any tips! Thank You for reading & subscribing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!

Understanding Sales Cycles

Day 1: Coupon Inserts 101
Day 2: Printable Coupons
Day 3: eCoupons
Day 4: Coupon Clipping Services
Day 5: More Ways to Find Coupons
Day 6: How to Organize Your Coupons
Day 7: How to Quickly and Easily Clip Your Coupons
Day 8: How to Purge Expired Coupons
Day 9: Know Your Coupons {What does the fine print mean?}
Day 10: Coupon Rules & Tips Every Couponer Needs To Know
Day 11: Know Your Store's Coupon Policies!
Day 12: Know Coupon Lingo & Abbreviations
Day 13: Stacking Coupons
Day 14: Save Money With Coupons, Know When To Shop
Day 15: Get Organized With a Plan, Before You Hit The Store!
Day 16: Don't Be Brand Loyal
Day 17: Stockpiling Part 1 (What is it?)
Day 18: Stockpiling Tips Part 2
Day 19: Understanding Sales Cycles

For the past two days we talked about Stockpiling, so today we will talk about Understanding Sales Cycles. Once you Understand Sales Cycles, you will be able to Understand Stockpiling better.


What is a Sales Cycle?

Sales cycles are important in order to follow the common coupon practice of stockpiling. Stockpiling is buying enough of what you need at an item’s lowest price to last until the next time it goes on sale in order to avoid buying it while it is at full retail price. This length of time between sales is called a sales cycle.

There is a specific reason for every sale, coupon, or other promotion. Understanding why these events take place can help you to save hundreds of dollars on your household budget.


There are two types of Sales Cycles - Rotational and Seasonal.


Rotational - Rotational sales cycles happen for several reasons, but they are primarily designed to encourage stock rotation. Most items have 12-week sales cycles, meaning that they go on sale at least once during a 12-week period. Cereal has a shorter, six-week cycle, and some baking goods have a longer, 24-week cycle. To save the most money, you should make your purchases when the item is at it's lowest price, and then use a coupon. To save even more, buy enough of the item to lasts until the item goes on sale again at it's lowest price.

When you are stockpiling, you want to save the most you can on pantry, cleaning and personal-care items and then wait until the next sale so you don’t have to pay full price.


Seasonal- Seasonal sales cycles happen during certain times of the year. A seasonal sales cycle can be for an event, such as the National Oatmeal Month promotion, or sales might occur because of produce being in season, or it could be because of a holiday, or obviously because of the season.


How does this help me to save money?

Knowing what sales are coming will help you to plan your budget accordingly and give you a better understanding of when is the best time to use your coupons. Also, by using your coupons at the right time, and stocking up on items when they are at their "Rock Bottom" prices, you will never pay regular retail costs for anything ever again!








*Never Miss a Deal! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Don't Forget to sign up for my Free email newsletter or RSS feed, so that you never miss any tips! Thank You for reading & subscribing!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site! Thank you!