How to Coupon

I recently watched Food Inc (ya gotta see it) and have started to change some of my eating habits because of it. I am buying a little more organic foods and really begining to pay attention to what is in what I eat. A lot of people think that you cant eat healthy and coupon shop, they woud be wrong.

First rule of Couponing is SHOP THE SALES!!!!!!! Every week the different stores in your area have different sales going on. For instance Hellmans Mayo is all my family uses. It is regularly $5.39 ish in the store. Jewel will put these of sale for 2 for $5.00 frequently. Furthermore you can find coupons (sunday paper, writing the company or online). My local stores will also have specials like buy $20 of these products get a $10 coupon (or catalina) on your next order. So say the hellmans was a part of that promotion. I could buy 4 (we use lots of mayo) for $20 plus tax. I would then use 8 $.75/1 hellmans coupons.

so 8 Hellmans $20
minus $6.00 coupons (8 times $.75/1)
I would pay $14.00 but get back $10 to use on my next order.

Now here in da chi these buy x get y back deals it usually runs on shelf price and not sale so really I could get 4 for $10 minus $3 in coupons pay $7 and get $10 back. This is what we call a money making deal.

The important things to remember is understand the normal and sales prices of the things you buy. Stockpile those items when they are on sale, using coupon and store promotions to maximize your savings. Personally I use the On your next order catalinas to get the things that generally do not have coupons like meats, veggie and fruits, or my Dr pepper.

My monthly budget is about $100-$150 a month. It includes all food, drinks, personal care items etc. Everything is name brand and there is always more then enough. I am fortunate to be able to share my extras with friends and family. This is possible for anyone to do and does not take that much time.