For all you newbies out there....or for those of you who are wanting to coupon but don't know where or how to start, we will be doing a segment on "how to coupon". We are newbies as well, but we are getting reallly good at it, so we would like to share what we have learned, at least to help you get the ball rolling.
STAY TUNED!
PS: If you have any questions right off the bat, I will answer them in the next segment.
Showing posts with label Coupon Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coupon Tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Costco
So this weekend we decided to get out of the house and go for a drive to one of our neighboring cities. We decided to check out Costco. Well we walked all over the store, checking grocery and produce prices. We weren't there to buy necessarily unless we found a great deal. Dave noticed that the computers and clothing were not too bad of a price. We mostly buy used for clothing, but if you prefer new, then its not too bad. Overall, the prices were a little high. If you're considering a membership, go in and check it out yourself. Do your comparison shopping and see if its really worth it.
Monday, 23 May 2011
May Long Weekend
I hope everyone had a great long weekend. It was very much deserved in this household!
We didn't do a whole lot of couponing this weekend, which brings me to this next part. Just because you have coupons, doesn't mean you NEED to spend money. The whole point of couponing is to SAVE. I will be the first to admit that sometimes I get caught up in shopping and the thrill of finding a great deal. Well not every week will you find awesome deals. If you have been doing this for a while you should have a stock pile of essentials to hold you a week or two, so you can watch the coupons and matching them with upcoming flyer deals. You may only find 1 or 2 good deals or you may not find any. We shop at 7 different stores on a weekly basis. If I don't see a good deal that week, I don't buy. I have enough stores to hold me so I am not desperate to spend on "not so good prices". This is a job. It takes time to go through the flyers, and matching coupons, and checking up on the price matching as well.
Give yourself a budget. Start with $500/month and work your way down to $200. This will take a lot practice and patience. As time goes on you will get really good at it, and you will be amazed at how much you will save. Eventually you will want to try and save more and more each month.
You need to watch your meat deals. We have a tough time finding good deals in this department. I will admit that we did get a good one at save-on-foods where it was B1G1. So 2 birds for $9 which worked out to $4.50 each. Pretty good deal, as we get 2 meals and sandwich's out of each. This is far and few between. Now from past experience it doesn't pay to buy meat that is really cheap as the quality can be terrible. I have bought new zealand meat which is tougher than leather unless you marinate it for 2 days. Try keeping a log of what meat prices are from week to week. I was told once by an older friend that any meat under $5/lb is a good deal. Well she was right to a point, but I can usually find a better deal if I wait it out and buy alot to hold me until the next good deal. Sometimes you need to buy in bigger packages to save lots. That's where all those ziplock bags we got on sale will come in handy!!!!! Yeah it takes work to make smaller packages, but its so worth it, and it only takes a few extra minutes.
We will try and watch the meat deals and post as soon as we can so you too can take advantage.
Happy couponing!!
We didn't do a whole lot of couponing this weekend, which brings me to this next part. Just because you have coupons, doesn't mean you NEED to spend money. The whole point of couponing is to SAVE. I will be the first to admit that sometimes I get caught up in shopping and the thrill of finding a great deal. Well not every week will you find awesome deals. If you have been doing this for a while you should have a stock pile of essentials to hold you a week or two, so you can watch the coupons and matching them with upcoming flyer deals. You may only find 1 or 2 good deals or you may not find any. We shop at 7 different stores on a weekly basis. If I don't see a good deal that week, I don't buy. I have enough stores to hold me so I am not desperate to spend on "not so good prices". This is a job. It takes time to go through the flyers, and matching coupons, and checking up on the price matching as well.
Give yourself a budget. Start with $500/month and work your way down to $200. This will take a lot practice and patience. As time goes on you will get really good at it, and you will be amazed at how much you will save. Eventually you will want to try and save more and more each month.
You need to watch your meat deals. We have a tough time finding good deals in this department. I will admit that we did get a good one at save-on-foods where it was B1G1. So 2 birds for $9 which worked out to $4.50 each. Pretty good deal, as we get 2 meals and sandwich's out of each. This is far and few between. Now from past experience it doesn't pay to buy meat that is really cheap as the quality can be terrible. I have bought new zealand meat which is tougher than leather unless you marinate it for 2 days. Try keeping a log of what meat prices are from week to week. I was told once by an older friend that any meat under $5/lb is a good deal. Well she was right to a point, but I can usually find a better deal if I wait it out and buy alot to hold me until the next good deal. Sometimes you need to buy in bigger packages to save lots. That's where all those ziplock bags we got on sale will come in handy!!!!! Yeah it takes work to make smaller packages, but its so worth it, and it only takes a few extra minutes.
We will try and watch the meat deals and post as soon as we can so you too can take advantage.
Happy couponing!!
Friday, 20 May 2011
New Tip
Just got a tip from another crafty couponer...
go to websaver.ca scroll to the bottom and click on site map, then you will see brand coupon portals. These are hidden coupons. This might help you.
go to websaver.ca scroll to the bottom and click on site map, then you will see brand coupon portals. These are hidden coupons. This might help you.
Lisa's Tips....
So I have finally had a minute, amongst couponing to to add my 2 bits about what has been going on since we started this blog.
I have to say, I love the rush from finding a great deal. In today's world with the cost of everything going up, its nice to know that there is a way to save our hard earned dollars. Now this is no easy task, and I will also say that this is time consuming at the best of times; but as my father and grandfather always said, "nothing good comes easy, so when the going gets tough, the tough get going!"
David and I started this blog after seeing the show "extreme couponing". Now this show is pretty crazy, I will agree. I mean how many bags of pampers do you need? Really? I suppose if you have more than one baby, go for it!
So, here are are a few things I have learned in my few short weeks of doing this.
1. You MUST have a good antivirus program on your computer. I was recently attacked by something and it did a number on the old computer. There are many bad sites and you won't know until its too late.
2. Follow the other blogs, websites (some of which we have listed and will continue to list) these other gals/guys have some awesome tips as well.
3. Don't feel bad about using a coupon. The manufacturer put it out for you to use it. So go forth! Some cashiers hate them..haven't figured out why yet. Walmart has the best cashiers!!! too bad we can't stack!
4. Don't buy things that you don't normally use unless its the best deal ever! (FREE) you can then give it away.
5. Finally, and I am sure David has mentioned this...PLEASE DONATE! We don't need to be greedy. It feels good to give.
6. You will go through stagnant times of not finding good coupons or not receiving ones in the mail, but this too will pass, and more will come. Be patient!
I have to say, I love the rush from finding a great deal. In today's world with the cost of everything going up, its nice to know that there is a way to save our hard earned dollars. Now this is no easy task, and I will also say that this is time consuming at the best of times; but as my father and grandfather always said, "nothing good comes easy, so when the going gets tough, the tough get going!"
David and I started this blog after seeing the show "extreme couponing". Now this show is pretty crazy, I will agree. I mean how many bags of pampers do you need? Really? I suppose if you have more than one baby, go for it!
So, here are are a few things I have learned in my few short weeks of doing this.
1. You MUST have a good antivirus program on your computer. I was recently attacked by something and it did a number on the old computer. There are many bad sites and you won't know until its too late.
2. Follow the other blogs, websites (some of which we have listed and will continue to list) these other gals/guys have some awesome tips as well.
3. Don't feel bad about using a coupon. The manufacturer put it out for you to use it. So go forth! Some cashiers hate them..haven't figured out why yet. Walmart has the best cashiers!!! too bad we can't stack!
4. Don't buy things that you don't normally use unless its the best deal ever! (FREE) you can then give it away.
5. Finally, and I am sure David has mentioned this...PLEASE DONATE! We don't need to be greedy. It feels good to give.
6. You will go through stagnant times of not finding good coupons or not receiving ones in the mail, but this too will pass, and more will come. Be patient!
Stackable Coupon Idea
I was told at London Drugs that we can stack coupons as long as they are different and with different bar codes. Here is a link for $2 off any stayfree feminine pads. I will use this one along with the other $2 off coupon and stack them for $4 off.
http://www.stayfree.ca/sampling/en/coupon-print.asp
http://www.stayfree.ca/sampling/en/coupon-print.asp
Acronyms For Couponing
AC = After Coupon
BOGO or B1G1 = Buy One, Get One Free
B2G1 = Buy Two, Get One Free
B3G1 = Buy Three, Get One Free
C/O = Cents Off Coupon
CFK = Cash For Kids (coupon that donates part of the value to charity)
FAR = Free After Rebate
FREE ITEM COUPON/FPC = A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free.
FT = For Trade
HBA = Health and Beauty Aid
HV = High Value
IP = Internet Printable Coupon
LF = Looking For
MIR = Mail In Rebate
NED = No Expiry Date
OOP = Out of Pocket
OYNO = On Your Next Order
PM = Private Message/Price Match
P&G = Proctor & Gamble (coupon booklet & website)
Peelie = A coupon that is attached directly to the product to be “peeled off“.
POP = Proof of Purchase
PP = Purchase Price
RC = Raincheck
RAOK = Random Act of Kindness
SCOP = Scanning Code of Practice
SMP = Specially Marked Packages
SPC = Student Price Card (www.spccard.ca)
STACKING = Some stores allow the use of more than one coupon per item, if the coupon itself does not restrict it.
SASE = Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
SS = Smart Source (coupon booklet)
Tear-pad = A pad of coupons, usually on the shelf or display, where you tear the coupon off of the pad.
TFT = Toonies for Tummies (coupon booklet)
TMF = Try Me Free
Train = A Coupon Train.
VWT = Virtual Wishlist Train
WYB/WUB = When You Buy
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary
Stores:
LD = London Drugs
RCSS = Real Canadian Superstore
SDM = Shoppers Drug Mart
WM = Walmart
NF = No Frills
BOGO or B1G1 = Buy One, Get One Free
B2G1 = Buy Two, Get One Free
B3G1 = Buy Three, Get One Free
C/O = Cents Off Coupon
CFK = Cash For Kids (coupon that donates part of the value to charity)
FAR = Free After Rebate
FREE ITEM COUPON/FPC = A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free.
FT = For Trade
HBA = Health and Beauty Aid
HV = High Value
IP = Internet Printable Coupon
LF = Looking For
MIR = Mail In Rebate
NED = No Expiry Date
OOP = Out of Pocket
OYNO = On Your Next Order
PM = Private Message/Price Match
P&G = Proctor & Gamble (coupon booklet & website)
Peelie = A coupon that is attached directly to the product to be “peeled off“.
POP = Proof of Purchase
PP = Purchase Price
RC = Raincheck
RAOK = Random Act of Kindness
SCOP = Scanning Code of Practice
SMP = Specially Marked Packages
SPC = Student Price Card (www.spccard.ca)
STACKING = Some stores allow the use of more than one coupon per item, if the coupon itself does not restrict it.
SASE = Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
SS = Smart Source (coupon booklet)
Tear-pad = A pad of coupons, usually on the shelf or display, where you tear the coupon off of the pad.
TFT = Toonies for Tummies (coupon booklet)
TMF = Try Me Free
Train = A Coupon Train.
VWT = Virtual Wishlist Train
WYB/WUB = When You Buy
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary
Stores:
LD = London Drugs
RCSS = Real Canadian Superstore
SDM = Shoppers Drug Mart
WM = Walmart
NF = No Frills
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Red Plum Schedule
Red Plum coupon insert schedule 2011:
January : 15
February : 5
March : 12
April : 9
May : 7
June : 4
July : 2
August : 13
September : 10
October : 1
October : 29
November : 26
The papers are the same the ones listed below for Smart Source!!!
January : 15
February : 5
March : 12
April : 9
May : 7
June : 4
July : 2
August : 13
September : 10
October : 1
October : 29
November : 26
The papers are the same the ones listed below for Smart Source!!!
Monday, 9 May 2011
Canadian Coupon Links
Here ya go-some Canadian Couponing Links:
http://save.ca/
http://smartcanucks.ca/tag/canadian-coupons/
http://www.frugalshopper.ca/
http://www.flyerland.ca
http://www.grocerysavings.ca/couponsPromotions.asp
http://coupons.redflagdeals.com/
Another way to get coupons is to email the company directly-Lisa emailed Reckitt Benckiser and received a free coupon for any of their products-which translated into a $19.00 box of Finish Dishwasher Powerball for free!
Another way is to search out blogs like this one or forums to find some great deals!!!
http://save.ca/
http://smartcanucks.ca/tag/canadian-coupons/
http://www.frugalshopper.ca/
http://www.flyerland.ca
http://www.grocerysavings.ca/couponsPromotions.asp
http://coupons.redflagdeals.com/
Another way to get coupons is to email the company directly-Lisa emailed Reckitt Benckiser and received a free coupon for any of their products-which translated into a $19.00 box of Finish Dishwasher Powerball for free!
Another way is to search out blogs like this one or forums to find some great deals!!!
Tips for finding coupons!
Ok this what you guys have been waiting for-tips for finding coupons. To be blunt there is no easy answer to where the coupons are online for Canada-type in Coupons Canada or Couponing Canada or Canadian Coupons into Google. I will provide some links, but sorry there is no magic cure to finding coupons-you have to search them out.
For even more tips-I recommend watching Extreme Couponing on the Learning Channel! Check your local listings. It gives you an idea of the potential savings and provides a good general overview of the whole process. Note: This is an American show-the rules are different- ie. you cannot stack coupons in most Canadian retail stores.
To begin with it is a very time consuming venture and it is not easy to find coupons in Canada. Lisa spends approx. 10-14 hours a week getting coupons on the internet and going through flyers. I help here go through flyers, as well, as it is very timely process.
Second of all you need a good printer as you will be printing a lot of coupons.
Thirdly make sure you getting Canadian and not American coupons.
Fourthly you need to make sure you have newspapers with flyers-you will need multiple papers.
Next you will need a car - you do have to go to multiple stores to generate savings!
Also you need to be able to organize well. Lisa has a binder and has to organize all of the coupons-you will need multiple binders by the end. You need to use hockey card pages and page dividers to separate all of the different coupons that you will need.
It does take time to search the savings and to actually shop-so you have to be good at budgeting time.
You do need to have a pair of kahunas to complete this. You may have multiple coupons for the cashier (who may not be pleased that you causing them extra work) or the shame of pushing a cart with 50 boxes of baggies through a busy store or go in for multiple trips to save even more money. Just remember these savings are paying for your dream vacation or helping you save money or even pay for your house faster.
Watch the cashier-they can make mistakes and really have a lot of coupons to deal with in the run of a week.
A new different email is a good decision-you do not want your work or personal email over-run with "junk mail". We use savingscratch@gmail.com for ours!
You may have to fill out a lot of forms-this is necessary to get coupons-you also have to send coupons to your house. Once you get going... you will never look at junk mail the same again.
Well there are some tips to get you going-links coming next!
For even more tips-I recommend watching Extreme Couponing on the Learning Channel! Check your local listings. It gives you an idea of the potential savings and provides a good general overview of the whole process. Note: This is an American show-the rules are different- ie. you cannot stack coupons in most Canadian retail stores.
To begin with it is a very time consuming venture and it is not easy to find coupons in Canada. Lisa spends approx. 10-14 hours a week getting coupons on the internet and going through flyers. I help here go through flyers, as well, as it is very timely process.
Second of all you need a good printer as you will be printing a lot of coupons.
Thirdly make sure you getting Canadian and not American coupons.
Fourthly you need to make sure you have newspapers with flyers-you will need multiple papers.
Next you will need a car - you do have to go to multiple stores to generate savings!
Also you need to be able to organize well. Lisa has a binder and has to organize all of the coupons-you will need multiple binders by the end. You need to use hockey card pages and page dividers to separate all of the different coupons that you will need.
It does take time to search the savings and to actually shop-so you have to be good at budgeting time.
You do need to have a pair of kahunas to complete this. You may have multiple coupons for the cashier (who may not be pleased that you causing them extra work) or the shame of pushing a cart with 50 boxes of baggies through a busy store or go in for multiple trips to save even more money. Just remember these savings are paying for your dream vacation or helping you save money or even pay for your house faster.
Watch the cashier-they can make mistakes and really have a lot of coupons to deal with in the run of a week.
A new different email is a good decision-you do not want your work or personal email over-run with "junk mail". We use savingscratch@gmail.com for ours!
You may have to fill out a lot of forms-this is necessary to get coupons-you also have to send coupons to your house. Once you get going... you will never look at junk mail the same again.
Well there are some tips to get you going-links coming next!
Picture Proof
This is our latest haul-I will go into more detail to show you what we did. First off to let you know what we acquired:
- 18 XL Ziploc Sandwich Bags (30 count)
- 2 Large Ziploc Freezer Bags (20 count)
- 4 Stayfree Pads (16 count)
- Catelli Smart Pasta
- 6 Pack Scott Paper Towel
- Old El Paso Salsa
- Old El Paso Soft Taco Kit
Approx Value: $87.00
How did we do it???
So what you really want to know is how we did it. First off you need to know that we have been saving coupons for a little while now. Second off you need to realize that this takes time and energy to accomplish and third off you need to watch flyers/ your local store in great detail.
So you also may ask why do they need so many sandwich bags....the answer is because they paid for the rest of the stuff. We got them for free basically....yes I said free! Here is what we did:
We saw in the flyer that Walmart has Ziploc Sandwich bags on sale for $1.49. We had a coupon that was for $4.00 of any 2 Ziploc Bags. So after the math-we made $1.02 for every 2 boxes of bags we bought. We bought 18 boxes of bags so we made $9.18 in credit to buy other stuff.
We had a coupon for a free salsa if you buy an Old El Paso Soft Taco Kit. We also had a $2.00 off Scott Towels coupon and a $0.75 off of Catelli Pasta.
The taco kit was $3.47 and the Salsa was free.
The pasta was $1.77 minus $0.75 = $1.02
The towels were $6.97 minus $2.00 = $4.97
We also bought 2 boxes of freezer bags at $3.17 each minus $4.00
Our total: $2.44 plus $4.79 tax (you pay tax on the whole total unless it says free on the coupon)
We pay: $7.23
The Stayfree Pads were at Shoppers Drugmart on sale in the flyer for $1.99. We had multiple $1.99 coupons for the pads. We had to pay $0.40 tax.
The real or normal retail value of these products is around $87.00. After using flyers, coupons and some fancy math we only paid around 7% for the stuff.
As for having all these bags that we won't use-they will be donated to the local food bank who says they can use stuff like that or just about anything!
Happy Savings!
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