Road to Coupon Queen

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In many ways couponing has changed me. All for the better I believe.

First, I have learned to be aware of cost. I am aware of what is considered a good price and what is considered a high price. I now compare prices and check prices. For example, I had purchased my favorite ravioli in 4 packs until I realized the 4 packs was roughly $0.25 more than buying them individually. This has happened a few times. I now break out that calculator and break down the cost to ensure I have received the best price.

I am trying products I thought I could not afford. I always purchased products I felt were within my budget and never thought much of it. Now I see I can purchase those same products at a bargain. I purchase far more name brand items that are now lesser than store brand. I even shop at places such as Bath and Body Works during their sales because I know how to work it.

How I eat has changed. In some ways I am eating and drinking better. I buy more water at a great price since I do not like the taste of tap water. I drink more juice and less soda although we find more soda bargains. Juice normally does not reside in my home. It was always considered costly and only came home during illness or occasionally. Now I can purchase it at break prices at drink it often.

I am at times challenged with eating certain meals in a different way. Take for instant cheap cheese pizza. From the start they are junk food. Instead of eating as is I add to it such as sauted chopped turkey, fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil. Add a salad on the side and voila a meal that is no longer just junk. My family now thinks I have superior cooking skills while I am proud I made something that was junk alone and made it better.

I have mentioned it from time to time how I do not always take certain premade foods at face value. I like to change them up and even make them better.

My favorite is cheap pizza. I love taking a plain cheese pizza and turning it into a gourmet type version. This week I have been topping my pizza with various toppings.

Look at this lunch I made

This is a totinos cheese pizza topped with bacon, mushrooms, baby spinach, roma tomatoes, and provolone cheese. It makes it quite a hearty meal that can certainly be shared by 2-4 people. What makes this even better is all this was purchased thanks to coupons. Some directly from coupons. The rest because of overage or deep savings from other items purchased with coupons.

Just because you look at something as being junk food does not mean it has to stay junk food. I am comfortable feeding meals like this to my kids. Today my 22 month old nephew helped me to enjoy this meal.

This may not be your high dollar gourmet but this is a great way to bring gourmet to your table in a very cost effective way that you family will love!

Do you reinvent premade meals purchased with coupons?

Read your coupons. There is fine print on those beauties. Sometimes this holds fine print that if not careful can derail your shopping trip.

You will find restrictions such as only 4 like coupons in a single trip. You may have 20 but to use them all would mean 5 transactions.

Read those BOGO coupons. Some of these have price restrictions. This may not give you a completely free item if it exceeds the price limit. For example, that deodorant BOGO coupon allows the free item to be redeemed up to $2.99 but the purchase price is $3.99. You will be responsible to pay the additional $1.

Read those size limitations. It may appear in the fine print. Watch for size specifics or generalizations such as trial size exclusions.

I like to shop so staying on budget is always a challenge for me. To combat this I have worked out a little strategy that seems to do well for me. I have a game plan each and every trip.

I make a list of what I need based on how many meals I need for that particular shopping trip. How we typically eat is 1 meat, 1 veggie, 1 side dish for each dinner. Breakfast are usually simple meals so nothing complicated and I just work with how much cereal, eggs, or quick meals will work for that time frame. Same with lunch. I stick with quick meals, sandwich ingredients. The snacks. I look for snacks I break down to smaller ones such as chips that I can baggie to make portioned single serve. Even if I have enough meals I always shop with meals in mind so I always have enough no matter what.

Next I scope out the local ads for what is on sale with the best prices and create my meal plan. I clip coupons based on my list and create a reasonable budget. I tend to have the same budget each shopping trip so it almost never changes. I usually see $150 per week. This way I can shop weekly and get the best deals of the month.I break that budget down to how many stores I will be shopping at. Don't be store loyal. You may find great deals at other stores. Plan on a minimum of a 2 store run.

Before I hit the store I have a small snack (never go to the store hungry). Now this may sound crazy at times when you have just eaten 1 hour prior but having food in the belly keeps those cravings at bay. What I like to have is a half sandwich with some nutella and a juice. I tend to crave sweets and junk food. This is a better alternative to chips and soda. If I have not eaten at all I eat directly before going. Sometimes this is better because I have that satisfied and even a full feeling while shopping. Those cookies I pass by do not look as tempting on a full stomach. It also prevents me from buying a snack for the trip home. This can be a last minute addition to your trip and throw your budget off.

At the store I use that calculator. This keeps me very aware of what I am spending so I make good choices and not always tempted to grab those extras when I see my total getting dangerously close to my budget. I round up so if I put something in my cart that is $1.75 I calculate as $2 or $0.34 rounded up to $0.50.

I also do not deduct for coupons. This part sounds strange to many people but what if you forgot to check with the store coupon policy and found that coupons are no longer accepted? You are responsible for the full value or you must walk back to place things back on the shelf to reorganize your shopping. Also what happens if you enter a price on your calculator incorrectly and instead of putting on $10.00 you only put in $1. Not calculating this coupons can help with a variety of issues you may come across and allow a buffer for those opps moments.

If my total is under my budget before coupons I will look for those items I can get on great deals to add to my stockpile. I do not add more than my original budget before coupons. This week I did this with hamburger helper from Walgreens since I could get it for $0.75 a box after coupons. I went in expecting to pay $6 and came out spending $4.50.

When I hit the register and see my total as being $100 and my budget was $150 I put that money into savings to either help build my stockpile, save for those times my budget will be smaller, or save for something special like a vacation. Don't think wow I can go spend more. No No NO! This will only contribute to over spending. Just put it away and use it for the next great sale that will add to your stockpile.

For me this is a mind trick. I know there is savings coming off that bill but it forces me to truly evaluate how I shop. I make sure to make the best possible choices for that shopping trip.

Creating a shopping strategy that works for you is so important. Use what I do or create one all your own. No matter what you want to go in with a plan. No plan and you are not shopping smart.

Something important as I learn the art of couponing is to know coupon policies of each store I shop. Never assume you can or cannot use coupons at any store. Never assume you can or cannot stack coupons at any store. Visit your favorite store's website or simply call and ask about their coupon policy. Don't be afraid to ask. Knowing this information can prevent misunderstanding and frustration at check out.

Print those policies and place in your coupon organizer for reference. Having a printed copy can also help at checkout when a misunderstanding comes about that is in your favor. When a misunderstanding arises politely pull out your printed store policy to help clear the matter. Getting angry, yelling, rudeness, or causing a scene will not resolve the matter even if you are in the right.

Check your store's policies often to make sure there is no change as these can happen without notice.

Be sure to be aware of any limits of coupons are specific policies for large quantities. These specific policies may not be found in your store coupon policy but rather their general policies so be sure to read these thoroughly.

'Tis the season so grab that Airborne. Join the Airborne mailing list and receive a $1.50 coupon.

This week only get 20 free 4x6 instant prints from your Facebook account at CVS. Great time to print out those vacation photos or pics of the kiddos for grandparents.

Head on over to Nescafe Facebook and get your free Nescafe Peppermint Mocha Sample Pack

In the Kmart ads this week there is a coupon for FREE Breathe Right 2ct strips when you visit your Kmart Pharmacist. Valid through 10/22/2011 so clip that coupon and head to your Kmart pharmacy to get yours. You can only redeem 1 at a time.

Free lens cloth and cleaner from Walmart Vision Center. Click here to get your coupon and take into your Walmart Vision Center to receive yours.

Kettle Brand Potato Chips is giving away 30,000 bags of free chips. Head on over to their Facebook page and enter to get yours. These won't last to hurry to grab yours.


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Before you toss those expired coupons consider sending to military families. There are several sites out there or maybe you have a friend or family member who is in the military stationed overseas. Either way these are still useful. Gather other family and friends who coupon and purge those coupon organizers once a month of expired coupons to send to groups dedicated to distributing coupons to overseas military families.

Commissaries overseas accept expired coupons up to six months old. You can help by sending your expired or non-expired coupons.

Here is one group that will distribute those expired coupons to overseas military families

Send your coupons to:
Coups For Troops
PO Box 147
Winnabow NC 28479

http://www.coupsfortroops.com/

You do not want to send coupons past 2 months expired. These can take time to get sorted, organized, and distributed.

Do not send coupons that are for local brands only. These will not be sold overseas so they cannot be used.

I have seen a few sites recommend not sending printed coupons off the internet due to risk of counterfeits. I do not have a confirmation of this but be aware these may not be something that can be used.

Do not send store specific coupons. These cannot be used at base commissaries.

If you are sending more than a small envelope of coupons be sure to categorize them
  * Food products
  * Health and Beauty products
  * Baby products
  * Pet products
  * Non-Food - anything that does not fit the above categories.

The best way to send coupons is in baggies. They are lightweight and easy to use.I like the sandwich, non-zip bags. You can still keep these organized and they are the most lightweight and least bulky.

Couponing does not have to end at the grocery store. Watch and collect coupons for your favorite restaurant. Many have birthday clubs you can join giving you a free meal. Look for a Facebook or Twitter account for your favorite restaurant as well. Christmas time many offer free gift cards when so many are purchased. Not only do you have Christmas presents but you have a gift card for yourself. Use it on your next free birthday meal to cover anything in addition. Watch those receipts. You may get a free dessert or appetizer on your next visit just for completing a survey. Purchase gift cards from restaurant.com for a reduced price. Purchase a entertainment book and share with family and friends. You can even share the cost and divide the coupons. Couponing to meals works great for vacation. Save money on those trips. How do you like to coupon to dinner?