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Throughout the month of September we will be sharing coupon saving tips and ideas every day. So check back daily for a new and exciting money saving tip all Coupon Month.
Share a money-saving coupon tip with us by emailing us. Your tip may be featured in a future post. |
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30 Days of Savings Tips
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Average Joe Shopper walks into Appliance Store Inc. and sees dishwasher. It’s quiet, stainless steel, and grinds up leftover food that kids don’t wash off. And it has a “
Cash for Appliances” rebate from Uncle Sam! Fantastic! Buy said time and money saver–hang on to that receipt. Meanwhile Joe Shopper chants “don’t forget to send rebate…don’t forget to send rebate…” on the way home, since he’s been lazy before.
After hopping on the internet at home, he finds that the Energy Star program in his state no longer offers cash for appliances. That great discount no longer applies to his big purchase. Ouch! Now he has to pay a restocking fee to return the dishwasher or suck up the extra, unplanned cost.
Rebates are the trickiest challenge of all coupons available. Studies estimate that 40-60% of rebates are never redeemed. In your mind, the discount has already been credited to your purchase at the time of checkout and you don’t complete the rebate. This form of advertising is borderline fraudulent! Follow these tips before buying something with a rebate attached:
- Find out the expiration date.
How long do you have to complete the documentation? Does the timeline demand that your proof of purchase arrive at a specific date or be postmarked with the expiration date?
- Ask what proof of purchase is needed to send off.
If the rebate requires you send off the original receipt, make copies of it in case your near-retirement U.S. Mail carrier takes yet another month-long vacation and it never arrives. Save all packaging and barcodes.
- Make copies of everything.
If you don’t, count on the documentation getting lost. Or your gadget breaking.
- Ask about returns.
Sometimes not having the original receipt will prevent you from being able to return the item or use the warranty. Intentional sneakiness is the name of the rebate game.
- Find out how long it takes to receive a check.
4-6 weeks is generally the norm, but some ask you to wait 90 days. Get the number of someone to call in case the delay is longer than stated.
- Manufacturer or store rebate?
Who is responsible for issuing the check? If a third party is sending you money, it will be much harder to find phone numbers and dispute a claim, if necessary.
- Get a rebate form before leaving.
Look for a form that has rows and rows of tiny boxes for your personal information. Grab a magnifying glass while you’re at it to read the fine print! Only include your email if necessary and look for other tiny boxes that require you to leave them blank or check them–some will send you a credit card rebate unless you indicate your preference of check.
- For small items, collect several products before mailing.
The type of milk I buy sometimes includes a mail-off rebate for $1 each. To make that worth the postage, I collect at least 6 or 7 forms before sending off. The same goes for P&G group rebates.
- Order change = canceled rebate.
You a buy a mattress that includes a $100 rebate. Since you need a little extra cushioning, go ahead and buy the box spring (after all, you’re getting a steal on the mattress). But you decide to return the box spring when Aunt Mildred offers hers for free. You find out your rebate is canceled, even though it was only offered for the mattress! Get the fine print and request everything in writing before buying multiple items.
- Fill out all forms in the store.
Be completely annoying. Fill everything out right there in the store. Make it awkward. You’ll be able to ask questions or call the rebate company to ask your questions.
- Complete these steps within a day of purchase!
Let’s be honest. You won’t do after a week.
It’s not just free money. Only savvy shoppers should buy items with a rebate and expect to get the discounted price. Even the smartest shopper can encounter fraudulent rebate situations. Signs of a potential scam include:
- Delayed payment.
Think you’ll be likely to follow up if a rebate promises to issue a check in 90 days? Take an earnest look at the turn-around time and make a calendar note to check on it after a certain date.
- Rebate in the form of credit card.
If, say, Sears offers a credit card rebate, the hair on your neck better shoot up. Many of these non-check rebate cards are selectively used and charge a fee per month with a remaining balance. Plus you have to go through the extra hassle of registering the card, and many of the credit cards do not work at select stores!
- Third party rebate.
Appliance retailers are famous for buying merchandise that has an expired warranty. Commission-minded associate assures you it “has a fabulous rebate”. You buy the goods and find out the rebate expired two months prior. Manufacturer blames the retail outlet for advertising an expired rebate and the store pins the problem back on them. The he-said-she-said goes round and round until you end up with an angry return (and hefty restocking fee) or overpriced stuff.
- Promise to issue a rebate for delivery charges.
Get free shipping! Forget the rebate! Fight them on this and threaten to purchase elsewhere. You’ll be asked to jump through more hoops and will probably be issued a credit card with registration and monthly maintenance fees.
- Huge rebates are huge red flags.
$100 rebate off $150 of product is a sign that the rebate form needs a lawyer to wade through it. Evaluate your rebate forms thoroughly before considering a purchase.
Time is the greatest currency and obstacle we face in our don’t-make-me-wait-even-five-minutes culture. One bad rebate can cost you hours in fixing it. Do your homework before to avoid wasting more time (money) than it’s worth.
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 We love coupons, obviously! We don’t, however, love wasting money. Coupons can be a source of money savings or money pits, depending on how they’re used. Before you get scissor happy and butcher those innocent glossy ads, take an honesty evaluation of your spending habits and ask yourself:
- Do I need this item?
Many manufacturers put out coupons for new products to lure shoppers into trying them out. This is fine if you’re fresh out of deodorant and can try out the new scent with a discount. While you need to leave a margin for stock piling when prices hit the basement, stick with your grocery list at least 90% of the time. Some product, like a new teeth whitening system or all-in-one cleaner, could be purchased much cheaper (think baking soda and vinegar) or not at all. Pre-chopped produce and frozen meals should never make the cart.Become a nutrition label reader. So many clippable coupons promote buying pure fat and sugar. Your body can’t suck nutrients from Cheetos, it doesn’t matter if they are $.05 a bag. Give your waist size a break. The same goes for the Little Debbie end cap, frozen treats, and virtually everything on the snack and wannabe juice aisle. Cheap doesn’t mean nutritious and you must put your health first.
- How much time to you spend looking for and compiling deals?
After getting the hang of coupon clipping, it really shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes to update your coupon binder with new additions and make a weekly meal plan. If it starts to become a time sucking obsession, look at your opportunity cost. Spending two hours three times a week to reap $100 in deals isn’t as profitable as finding a work-at-home job. Set a timer and stop when it dings.
- Do you pay for coupons?
Are you a subscriber to a coupon service? Do you buy your coupons from eBay? Do you get the paper mainly for the deals? “Buying” a coupon officially makes it null and void. Paying for a “coupon service” (on the sneaky other hand) is legal. Folks that clip coupons and sell their services on Ebay can save you considerable amounts on big ticket items like detergent and diapers.
- Is it truly a good deal?
The bottom line is price per unit. If you have to buy a bunch of something (or can afford to stockpile) then get it while the price is great! But for items like baking mixes and cans of soup, you’re better off making your own from scratch.
- Could I get it cheaper in bulk with a coupon at the store?
Know your bulk store prices per unit. Let hubby take the kids for an hour one evening and research prices at Sam’s or Costco. Make a list of your most frequently purchased items and what they cost per ounce. Keep in mind that these wholesale markets also offer store coupons in addition to accepting manufacturer coupons. Combined with products at low costs, buying in bulk may be the best option for a family.
- Who will give me the greatest discount for my coupon?
Call your area grocery stores and inquire about double and triple coupon days. Put it on the calendar and do your shopping accordingly. Stores usually double and triple for coupons under $1 (or multiply your 60¢ off coupon up to $1). As always, wait for the sale to get a double whammy on coupons with store promotions!
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 Here’s what the “double coupon” means: the value of your coupon is twice as much as the stated offer. Shock! It’s a fantastic offer and you must take advantage of it if your local stores offer the promotion. So that $2.50 off a box of Huggies means $7.50 off? Not so fast. There are a few caveats.
- Coupons only double and triple at a certain value.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but no, you can’t triple your $5 off Enfamil coupon. Most stores put some restrictions on amounts. One main chain offers to double coupons valued at 49-50¢ and triples coupons for 39¢ or less. Stores that offer daily doubling and tripling generally put more restrictions on price caps.
- Not every store doubles every day, but some do!
Just like Kids Eat Free Days, some stores offer a doubling day of the week (usually Tuesday) or the month. How do you find out? Call customer service. Its takes 30 seconds.
- Find out which stores double!
Since grocery stores are regional, it can be difficult to know which gigs support double coupons. Coupon Sherpa, an online site for multiple coupon types, compiled a handy list of 94 stores that multiply your coupons. If your favorite spot isn’t mentioned, just give them a call or stop by customer service on your way in to find out.
- If your coupon says “DND” it means Do Not Double.
You’re out of luck on that one. Just use it when the product is on sale and chalk it up to a middle-of-the-road deal. Read the (very) fine print for more restrictions.
- Most stores require you to be a card member.
You’ll need to present your value club card or give you phone number to get the deal. Big Brother has it’s perks.
- The store splits the discount with the manufacturer.
When you redeem a coupon, the store ships it off to the manufacturer on a weekly basis to get reimbursed for the product. If a store offers to multiply the discount, they pick up the other half of the promotion. Stick that in your back pocket for random fact hour.
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 We love coupons, obviously! We don’t, however, love wasting money. Coupons can be a source of money savings or money pits, depending on how they’re used. Before you get scissor happy and butcher those innocent glossy ads, take an honesty evaluation of your spending habits and ask yourself:
- Do I need this item?
Many manufacturers put out coupons for new products to lure shoppers into trying them out. This is fine if you’re fresh out of deodorant and can try out the new scent with a discount. While you need to leave a margin for stock piling when prices hit the basement, stick with your grocery list at least 90% of the time. Some product, like a new teeth whitening system or all-in-one cleaner, could be purchased much cheaper (think baking soda and vinegar) or not at all. Pre-chopped produce and frozen meals should never make the cart.Become a nutrition label reader. So many clippable coupons promote buying pure fat and sugar. Your body can’t suck nutrients from Cheetos, it doesn’t matter if they are $.05 a bag. Give your waist size a break. The same goes for the Little Debbie end cap, frozen treats, and virtually everything on the snack and wannabe juice aisle. Cheap doesn’t mean nutritious and you must put your health first.
- How much time to you spend looking for and compiling deals?
After getting the hang of coupon clipping, it really shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes to update your coupon binder with new additions and make a weekly meal plan. If it starts to become a time sucking obsession, look at your opportunity cost. Spending two hours three times a week to reap $100 in deals isn’t as profitable as finding a work-at-home job. Set a timer and stop when it dings.
- Do you pay for coupons?
Are you a subscriber to a coupon service? Do you buy your coupons from eBay? Do you get the paper mainly for the deals? “Buying” a coupon officially makes it null and void. Paying for a “coupon service” (on the sneaky other hand) is legal. Folks that clip coupons and sell their services on Ebay can save you considerable amounts on big ticket items like detergent and diapers.
- Is it truly a good deal?
The bottom line is price per unit. If you have to buy a bunch of something (or can afford to stockpile) then get it while the price is great! But for items like baking mixes and cans of soup, you’re better off making your own from scratch.
- Could I get it cheaper in bulk with a coupon at the store?
Know your bulk store prices per unit. Let hubby take the kids for an hour one evening and research prices at Sam’s or Costco. Make a list of your most frequently purchased items and what they cost per ounce. Keep in mind that these wholesale markets also offer store coupons in addition to accepting manufacturer coupons. Combined with products at low costs, buying in bulk may be the best option for a family.
- Who will give me the greatest discount for my coupon?
Call your area grocery stores and inquire about double and triple coupon days. Put it on the calendar and do your shopping accordingly. Stores usually double and triple for coupons under $1 (or multiply your 60¢ off coupon up to $1). As always, wait for the sale to get a double whammy on coupons with store promotions!
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 Many of us traditional coupon clippers get a little queasy over buying things we don’t immediately tow home. Is the site reputable? Will they steal my information? What about shipping costs? We’re afraid to venture out because of increased risk.
Whether you approve or not, online shopping is here to stay. Embrace it and learn to transition your saving savvy to online coupon codes, or languish at a dying mall. Would you change your mind if you were certain that the same thing online is cheaper, even where shipping is concerned?
Free shipping codes are as creative as your refrigerator art, so don’t lump every online promotion into a one-size-fits-all category. Depending on your shopping needs some may save you more money than others.
Free Shipping with a Minimum Order: Buy a certain dollar amount of stuff and qualify for free shipping. If you need to purchase several items at once, this promotion will become your best friend. But don’t buy extra just to make the free shipping cut! Fossil is a great example of free shipping with minimum purchase–every total over $100 gets free delivery.
Free Shipping on Select Items: Many retailers that sell different sized products tend to offer free shipping on select items. A sneaky, insider tip: companies do this because they can’t afford to offer free shipping on large items like refrigerators and big screen TVs. Man magnet Best Buy pitches this offer to online shoppers.
Free Shipping Site to Store: Large players like Walmart offer free shipping when customers order online and pick-up the purchase at a brick and mortar store. Call ahead to find out exactly where you can complete pick up and what documentation you need to bring. Other retailers that offer free shipping site to store include Sears and REI.
Free Shipping on Everything: Some retailers that sell products that have a high enough profit margin, like Zappos, can offer free shipping on everything they sell, and throw in free return shipping on top of it! Many jewelry and shoe companies offer free shipping on everything.
Free Shipping by Delivery Location: Live in a far away land like Hawaii or Alaska and you might not get to enjoy many of the free shipping deals that retailers are offering. At least you get the benefits of scenic beaches and non-stop sunlight! FreeShipping.org estimates that almost half of all free shipping offers are only for deliveries within the continental United States. There are also a few U.S. based retailers like Moose Jaw and Best Buy that offer free shipping to Canada.
Free Shipping by Membership: Clubs have their benefits. Just like grocery store club cards, many online merchants offer free shipping in exchange for email marketing and a membership fee. If you’re an Amazon junkie, it just may be worth it to splurge on an Amazon Prime membership for free 2-day shipping on all orders ($79 per year).
Flat Rate Shipping: Flat rate shipping is not exactly free shipping, but can make a large purchase more affordable. Many retailers charge for shipping based on purchase total or number of items. With flat rate shipping you pay just one price. The The Gap and Old Navy both offer flat rate shipping of $5 and $6 for any size order, and Kohl’s regularly offers 99¢ shipping per item.
With numerous options you really don’t have an excuse to avoid online buying! Give it a try with a free shipping coupon code or promotion and you’ll fall in love with effortless, armchair shopping.
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 Open Sunday paper. Snag coupons. Send Best Rip Off Electronics insert into trash before hubby sees it. Peruse food and household product discounts. With 6 or more stores listed, you’re left wondering if you need to hit up all of them to get the best deals on everything. But there’s the cost of gas and lost time. What to do?
The short answer is, no, you don’t need to visit every store in your metropolis to score bargain bragging rights. You may as well get a part-time job with the time it takes to organize those shopping trips. And while there’s an exception to everything, there are some trends that can help streamline your weekly shopping and help you grab the best deals by store type.
Grocery Store
This is the bread and butter of your shopping. Not only do national Hi-Lo grocery chains offer lower sales prices than giant Every Day Low Price (ELDP) competitors, but they offer BOGO and big percentage off discounts for various products throughout they month. The discount superstores will not match most of these discounts, regardless of what they claim to offer. Typically, you’ll get the best prices for the following products at your grocery store:
- Dry goods
- Meat (pay attention to manager’s specials)
- Produce (unless you shop farmer’s markets)
- Bread
- Dairy Products (for medium to smaller sized families)
Bulk Buying Club
Know your membership price before you add a bulk club to your list of shopping venues! But it can quickly pay off if you use it strategically. For example, Costco’s Kirkland brand makes a fabulous corn-free, meat-rich dog and cat food. The same quality of food at a feed store or pet store would run you at least 40% more. If you have two or more medium or large dogs, buying pet food alone at a club store will pay for the membership in 5 months. You can also use manufacturer’s coupons at club stores. Products like infant formula are much cheaper per ounce than at Hi-Lo grocery stores and even lower with a coupon. WARNING: Only visit the club store once a quarter and stick to your list! An impulse buy here will tack on an extra $15-20.
- Spices
- Generic Canned Goods
- Pet Food
- Flowers
- Coffee
- Produce for Events
- Baby Products (ONLY with coupons)
- Milk and Eggs (large families)
Pharmacy
Corner stores will surprise you! Their advertised sales and randomly placed coupons will make some of the bigger ticket items much lower than at a grocery store. Prices vary widely at the pharmacy stores, so you need to have a good idea of how much things cost.
- Razors (pair with $1 and $2 coupons)
- Shampoo
- Facial Stuff (look for BOGO sales)
- Vitamins
- Feminine Products
- Gum
Every Day Low Price (Walmart)
If you travail sans coupon, these are the best prices, under most circumstances. But you’ll still pay more overall if you don’t look for sales at Hi-Lo grocery stores and take advantage of coupons. I don’t advise buying meat at an EDLP, regardless of the deal!
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 As you get into the swing of the coupon gig, it’s time to add a layer of finesse. Couponers have long endured miserly, hoarding stereotypes that, too often, turn out to be true. By shopping with coupons in a considerate way, you’ll become a smart and thoughtful buyer, encouraging others around you to adopt thriftiness as well.
Know the rules before you go.
Does your store double coupons? If so, what is the price maximum to get the double? Do they accept eCoupons and double them? Get the skinny on your store’s rules before jumping in line with your coupons. The last thing you want to do is contribute to the stingy couponer persona with an argument during checkout.
Read the fine print.
Study up on coupon lingo so you know exactly what your coupon offers. Make absolute sure the product you purchase with a coupon matches the offer–many of the items pictured on the coupon don’t match what’s on the aisle. If the offer is “one per purchase” you may use more than one coupon with more than one product.
Separate your coupons as you shop.
While loading the cart, place your clipped coupons in a separate pouch or envelope so they’re ready to scan at checkout. It will annoy your fellow shoppers to no end if you’re fumbling around your binder for minutes on end while their ice cream melts. Be respectful of their time.
Shop at odd hours.
If you can at all help it, shop at the crack of dawn before the kids wake up (especially at a 24 hour facility), during mid-morning, or later in the evening. Associates will be more willing to answer questions and troubleshoot coupon problems when they aren’t swamped.
Don’t clear the shelf!
Stockpiling does not mean hoarding! Let’s be frugal, not cheap. Stocking up three or four deep won’t keep your neighbor from taking advantage of the sale too. But loading up an entire cartload is just plain disgusting. Yes it’s a free country and, yes, you have the right to take as much as you want. You also have a responsibility to consider others while you do it.
Let the little guy go first.
Be aware of your surroundings. You, with your stack of coupons and a huge load, can afford to let the dude who got stuck on the late-night pickles-and-ice cream run checkout first. It will cost, at the most, three minutes of your time and extend some goodwill in the process.
Get to know your store associates.
If you spend at least an hour per week visiting the same place, get to know who makes the place run. Ask them about any requests you have for ordering more or new products and find out about the cycle of their sales system. Many of the managers, stockers, and checkers feel invisible–make it your job to brighten their day while finding out more about the store!
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 Don’t get cold feet! You’ve been following our 30 Days of Savings Tips and collected a chunk of coupons. Armed with your knowledge of pairing coupons with sales and knowing the promotion fine print, you’re ready for the bargains! But you find yourself, again, at the grocery store with nothing. What’s one more trip with the way I used to buy things? I’ll just bring the coupon binder next time.
What will help you bridge the gap better than anything is a quick phone call to customer service to clear up some questions about store promotions. This is a much softer landing than arriving at checkout with a stack of coupons and not knowing why some work and others don’t. Break the ice with these questions for your grocery store manager:
- Do you accept online coupons?
Some stores are so tech-savvy that you can load coupons on your store loyalty card, others don’t accept them at all. You must print a copy of the online coupon, not make a photocopy of it (make sure an address and barcode are on the printout). Ask what you need to print for an online coupon to be accepted. This is definitely a question for the manager, not the checker.
- Does this store double or triple coupons?
If they do, ask what the price point is for doubling and tripling (mine doubles for coupons 40-50¢ and triples any coupon 39¢ and under). Follow up with how often they offer these deals. Very few stores offer this perk everyday, but some, like Kroger, do. Also ask if they double online coupons.
- Will you accept the sales price at a competing store?
This can save you loads of time in shopping at multiple stores! If your grocer offers a low price guarantee (usually for other Hi-Lo stores, not EDLPs like Walmart) bring the weekly ad and take advantage of it! Follow up with questions: What documentation do you need for getting the price offered at another store? Who should I talk to when I check out?
- Can I use a manufacturer’s coupon and a store coupon for the same item?
Stacking coupons is awesome! That promotion you clipped from the last Red Plum or P&G newspaper insert might be combined with a store coupon, making for big discounts. Ask about limits on stacking, as it may work out better to use your coupons separately.
- Where do you publish weekly sales?
Many stores put their best (but not all) deals in a weekly circular included in the paper. But you can also get access to these deals and more online. Ask how often the ad is updated online and if it includes the same deals as the paper insert.
- Do you have a mailing list so I can get store coupons for the products I buy?
If you aren’t already getting customized coupons sent to you, ask your store manager if they offer mail out deals. Find out where the biggest coupons can be found–some places have a coupon bin where they stash unwanted receipt coupons. Go deal digging, literally, for nothing.
- Do you accept expired coupons?
Since stores are reimbursed for manufacturer coupons, they may be more willing to accept expired store coupons rather than manufacturer promotions. You may be surprised to find that they will accept out-of-date deals. But you have to ask to find out.
- Is there a limit to the number of coupons I can use?
Stores aren’t required by any law to accept coupons, manufacturer discounts or otherwise. Some put restrictions on how many they will accept per purchase. It’s a huge bummer to plan your week, load your cart, and then find out your store has unknown restrictions.
Armed with solid reconnaissance, you can shop with coupon confidence. Call at least two or three stores in your area to have a solid picture of your potential savings…then take the plunge and start saving on your next trip!
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 Looking for even more coupon gems? Think out of the weekly ad box with these creative coupon hiding places!
- On Product Packaging
One of my favorite non-dairy beverages regularly sticks a $1 off coupon directly on the carton. After saving 8-10 coupons, I mail them off for a hefty rebate. Look inside diaper boxes and dry goods for more manufacturer deals. Most of these expiration dates are more lengthy than newspaper coupons.
- Rebate Checks
Buy two or three of something, send off proof of purchase (POP), and get a rebate check! This is only a good deal if you actually send off for it–only 21% of rebate offers are cashed in. But they mean huge savings when you follow through.
- Manufacturer Bundle Rebates
Proctor & Gamble as well as other manufacturers offer a rebate for qualified products under their umbrella. Several products on the P&G list include Tide laundry detergent, Crest toothpaste, Pampers, and Swifter products. After you collect the limit of each of these, send off your rebate form and POP for a nice payback.
- Magazines
Some of the most lucrative, high dollar coupons are found in magazines, especially ones geared toward women. Is it worth it to buy a magazine subscription solely for the coupons? No! But be aware that they are there. When they opportunity arise to use them, clip away. Many of the products are new so manufacturers are trying to concess product in exchange for building a big customer base. Take their introductory offer with glee!
- Grocery Receipts
Do you even look at the receipts that print out with your receipt? They are for products you just bought! File them away and redeem when your preferred goods hit rock bottom sales price. For another hint, comb the self-check stations and snipe coupons that customers didn’t want.
- Posted Fliers in the Store
HEB (a big Texas grocer) posts coupons throughout the store. Usually the deal works in tandem by buying another product, and you’ll probably have to head back across the store. Ask the manager if he has a list of coupon fliers so you know what to pick up as you shop.
- Coke Cans
Since the summer months have melted away, theme parks are desperate to squeeze a bit more out before winter hits. Now is the time for a weekend trip to an amusement park! Coke cans almost always have a $10-$15 off admission coupon. Paired with off-season prices, have fun without breaking the bank.
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 By Day 2 in our 30 Days of Savings you have your coupon binder started and ready to put into practice. By now you’ve seen some fruits of your labor! Deals are rolling in, your grocery bill is slashed by at least 20%, and you’ve become that chick who brags about the cost of each meal.
Now what? Kick up your game another notch to keep your new bargain basement spending on a high. Consider investing in these coupon “accessories” to maintain healthy spending habits.
Reliable Freezer
You’re telling me to be frugal, and then supposed to buy a freezer?!? Before you freak out, hear me out. When you begin stock piling and capitalizing on sales, you can’t possibly eat everything within a reasonable amount of time. Let’s say, in your pre-coupon dark ages, you spent around $500 per month on groceries for your family of four. Now, you’re spending around $400 and you can bet that number will drop even lower with more practice. Take your savings over four months and stash it away to buy a used 25 cu. ft. upright freezer for $130-$200. In addition to freezing large quantities of produce and meat, did you know you can store the following stuff in your freezer to reduce waste?
- Butter
- Bread
- Mashed Potatoes
- Batteries
- Wine (frozen in ice cubes) for cooking
- Coffee
- Halloween Candy
- Nuts
- And, of course, meats and veggies
Freezer Bags
When you purchase meat, separate the thighs, breasts, or ground meat into your family’s preferred portions. Stick them in a freezer bag (Ziplock is still my favorite) and pull out as you need them. Flimsy store packaging is not meant to last for months in the freezer–you’ll get a nice mouthful of freezer burn unless it’s packaged correctly. You do not need to vacuum seal unless you buy a half of a cow or something else ridiculous. Regular zip-sealed freezer bags work fine. Note: Sandwich bags don’t last in the freezer! Get the thick plastic kind that has hefty seals. Separate your veggies, meats, and other types of foods into separate shelves and always put new stuff behind the old.
Permanent Marker
You’ll forget what you bought after it’s been frozen for a while. Label each bag with the contents and date purchased to keep things in line. Label each food group with a different color marker to keep your freezer rifling to a minimum.
Printer
You probably already have one, but if not, it’s not a bad idea to purchase a printer for your online coupons. Stick with a model that has been around for a while to avoid getting stuck with having to replace an obscure printer cartridge. Laser printers are cheaper in the long run, but unless you fork over big bucks, you’ll only be able to afford black and white. Forget buying a Dell printer–they are hideously expensive to replace ink. When printing your coupons, don’t forget to:
- Print in black and white, grayscale, or draft (each printer setup has it’s preferred lingo).
- Avoid printing in color, or just do it sparingly.
- Print “two pages per sheet”.
- Use generic printer cartridges, if your model is available.
Receipt Spike
It never fails! Hang on to a receipt for months, nothing breaks. Throw it away a day after purchase, you inevitably need to make a return. If nothing other than to have a record of food and household product prices, you need to hang on to every receipt. Keep a receipt spike in plain sight on the counter and stick your paper receipts every time you come in the door. Teach the kids to do it and they’ll never forget to do it! Review it each month to track your spending.
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