It’s time for Challenge #4 in Budget Bootcamp. This is the time to really get serious, friends. Last week, Clair mentioned, “We’re gonna get you yet, girl!” and I fear that we have entered unfamiliar territory this week. This is the part I’ve been waiting for.
The Challenge:
Simply gather coupons this week.
Why? From Beth: “While many say they spend more when clipping coupons, there’s more to it than just using them. You have to use them at the right time! Confused, read over Coupon Myths & Facts to get past your coupon stereotypes. Then, start stocking up, because couponers can save an average of 50-70% per shopping trip if you know how to use them correctly.”
How? Beth lists some great sources for finding coupons:
- Subscribe to the newspaper. The savings will more than make-up the cost! And, consider All You Magazine too.
- Register online with manufacturers of products you love or often use and sign up for their e-mailing list, mailing list, and rewards program (if they have one).
- Keep your eyes peeled in-store for blinkies, peelies, tearpads, and in-store coupon opportunities.
- Sign-up for a few samples, just for the high-value coupons that often accompany them.
- Follow 2-3 frugal blogs, like In Good Cents & Mummy Deals, to get hot coupon alerts!
Ok, I admit that I know how to clip coupons. In fact, I often do clip coupons. I stick them in an envelope and carry them around in my purse….until they expire and I throw them out. I pull them out of my purse while I’m shopping and check out the items that I have coupons for, but more often than not the deal is not “good enough” for me to use the coupons. So, again, they go back into my purse until the next time I remember to pull them out and consider using them.
I have a nice stash of coupons in my purse now….but this time they are ready and waiting for my next lesson or two from my Bootcamp mentors. Come back next week to see what my next step is in becoming a pro couponer.
PS–thanks to paying closer attention to coupons and circulars (and friend’s advice) this week, I was able to get a free backpack from Staples for KitKat’s first year of high school as well as almost all the other school supplies we need (for FIVE students!!) for about $35. I am thrilled with our deals. And I am thrilled that I knew where to go for the best prices. All because I spent a few minutes looking over circulars.
How many coupons did YOU clip this week?
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Yep, that’s exactly what I do. :)
YOU are the one who taught me to look for coupons online. That is something that I do regularly now. Never pay full price for a pizza! :)
I told you–this is my weak spot. I’ve always been jealous of my friends who know how to work the system, but I never figured it out. :)
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAY! I just knew it!
Gosh, I love coupons but I always forget to look for them! I need to follow these tips cuz I’ve gotten crazy deals before!
I have to remember to bring them with me to the store. I do clip them, but seem to forget them at times