Welcome to my 52 Ways to Save $100 a Month series. We’re serious about saving money in 2016. Sometimes it’s the little things and sometimes it’s the big things. I’m here to walk you through some little things that can add up to BIG savings. 52 little things to be exact. Every week, join me back here for another small money saving tip or idea that might not seem like significant savings until you see the overall yearly savings. It might just blow your mind. So pop in each Tuesday and read a new tip that will help you on your way to save $100 a month!
The days of extreme couponing hysteria are pretty much over {thank goodness!}, but that doesn’t mean coupon savings have gone away with the hoarding of 92 sticks of deodorant or 84 bottles of mustard. You can still save big by using coupons, be it on groceries, restaurants or even rental cars! Here’s how:
Printable Coupons: There are printable coupons all over the internet. Sites like coupons.com have hundreds of coupons for grocery store products. While many are for processed food that I know some of you avoid, there are so many coupons for toiletries, office supplies and even fresh produce. Basically, there’s something for everyone.
Another great way to find printable coupons are right on the manufacturer’s website or facebook page. If you are brand specific when it comes to your groceries, check out your favorite brand’s website and you might be pleasantly surprised to see a coupon tab.
Pair these coupons with store sales and your savings grow exponentially. This is basic couponing 101. Don’t use coupons just because you have them–use them when they make the price competitive and worthwhile. The couponing game is a tempting one, but if you learn to play it wisely, you’ll see big savings at the register..
Digital Coupons: In a digital era, it just makes sense that coupons have gone digital. Stores like Target have coupon apps like Cartwheel for store coupons. Or you have use apps like Cellfire, SavingStar, or Shopkick to get thousands of digital coupons to use at grocery stores.
Coupon Books: The Entertainment Book or a similar type coupon book is jam packed with coupons for everything and anything you might need in your life. Often you can find schools selling the books for fundraisers. The book might set you back $20 but you’ll get hundreds of dollars in valuable coupons. Pretty worth it to me!
Emailed Coupons: If you take a few minutes and sign up for a company’s email list or newsletter, you’ll start getting great, high-value coupons right in your inbox. You can receive coupons for retail stores like Gap, Kohls or Fred Meyer; you can receive coupons for travel deals, rental cars and restaurants; you can receive coupons for oil changes, DVD rentals or home improvement stores. You name it and you can find a company that will send you a coupon for their business.
Old Fashioned Clipped Coupons: If you get the newspaper delivered to your house on Sunday, you’re already on your way to big savings. Pull out the coupon inserts before you toss it. If you don’t get the paper and have no desire to get the paper, but could use some specific coupons, consider using a clipping service. You can actually buy coupons on the internet. Check out sites like Dede’s Coupons. She charges a “clipping fee” but all coupons are free.
Do you use coupons? How much do you think you save because of your coupon use?
How Much Can You Save: $8,000+ I know what you’re thinking. That number is crazy talk. But it’s not. That’s how much I saved my family on groceries using coupons. I started using coupons big time in 2011 and see how much my budget changed. Check it out:
In 2008 I spent $9,768 on groceries. An average of $814 a month.
In 2009 I spent $7,584 on groceries. An average of $632 a month.
In 2010 I spent $5,004 on groceries. An average of $417 a month.
In 2011 I spent $1,198.64 on groceries. An average of $100 a month.
Now that was in the height of the extreme couponing craze, but it just goes to show that there is BIG money to be saved by using coupons.
More Ways to Save:
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clean Out Your Closet {Week 1 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Break Up with Cable {Week 2 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Barter Better {Week 3 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Change Your Own Oil {Week 4 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Adjust Your Thermostat {Week 5 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Take Advantage of Your Perks {Week 6 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Pack Your Lunch {Week 7 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make It Yourself {Week 8 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Preserve Your Bounty {Week 9 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Keep the Change {Week 10 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | The Art of Borrowing {Week 11 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Ditch the Gym {Week 12 of 52}
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Laren says
At the peak of my couponing, I was getting TONS of things free. I would stock pile it all and then garage sell what I knew I would never use. Marking everything a buck or two and it was always gone within an hour. Such a bummer that those coupon days are over. I made some good money then and it never felt like work. It was like a big game for me.
Jennifer Meyer says
I don’t see how everyone is saying the couponing craze is over. It is still huge where I live. Harris teeter still has super doubles and they are always packed and sell out of stuff.
Mavis Butterfield says
What state are you in Jennifer?
Jennifer Meyer says
I’m all the way across the country in Virginia so that probably explains the difference. Some people, like myself, are getting more into gardening and the whole food craze, but I still can’t pass up free food/household items. I swear I get a high from getting free stuff lol! I’m definitely not an extreme couponer by any means though.
Pauline says
Gone are the days when I scoured the recycle bins at my in-laws’ apartment house for cast-off coupon inserts. And gone are the days when I had my coupons organized in a metal filecard box. While I do still peruse the coupon inserts in the weekend paper, it’s fairly rare that I find one I want. My way of cooking has changed — mostly I buy ingredients now (often in bulk), and only rarely processed foods. With a garden, a CSA membership, the local co-op, an Amish market, and lots of U-pick farms nearby, I really feel very little need for coupons other than what turns up in the “Entertainment” book or the “local shopping” coupon book. I feel blessed to live in such a “food rich” area.
Sharon@MLT says
I love to coupon. It is seriously worth it. I saved $30.98 last Saturday at Fred Meyer between manufacturer and store coupons. That was a bigger shopping trip because of the holiday though.
I consistently save around 25 percent off my total bill.
What is great about Freddies is the personalized coupons they mail, especially the produce and meat coupons. I’m going to use the $3.00 off when you buy $15 worth of meat on this week’s 99 cent chicken.
Lisa says
Don’t forget gas coupons…especially if a station offers a double coupon day! Doesn’t seem like much of a savings at the time but multiply that by 52 weeks and multiple cars and the savings adds up!!!