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6 Tips to Help You Save on Groceries
1. Shop with the future in mind. Most people shop each week for the items they need just for that week alone. Savvy shoppers however take the stockpile approach. If you can get a product, especially items like canned food, cleaning supplies and household goods at rock bottom price, buy in multiples. This way, you save time and money, and if there is ever an emergency, you can know you’ll always have those most-used items on hand.
2. Get multiple coupons. This is a fundamental rule for stockpile shopping. Why get just one tube of toothpaste, when it is free? With multiple coupons, you could get three free tubes of toothpaste. Plan on buying a few newspapers each Sunday or ask friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members if they mind giving you the coupon inserts they don’t use.
3. Hold your coupon until the item it represents goes on sale at a deep discount. The secret to saving big and getting items for free or nearly free is to use coupons only on items that have been deeply discounted. For example, if you have a coupon for Ragu spaghetti sauce that gives you a $1 discount, you could use that coupon on a regular priced jar at $2.79. But if you waited until the item is on sale for $1 a jar, your final price is zero. And, if you had six of the same coupons and you waited for the sale, you could get six jars of Ragu for free. Now that’s a good deal.
4. Think small. You get the biggest percentage of savings when you buy the smallest size product that the coupon allows. And often times, the smallest sized products will be free when you use a coupon.
5. Be open-minded and don’t be loyal to one brand. When you try new brands or purchase products you wouldn’t normally use, you’ll find new opportunities to save.
6. Don’t stress. No one has time to do it all. Instead pick a couple of grocery stores and one drug store to shop each week. This way you’ll still be able to get the savings you want without feeling the need to run all over town every day. And remember it’s less stressful to go grocery shopping late at night or early in the morning, as you’ll be able to avoid the long lines and crowded aisles.
My last tip – sign up for a trial month of Coupon Sense! Go to www.couponsense.com and enter Nina for the Promotion Code and Referral #980. Once you sign up, I will be in contact with you personally to help you navigate the site and learn how to use our system. I have been a member since 1999 and have saved a TON of money. You can, too!
Happy Shopping,
Nina Brannock
The Coupon Lady
TheCouponLady@cox.net
www.TheCouponLady.com
It’s the end of August…kids are back in school, vacations are over. It’s time to get back into a regular schedule. There’s even a hint of cooler weather on the way, (yes, here in Arizona). Oh, how I love this time of year. It’s not so blazing hot that you don’t even want to go outside. The summer siesta is almost over. I think it brings out the “squirrel” in me. I want to go gathering nuts to stock up for winter. LOL! What I mean is that the upcoming cooler weather brings out my need to get out and GO! My desire for shopping for good deals is kicking back in. I don’t have to forage around in the stores at night to escape the heat. And the DEALS ARE ON! Summer clearances are everywhere, school supplies are in full abundance. Grocery stores are offering SUPER deals, doubling, tripling and quadrupling coupons! Oh my! Fry’s is even accepting competitor’s coupons. Labor Day is right around the corner. Ahhh…what a wonderful time of year. To explain my crazy excitement, check out my latest shopping trip receipt – I went to go gather my nuts, so to speak, at my local Fry’s. I put 63 nuts, er, items in my cart. The retail price would have been $144.61. What did this squirrel-ly girl spend? A mere $30.64. Woo-Hoo – for 63 items! I couldn’t even walk into a Dollar Store and buy that amount of items without spending $63.00. Now do you understand my giddiness? I saved 79% – or $113.97. It brings out the “kick your heels together in the parking lot” feeling! YES! The time is here, seize the day! Go and gather those good deals, stockpile for winter. Oh, and if you would like to learn my squirrel-ly ways of shopping, attend one of my FREE Coupon Sense Classes.
Or, you can try Coupon Sense for only $4.00 by entering Promo Code: Nina www.couponsense.com
Happy Gathering,
Nina Brannock
Coupon Sense Instructor
TheCouponLady@cox.net
www.TheCouponLady.com
 63 items for $30.64
Staples and Office Max – Free Backpacks
At Staples, buy ANY backpack and get 100% back in a Staples Gift card after easy rebate. If you’ve never done an easy rebate – let me tell you it truly IS easy! You do it online and it takes 3-5 minute tops! No stamps, no mailing, just enter it online with your receipt.
I am planning on buying my son either a $99 or a $129 backpack that will hold a laptop for future use. You can even buy them online and shipping is free if you spend over $50. The beauty of the Staples rebate deal is that it is a Staples gift card – this means no expiration date. I’m planning to take my time to use it and slowly turn it into cash by using it on other Easy Rebate things (for example I used $10 of it this week to turn it into a $10 check by buying 2 reams of paper on the front page).
Office Max has a Limit of 2 backpacks and is available in store while supplies last. They give you MaxPerks money (to spend at OfficeMax). Which means you will have to use it in a certain time frame (I believe it is 2-3 months). Still a terrific deal if you need backpacks and if I had 3 children that needed them I’d probably go here too and use the money on printer ink or something else that I could always use.
Also don’t forget to bring in your old ink cartridges! Office Max gives you $3 in Office Max money in about a month and Staples gives you $2 in Staples Rewards money in about a month for them. You do need a reward card to do this, but their reward cards are free!
Attend a free Coupon Sense Class to learn how to cut your grocery bill in half. Last week at Fry’s I spent $100 and saved $275.00 in two trips!
Happy Savings~
Nina Brannock
TheCouponLady@cox.net
www.TheCouponLady.com
1. Shop alone, if possible. If you bring your spouse or children, count on your bill being higher!
2. Do not shop when you are hungry.
3. Keep your eyes on the items on the upper/lower shelves where the prices are less.
4. Bring a calculator, so you can determine the price per unit or weight.
5. Bring a list and stick to it. Avoid impulse shopping.
6. Plan your shopping during off peak hours.
7. Keep a price log in a small notebook to keep track of the best prices of your most often purchased items.
8. Pay attention to sale trends. There are “teaser sales” and then there are “rock bottom” price sales. Know the difference. A sale price doesn’t always mean it is a good deal.
9. Categorical sale trends – have you ever noticed themes within supermarket sales campaigns. There are cycles for campaigns, so there are better times of the year to buy certain products.
10. Try not to be loyal to one product or one store. Try new products.
11. A store brand is not always cheaper than a national brand. You will get national brands 50% to 80% off when paired with a doubled coupon and a sale price. Buy store brand if it is cheaper.
12. You may say that you don’t buy the items that have coupons. One you start coupon shopping you will find that you hardly buy anything you don’t have a coupon for.
13. When applying a coupon to a product, buying smaller is almost always a better deal.
14. One of the keys to couponing is holding a coupon until the product is on sale. Almost all products will go on sale once a coupon is issued.
15. Stock up on staples when they are on sale. You can freeze meats, cheeses and breads for later use.
16. Get multiple sets of coupons. You will fill up your pantry much quicker.
17. Plan your menu around what is on sale. You can significantly reduce your grocery bill.
18. Watch you receipts. Many stores have scanning accuracy guarantees. If it’s rung up incorrectly = FREE!
19. Grocery stores do not list everything they have on sale in their flyers. Keep your eyes open.
20. Many store sales last more than one week
21. Rain checks. Get one if items are out of stock, and then do forget to use it later!
22. Be organized in your pantry and in your couponing. Use a coupon organizer when shopping or envelopes for each store
23. Sale limits. Sometime stores have limits on sale items. If you exceed the limit, often you will be charged full price.
24. Several stores double manufacture’s coupons up to $1 and set a limit of 3 of one kind of a coupon.
25. Couponing is not nickel and dime savings. Your savings can be substantial.
26. Couponing is an excellent way to increase your food storage. Buy products that you will use.
26. Teach your children the value of a dollar, by example.
27. Buy the items when they are the best price, not when you are at the mercy of the store’s full price.
28. Where do you get coupons? Newspapers, in-store, newsletters, contact manufacturer, online, in/on products, with samples, junk mail, magazines.
29. Rebates. Some rebates are easy, no UPC required and multiples in one envelope.
30. Be sure to rotate your pantry stock!
31. Think of coupons as CASH. As soon as you start thinking of coupons as cash it is a lot easier to make more time for them.
32. Plan your menus around what is on sale.
33. Couponing is fun and profitable. You know when, where and what to buy.
34. Attend a free Coupon Class with an experienced instructor. (That would be me!)
Consider these:
*Produce Co-ops: Bountiful Baskets
*Free exercise classes offered at churches
*Free movie rentals, books- Library
*Time of use – Electricity plan
*Ad matching- Wal-Mart
*Prescription Coupons
For many families food is the #1 area of the budget that can be cut back. Make a paradigm shift, don’t buy groceries when you need them, rather buy the items that your family uses when it is on sale and there is a coupon to match that item.
What you do with your money is just as important has how much you make, if not more important. It really doesn’t matter how much you make if you spend it too quickly.
Change how you shop. Think of it as a challenge. You and/ or your spouse works hard for your money, use it wisely. The old saying “A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned” is really not accurate anymore with all of the deductions that are taken out of your paychecks. More appropriate would be “A penny saved is one and a half penny earned.
Learn how to be disciplined in your shopping. Think of it as a part time job (1 hour per week to save $100’s each month!!) and you are the boss. You determine your effort and your reward.
I hope you find these tips helpful. Feel free to e-mail me with any grocery shopping questions.
You are invited to attend one of my free classes. Call or e-mail to RSVP and for directions. Spouses are encouraged to attend if they help you with the grocery shopping!
All attendees will recieve a door prize, an instructional guide and free coupon inserts!
4/27 at 10am in Gilbert
4/28 at 4pm in Gilbert
4/30 at 7pm in Gilbert
5/1 at 11am in Gilbert
Warmest regards,
Nina Brannock
The Coupon Lady
TheCouponLady@cox.net
Home Office: 480-539-4828
Cell/Text: 602-291-4828
Today is the Grand Opening of the Fry’s Market Place on the S/W corner of Higley and Chandler Heights. They have some great deals, so they are very busy. Lot’s of free samples and giveaways!
Here’s a few deals that caught my eye:
NY Strips $3.77lb, limit 2
USDA Beef Chuck $1.77 lb, Limit 4
Extra large Shrimp, $3.77 lb
Strawberries – $1 for a 16 oz container
Fresh Asparagus, $.77 lb
Dozen Eggs, .99 First 4
12 pk Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper $1.99 Limit 2
Nabisco crackers – Use $1/2 = .50 each
Happy Shopping!
Nina Brannock
The Coupon Lady
TheCouponLady@cox.net
www.TheCouponLady.com
If you’re heading to Ikea this weekend grab your lunch or dinner for just $1. Ikea is offering their Swedish meatball plate for just $1 from Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 7. The meal includes 10 meatballs, mashed potatoes and cream sauce (normally $4.29). The deal is good after 11:00 a.m.
This is one of my favorites -especially the lingonberry sauce!
Enjoy!
Nina Brannock
The Coupon Lady
TheCouponLady@cox.net
Get a complete meal and shake for less than $4
If you often find yourself craving comfort food and love old-school diners, this Deal of the Day will have you drooling.
On Tuesday, March 2nd, four Johnny Rockets locations in the Valley will be whipping up their original hamburger, fries and milk shakes for just $3.99! Normally that meal would cost you $11.48, so you Smart Shoppers will really be saving some dough.
Make sure to show your Smart Shopper Card or you won’t be able to cash in on this deal! (If you don’t have one, I can e-mail it to you)
The following four participating Johnny Rockets locations:
The Shoppes at Norterra
2510 W. Happy Valley Rd, Suite 125
Phoenix, AZ 85027
623-582-9755
Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Arrowhead Towne Center
7700 W. Arrowhead Center
Glendale, AZ 85308
623-487-3524
Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Westgate City Center
9390 W. Hanna Drive
Glendale, AZ 85305
623-877-2977
Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Gateways Pavilion
10220 West McDowell Road
Avondale, AZ 85392
623-643-9222
Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Enjoy,
Nina Brannock
The Coupon Lady
TheCouponLady@cox.net
There are 3 coupon inserts today!
Red Plum: JC Penny Optical
Smart Source: EyeMasters 1/2 off
Proctor & Gamble: Thanks, Mom.
Other coupons in today’s paper
Sweet Tomatoes: Coupons on flap of comic section
Office Max: 15% off everything you can fit in their paper bag.
Michael’s: Coupon Bonanza! See ad – 11 coupon offers!
CVS: $25.00 Prescription coupon in ad (transfer only) Expires 4/3. Save these!
Other good coupons in the pages of the paper
Page A2: George Brazil – various coupons
Page A7: Macy’s Free Lancome 7 piece gift with purchase.
Page A8: Sun Devil Auto- various coupons
Page A11: Alaskan Home Services – various coupons
Page A12: Boca Bargoon’s – various coupons
Page A13: Cash Paid for Gold. Bonus coupon, $25.00 extra when you sell $250.00.
Page A17: Hobby Lobby 50% off Wilton Method Cake Decorating Classes
Page A18: George Brazil – various coupons
Page B14: Quality Home Maintenance – various coupons
NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY
On Tuesday, February 23rd, IHOP once again celebrates National Pancake Day with a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes for every visitor. While enjoying your free meal, you’ll have an opportunity to make a donation to Children’s Miracle Network
Since 1996, IHOP has raised more than $3.25 million for this amazing network of children’s hospitals, and you can help them bring the total to $5 million to reach their five-year goal!
ATTEND A FREE COUPON CLASS:
Monday 2/22 at 10am – Gilbert
Tuesday 2/23 at 7pm – Gilbert
Thursday 2/25 at 10am – Gilbert
Friday 2/26 at 7pm – Gilbert
Saturday 2/27 at 9:30am – Gilbert
Saturday 2/27 at 11:00am – Gilbert
Frugally yours,
Nina Brannock
The Coupon Lady
TheCouponLady@cox.net
www.TheCouponLady.com
Phone: 480-539-4828
I wanted to share this great information about coupons with you. This article is part of a series related to being Financially Fit.
http://customsites.yahoo.com/financiallyfit/finance/article-108816-4123-3-how-to-save-100-in-an-hour?ywaad=ad0035
Doing the Math on Coupons
They’re back in fashion, with good reason: An hour spent cutting and clipping can yield about $100 in savings.
Clipping coupons hardly sounds like the subject of high finance — or even medium finance.
Save a dollar on cat food, some detergent or a couple of boxes of cereal. Who can be bothered? Who has the time?
A growing number of people, it turns out. And they’re shrewder than it may at first appear.
The Great American Coupon is making a big comeback — thanks to the Great American Recession.
We redeemed some 3.3 billion coupons last year — a remarkable 27 percent leap from 2008, and the first year-on-year increase in 17 years, according to a report issued at the end of January by Inmar, a coupon-processing agent. (Online coupon use skyrocketed — companies issued twice as many as in 2008, but redemptions rose 360 percent.) The big upturn took off in October 2008, just after Lehman went belly up.
At first blush you can see why coupons fell out of fashion for so long — and why so many consumers still ignore them.
You have to make time to visit a coupon Web site or collect the flyers from your mailbox, the supermarket or newspaper inserts. You need to sort through to find the ones you want, cut them out, stick them in your purse or wallet — and remember to use them when you are at the cash register and you are trying to remember whether you bought everything on your shopping list and where you parked the car.
Average saving per coupon: Just $1.44, according to the Inmar report.
But let’s treat this low finance topic for a moment the way we treat high finance. Let’s subject it to the same math.
How long does it actually take to clip and use a coupon? Certainly the more you use, the less overall time you will spend per coupon, because so many of the costs — getting flyers, sorting coupons and so on — are generalized. Let’s assume you spend a minute per coupon.
Saving $1.44 for a minute’s effort is the equivalent of saving $14.40 for 10 minutes’.
Hourly rate: $86.40.
Maybe this would be as good a time as any to point out that the typical American working stiff — those lucky enough to have jobs right now — climbs out of bed each morning, goes through the miseries of commuting and endures the daily grind at the workplace for about $20 an hour.
Furthermore, money saved comes with an additional benefit. Unlike the money you earn at work, it is tax free. No payroll taxes. No federal or state income tax.
If your marginal tax rate were, say, 20 percent, you would have to earn $108 before tax to take home $86.40. If your marginal tax rate were 30 percent, you’d have to earn $123.
Very few of us ever do this kind of math, because we tend to treat low finance differently from high finance, and small sums differently from big ones. No wonder, even today, 99 percent of coupons are thrown away unused.
Yet finance isn’t a separate topic from the rest of our personal lives. For all of us, our scarcest resource is time. Putting the right value on it, and putting it to the most productive use, is a financial challenge, as well as a personal one.
And the individual amounts of money may seem small, but they prove the old adage about tiny acorns and mighty oaks. Someone who saves $25 a week will save $100 a month, and $1,200 a year. Over a lifetime that can easily grow to $100,000 or more — even after accounting for inflation.
If motivation is an issue, the next time you find yourself facing a stack of coupon booklets and flyers don’t ask yourself if you can be bothered. Try asking yourself if you’d like to earn more than $100 an hour for a job you can do, at home, while sitting on the sofa watching TV.
If you’d like to try Coupon Sense for a free month, please e-mail me at TheCouponLady@cox.net. I need your phone number, home address and valid e-mail. But hurry, as this offer ends 2/28/10.
Frugally yours,
Nina Brannock
The Coupon Lady
Phone: 480-539-4828
www.TheCouponLady.com
It’s been a few crazy weeks over at my household. Illnesses, doctors visits, chipped bones, medical testing’s, and several birthdays. When it rains, it pours, or so it seems.
And of course during this time Fry’s had their wonderful Buy 10 and Save $5.00 Mega Deal! With all that was going on, I did make it to the store several times in between all of my running around. Here’s the breakdown of my spending and savings for the last two weeks:
January 28th – Spent $40.76 and Saved $82.86 (I had to go back in and shop some more I had so many cases of water in my cart)
January 28th – Spent $33.32 and Saved $139.97
February 3rd – Spent $15.14 and Saved $29.21 (more water – I ended up with 14 cases)
February 7th – Spent $47.47 and Saved $138.13
February 9th – Spent $47.84 and Saved $233.26
I ended up getting $808.26 of groceries for $184.53. Incredible!!!
My last trip was such a blast. I met two of my couponing students and took them with me to experience this great sale. We were there for over two hours as it was a “class trip”. But in the end, it was so worth it. Between the 3 of us we saved $574.96! If you saw us in the parking lot, you would have thought we won the lottery! Here’s the breakdown:
Therese spent $64.07 and saved $161.00 – 72% Savings
Kathy spent $81.24 and saved $180.70 – 68% Savings
I spent $47.84 and saved $233.26 – 83% Savings
I would like for my readers to experience the Love of Coupons, as well. I’m giving away 20 FREE Trial month memberships for Coupon Sense. Be one of the first 20 people to contact me at TheCouponLady@cox.net and your first month is on me! This offer ends on Valentine’s Day, February 14th at 11:59pm.
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Nina Brannock
The Coupon Lady
TheCouponLady@cox.net
www.TheCouponLady.com
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Nina shares tips on saving money with coupons! 
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