Bargain Huntress

Most of you know that I'm always up for a good deal. Lately, I've really been looking into this "coupon-ing" thing.

Some people get super crazy with it and end up buying a ton of stuff and getting paid for it. Which is awesome, if it is stuff you need and will use. Otherwise, I feel like it is just wasteful (unless you are donating it...then more power to you!).

Anyway, last week I made my first attempt at scouring out coupons and went to Publix for my weekly trip armed and ready. I ended up saving a little over $20 which kind of excited me. The check-out girl was excited too, which kind of made me smile. :) Ok. Let's face it. I was excited and I did smile...a lot.

This week I've been looking more into it trying to find coupons for things I need. Sometimes it is frustrating because online coupon hunting is well...not easy. It seems like every other site I visit wants you to fill out 732 surveys before you can get to your coupon and I'm just not wasting my time with that. Sorry.

One thing I have noticed from reading blogs of people who coupon is that they shop around...CVS, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, Local Grocery Store, etc. Just the idea of that stresses me out. Having multiple lists...driving all over creation...ahhhh!!!!

Well, I seem to have "buckled under pressure" this week because, I am planning on visiting 3 stores to save the most moolah. However, if I go to Target first, the other two are on my way back home and I would pass by them no matter what, so I don't feel too bad.

A few things I have learned:

1. Publix and Walmart accept other store's coupons
2. There are manufactor coupons all the freakin time if you just look for them.

So...I was searching through all the local ads (online of course) b/c Publix matches prices. Well I noticed that there were several things at Target and a few of them come with Target gift cards...so I need to go there. Then, I saw CVS. I discovered that you get AMAZING prices on AMAZING things if you have their CVS card thingy. Signed up for one of those ASAP.

I will be getting $15 on a gift card at Target for buying things I buy anyway (paper towels, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets). Score.

At CVS, I will be getting organic make up B1G1 50% off, Aveeno bodywash for $5.99 (doing a little dance), Organix shampoo and conditioner for $4.99 each (usually $8-10), and the Pampers Megapack of diapers for $14.99.

How does this help you????

1. check your local Target and CVS ads
2. I'm giving you some links I've searched LONG and HARD for so you can save some moolah too. If you are pleased, you are welcome to send me all the money you save :)
   

First of all, for general purposes, check out www.coupons.com, couponmom.com, and shoplocal.com often for new deals with printable coupons.

If you have a Publix (and I'm sure it applies to whatever your store is too), check the weekly ads for sales and B1G1 free. When non-perishable things are on sale, that's the time to buy it so stock up :) Also, check to make sure your store matches other prices and see if they double coupons (if you have two, you can use both on the same item). You can usually find this info online.

Go to www.eatbetteramerica.com/coupons (you may have to register) for printable organic and healthfood coupons. You can print each of these coupons twice!

Go to www.organicvalley.coop/coupons for coupons on organic dairy products. I REALLY love their stick butter and the coupon makes it cheaper than the parkay I used to buy. Most of these coupons are for $1 off the product and I'm pretty sure you can print them twice too.

Go to www.horizonorganic.com, click on the pop up menu where it says "get a coupon" and then you have to give them your email and name. No biggie. Then print your coupon. Print these twice and double them (use two on one product).

Go to seventhgeneration.com/coupons (after you register with the site...they won't attack you, just send you more coupons) and print your coupons for AMAZING stuff. You can print coupons to save $2 off any one baby product (wipes, diapers, etc.), $1 off any one cleaning product, or $1 off any one laundry product. Print all three, as many times as it will let you. :)

And last, but not least, go to www.coupons.mambosprouts.com/online_coupons to find some awesome coupons that change on a regular basis. The one I was really interested in is save $.50 on any method cleaning product.

I know couponing can seem like it is "not for you" or just a pain or whatever, but seriously, save some money. Especially if you stay at home. I figured out that doing the bare minimum, I can save enough in a month for half of my Wii :)

It isn't so hard. Do the simple stuff. Buy what is on sale. When all else fails, do a google search for the product you want to buy...chances are you'll find a manufactor's coupon somewhere.