Remembering Your Coupons

[tater03]

I used to forget to take my coupons to the store with me all the time. I have always kept my grocery list on a corkboard now I have started taking all my coupons to the same board. It has helped me to not forget them because I never leave without my shopping list. What do you all do to make sure you don't forget your coupons?

[barbszy]

I keep my coupons in a big file box. I put the list in the box with the coupons. I use a clothespin or binder clip to hold the coupons I know I'll need for that day. After a while it just became a habit to remember the whole thing.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I don't use coupons, but I do shop at a place that gives discounts to members. I just keep my discount card in with my ATM cars, ID, and so on.

[cat lover]

When I used coupons for every shopping trip I filed them in a large tupperware bread box ( in envelopes and had cardboard dividers)and just carried it with me to each grocery. I'd set it right in the "baby cart seat" and have to ready to use. Coupons I knew I would use ahead of time had their own "Special" envelope.

[katharina]

I have always kept my grocery list on a corkboard now I have started taking all my coupons to the same board. It has helped me to not forget them because I never leave without my shopping list. What do you all do to make sure you don't forget your coupons?

I am *so* bad when it comes to this! I not only don't usually take them to the store with me, but I even procrastinate clipping them. :(

[Stephanie2377]

I plan everything before I go. I first check the weekly ads to see what is on sale at the stores. I then check my list to see what items I need for our meals for that week. I then check my coupons to see what coupons I have for things that are already on sale (save extra money that way)

On my list, if I have a coupon, I make a mark next to it. Plus, I shop at WalMart and they honor all other competitors' ads. So, I bring all of the ad sale circulars with me to show the checker so I can get the sale price.

[katharina]

I plan everything before I go. I first check the weekly ads to see what is on sale at the stores. I then check my list to see what items I need for our meals for that week. I then check my coupons to see what coupons I have for things that are already on sale (save extra money that way)


I wish *SO* much that I could get back to doing this! In the past I was pretty good at it. I used double and sometime triple coupon days at the store, kept everything in order, and then always put the amount I saved into a jar. I really want to start that again... it was fun to see how much I could save that way! :)

[happy2bg33k]

One of the national grovery store chains near us (can I name it here?) has an online circular and online coupons. The circular allows you to check off items and create a grocery list that includes the sale items, you can then add other items too. It helps me a lot to print it on a manilla envelope and put my coupons in the envelope to bring to the store.

[motherof2]

I just keep my coupons with me at all times. I never know when I am going to stop at a store and pick up something. I have a separate coupon box for my restaurant coupons that I keep with me as well.

[katharina]

I just keep my coupons with me at all times. I never know when I am going to stop at a store and pick up something. I have a separate coupon box for my restaurant coupons that I keep with me as well.

We like trying out different restaurants in the area but I have a difficult time finding that kind of coupons. Do you find yours mostly in the local paper or somewhere else?

[dval]

When I did the shopping every week with my best friend, she used to write her list on an envelope that had the coupons she needed inside. I used to have one of the coupon holders with dividers that I would keep mine in. I would drive Robin crazy when I saw something I wanted to buy. If I knew I had a coupon, I would stand on that spot and look through my coupon holder. I don't do the shopping most of the time now, but I doubt I would use coupons. I don't think they give you real good coupons like they used to. Now, all the coupons are like "1.00 off 3" and each of the 3 costs at least 3.00 or more, like the cereal ones. You can't even get them doubled any more because most of the stores won't double coupons over 99 cents. Sometimes if the coupon is for less than 1.00 they label it 'do not double'. Plus, I don't really buy a lot of brand name stuff. Most of what I buy is store brand.

[barbszy]

Donna, I do the envelope trick like your friend. I also write the list in "store order" on the envelope. BUT I bring the whole box to the store just in case there's an unadvertised special. I've gotten a lot of free or nearly free deals this way. So sometimes it's me blocking the aisle looking for that coupon :)

[katharina]

I don't think they give you real good coupons like they used to. Now, all the coupons are like "1.00 off 3" and each of the 3 costs at least 3.00 or more, like the cereal ones. You can't even get them doubled any more because most of the stores won't double coupons over 99 cents. Sometimes if the coupon is for less than 1.00 they label it 'do not double'. Plus, I don't really buy a lot of brand name stuff. Most of what I buy is store brand.

I've noticed this changing trend over the last few years, too, unfortunately. :( In the past I could get a few bags of groceries for very little cost when I was careful. The coupons were generally for just one product to give it a try, which I enjoyed doing, and it was doubled most of the time. I miss that.

I've also noticed that the expiration dates are much closer now than they used to be.

[happy2bg33k]

I've also noticved the trend for coupons encouraging bulk purchases. i also would love to see coupons for things like fruits and vegetables. Those are the things that I could use a price break on!

[RobertaD]

I make my grocery list on the back of an envelope that came in the mail. When the ads come out I look through to see what is on sale that we use and add the items to my list. I then go through my coupons to pull any coupons to match what I'm planning on buying and put them into the envelope.

I do take my coupon binder with me when I go to the store as there seem to be a lot of items on sale that aren't in the sale flyer. I think it is to get you to walk the store!

The grocery stores in my area double $.50 or less coupons so I'm able to save about $100 a month using coupons (grocery and restuarant). With the store discount cards I save another $150-200.00 buy stocking up on sale.

Basically shopping sales and using coupons has cut my grocery bill in half as I generally spend $300 and save $250-300.

I have noticed a trend in coupons requiring you to purchase 2-3 items instead of just 1 with a 30 day expiration date.

Roberta