Hi there everyone! Megs here, and I'd like to say thanks for joining us for part two of our Grocery Game series. In today's post, we are going to discuss where to find newspapers (which can be tough on a budget!) and how store loyalty programs/membership rewards can be so great for grocery budgeting. Next post will discuss the couponing process and then how to apply that to different stores/sales.
First up, where to find coupons!
Sunday Newspaper
You don't have to be a regular subscriber to your local paper to get good deals. Many people buy Sunday papers each week at the store rather than subscribing, just to get the coupons. I have heard the Dollar Tree and other Dollar stores often carry Sunday papers (which is a good deal as they cost about $2 each here). You might even ask around; if your employer subscribes to a paper to keep in the staff room, ask if it is okay if you take the sale flyers and coupons home. Ask friends/coworkers/church friends etc...you may be surprised at how many people won't mind giving you their coupon inserts! Especially if you offer to pick them up in a timely manner. If you don't have a subscription to the paper and don't have friends to give you papers, you can usually find Sunday papers at your local grocery store or at a kiosk (such as by the Post Office).
I purchased a local coupon that provided a year's subscription to the Sunday paper for less than half price. Now here is the big question I asked when I signed up for Sunday only newspaper service: Why spend money to save money? Doesn't it cost too much? The answer is you will save enough money with couponing if you invest even 2 hours in it per week I personally believe it is worth it. I often only clip from one paper. That still is building up my coupon stash, which is the key to saving money because you will have a variety of coupons from a variety of manufacturers so that whatever is the best price, you can drive the price down further with a coupon :)
Coupon Websites
Coupons.com and Couponmom.com are two great sites. You can typically print a certain amount of coupons per IP address...if you have multiple computers, you can usually print more as each computer has it's own. I like how Coupon Mom does a lot of footwork for you; they match up a deal with coupons in the weekly inserts. It took me a while to figure out their system but it really does help. also try the manufacturer websites!!! Cereal companies etc. will post their own coupons :) Kellogg's has a whole system of points that you can enter product codes into for prizes and coupons. (Side note: ALWAYS check coupon packaging for more coupons! Often high value coupons might be in the inside of a cereal box, for example).
Here are some more coupon sites:
http://thekrazycouponlady.com/
http://www.save.com/coupons/latest-coupons
http://www.couponmom.com/printable-coupons-242
http://www.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=MKRU3JAAR6CCY
Magazines
There are an amazing number of coupons in magazines. Also in the Sunday paper always look in the Parade section; there are often high value coupons there. There is a magazine called All 4 You that is basically all about coupons as well.
Email/Loyalty Programs
Many of my favorite stores (grocery stores included!) will send out coupons to those on their email lists. It can be very worthwhile to get on the email list or open a store loyalty card to get the best savings and coupons.
Now that you have your coupons, you can think about combining them with in store sales. One of the best ways to maximize savings is to stack coupons with rewards programs. Drug stores often have special deals based on these programs. Here are a few stores in-depth:
Walgreens
The Walgreens rewards program is one of the very best in my opinion. There are two facets to the Walgreens program, which can be confusing but bear with me. Walgreens not only sells cosmetics and drug store items, but they also sell grocery items! Believe it or not, I often find the best deals on cereal and other dry goods here. Also this is where you can famously get toothpaste for a "net cost" of at least 50% off or even free.
The first program is called "Balance Rewards."
Earning "Points": Every week in the circular, Walgreens puts items that may be regular priced or not quite as discounted on something called "Points." These points accumulate and once you have 5,000 points you get $5 off. for 10,000 you get $10 off. These point rewards can be used on a wide range of purchases, and over time it builds up easily. I like to use my reward points for things like special "add on" purchases (such as gift chocolates or something) I wouldn't normally buy or is not in budget to bring the price down. Just know that there are some restrictions, so check the store policy (e.g., you can't buy gift cards with it). Also keep in mind that if you are using points in a purchase, you can't earn in the same one...if you are trying to earn points say, by purchasing toothpaste as above, don't redeem your points in that transaction or you won't get any points from the toothpaste.
Register Rewards: This program is by far the most popular. With this program, you spend a certain amount on a product (again, this will be advertised weekly in the circular) and when you check out, you get a printable coupon that gives you a certain amount of money "back" in the form of a register rewards voucher. So say the deal is you buy two tubes of toothpaste for $2 each, and then when you check out you will get $2 back in register rewards. The register rewards are like points and can be used like cash on other purchases. But you can't use register rewards to get more of the same deal, so keep that in mind. But that's not a big deal, LOL. ****WARNING. Register rewards typically expire in 2 week cycles. So you will need to use them up quickly or you haven't saved any money.
Rite Aid
Rite Aid has a customer reward program called "Up Rewards." In addition to special offers/prices weekly in the circular (just like Walgreens does), Rite Aid offers "Up Rewards" points on purchases similar to the Walgreens points program. Same concept; when you build up enough you get cash off your next purchase. Rite Aid can also have some nice deals on pantry staples. Also check out the clearance section; you may be surprised at what you find there :) I am not as familiar with Rite Aid but it is very similar to Walgreens.
Safeway, Albertson's, Fred Meyer (Kroger), and other grocery stores:
Each store has its own rewards program. Fred Meyer actually gives you coupons and cash back if you spend a certain amount of money each "quarter." This includes special coupons on things such as fresh produce and meat! Safeway offers special prices and coupons and gas rewards, and also when you check out, always keep your receipts from the grocery store..many print out as "Catalinas" which are like register rewards...sometimes a dollar or two or even three off your next purchase! If you want more information, stop by your grocery store's customer service desk.
That's all I have time for today. Please feel free to write a comment if you have other tips or questions! Happy Couponing! :)
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