I started using coupons on my groceries and have saved hundreds of dollars. My monthly grocery bill has gone from $1,000 to $700.

I have always been frugal and used to love watching “Extreme Couponing.” I even tried extreme couponing for a few months, but it was too complicated and time-consuming to track down newspapers, then clip, store, and organize coupons. Math is also not my strong suit, so I’d often end up paying more than I budgeted for when I checked out. I decided extreme couponing wasn’t worth it for me, as I couldn’t replicate the savings I saw on TV.

Fast-forward to 2024. After getting laid off, I was enjoying my funemployment by aimlessly scrolling, and started seeing videos from couponing content creators. I got a crash course in modern-day couponing — and the confidence to try it myself.

I’ve been couponing for a few months now. I support myself and my disabled mother, and I particularly enjoy couponing for groceries, because I’ve found that I save at least 30% on my grocery bill since I’ve started. Prior to couponing, I was spending $ 1,000 a month on groceries, around $250 a week. Now, I average around $700 a month, or $175 a week.

I plan my shopping trips ahead of time

Now, most couponing is done digitally, using apps and digital coupons. No more hunting down newspapers and spending time clipping coupons out. The apps also ensure that all of your coupons and rewards are applied to your account and do the math for you — no calculator needed.

There are still paper coupons, but the best coupons are often on a store’s app or website. Stores have weekly ad schedules, and knowing when the preview of their upcoming sales ad is released makes it easier to plan. Every week, I will review my store’s weekly sales ad and plan that week’s grocery shopping.

Digital coupons usually aren’t released until the day the new sales start, so that morning, I go through and “clip” any digital coupons that are relevant to my shopping list. Typically, I place a pickup order to save time and ensure that all sales and coupons have been applied, rather than going through the store myself and leaving room for error. There have been times when I have shopped in-store and bought the wrong item that wasn’t on sale or had a coupon.

Using pickup also prevents me from making any last-minute splurges. Even if I plan to shop in-store, I still add all of my items to the app ahead of my trip so that I know what my total will be.

I focus on only one grocery store

I typically focus on just one store; Albertson’s is close to my house, and I have learned not only when they run new sales but also that they tend to rotate the same items being on sale. I know that if I miss a great deal on something I want, it’ll come back around. I’m also a rewards member, which is just another way that helps me save money.

By shopping there regularly, I’ve also become familiar with the store’s layout, allowing me to complete my shopping trips quickly and avoid being tempted by items not on my list. Also, by focusing on one store, I save a lot of time, gas, and money by not chasing deals at multiple stores.

I stock up when groceries are at their lowest price

My favorite store recycles its sales, but they will change the sale amounts. For example, one week, chuck roast might be on sale for $4/lb, and three weeks later, it’s on sale for $2/lb. By reviewing the sales ad each week, I’ve noticed that $2/lb is the lowest they price it, so that’s when I stock up as much as I can. I don’t have much extra storage space, but my goal is to buy a deep freezer so I can stock up on more food.

I have a mental inventory of all my staples, and I stock up when they’re at the best price so I never run out. That way, I already have what I need and won’t have to run out and buy something when it’s at full price.

I enjoy couponing, and it saves me money

Couponing is a great way to save money, and it has also become my favorite hobby. I enjoy planning my shopping trips, and I get a thrill when the deal works out exactly as I planned.

A lower grocery bill frees up money to spend on other things. During unemployment, I’m focused on saving, but when I get my next job, I want to save up for a European vacation. And, of course, I want to buy a deep freezer.

Each week, it only takes me about 30 minutes to review the sales ad, clip coupons, and build my grocery list by adding all of my items to my cart on the app. I typically do free pickup, which saves even more time.

My store provides receipts that show how much you saved, and on average, I save 30-35%. During my most successful shopping trip, I shocked myself by saving 50%. Now, it’s become a game to see if I can beat that number. The only con to couponing is that you’ll never want to pay full price for anything ever again.

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