Couponing: A Few Basic Tips

So I’ve been thinking a lot recently about blogging about this and since I’ve been talking to a few of my {younger} colleagues about my awesome savings and the “how”, I thought now was a good time 🙂

**Disclaimer:  I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL COUPON-ER.**

I am merely sharing some of the things I’ve learned over the last couple of years.

***Ibotta – a little treasure I’m discovering many people don’t use. With Ibotta, you get cash back on everyday purchases from hundreds of retailers – grocery, clothing, housewares, personal items, etc. With some retailers you can sync up your rewards login, others you have to upload a receipt so Ibotta can see the items purchased so you can earn the cash back. As it accumulates, you’re able to ‘cash in’ for giftcards from favorite retailers.

1. If you shop at Target – Make sure you’re using CIRCLE!  What is it, you ask?  Within the Target app, you “add” your savings and then let them scan your barcode at checkout, where your savings come off your total.  {click ↑ the link ↑ for more info! AND sign up!!}  With Target Circle you “get perks, deals and a whole lot more every time you shop.”

2. Pick a grocery store and stick with it.  My store of choice is Publix.  And I could write a totally separate post on WHY…  Shopping really IS a pleasure there.  I love my Publix.  But.  I digress.  Go to ONE store and get familiar with how they run their specials.

3. Check the weekly ad…weekly.  My Publix has a new weekly ad every Wednesday and it’s like Christmas morning…every Wednesday.  I mean, not really, but I get excited now because I’m getting used to the deals, the coupons, the process and the savings…so really, it’s quite fun.  Oh!  And you can sign up to get the ad via your email!

4. For Publix they have Digital Coupons {you have to sign up with a login – and it’s linked to your phone number} and when you check out, you enter your phone number into the credit card pad.  Ever wondered why it’s asking for your phone number?  It wants to SAVE YOU MONEY.  Crazy, right?!

5. Publix also has coupons that you can print and cut.  Often the printable coupons are different {better??} than the digital ones.  You’ll want both.

6. AND Publix has “extra” savings flyers – with coupons.  My neighborhood store NEVER has these in paper form {I think there are a lot of professional coupon-ers in my ‘hood}, so I always have to print the coupons I want, online.  When you go to the weekly ad page, scroll to the bottom – Extra Savings and Extra Savings: Non-foods

7. If Publix is running a deal, say $6 off 2 Similac Formula.  You can use a manufacturer’s coupon with this deal.  Example:  I printed TWO $2 off Similac coupons.  I purchased TWO Similac formulas and got a total of $10 off.  $6 (Publix’s deal – $6 off 2) + $2 + $2.  WHAAT. $5 off each.  That made the formula not $32.99, but $27.99/ea.

8.  You can use a Publix coupon {can often be found in their “extra savings” flyers} + a manufacturer’s coupon…with a deal.  I know, I just blew your mind.

9. BOGO + coupons = even more savings.  Just read the fine print.

10. MAKE A LIST AND STICK TO IT.  Don’t buy what you don’t need and what you don’t normally use.  Don’t get caught up in the BOGOs and deals if they’re for products you don’t normally eat or use.  There will be more BOGOs next week!!

11. Stock up.  Stock up on the things you DO use/eat.  We bought 4 Similac formulas this week because of the deal.  They ended up being cheaper at Publix than Sam’s.

12. $10 off $50 gas/Visa gift cards with a $50 grocery purchase.  DO IT.  The gas card is the best deal b/c there is no activation fee.  The Visa card has a $4.95 activation fee, but you get a “free” $5.05.  And you’re going to spend at least $50 in groceries anyway.  Just go ahead and snip that little coupon.  These are often found in the weekly ad {first page} or the “extra savngs” flyers.

That’s it.  It’s really not overwhelming, I promise.  But it does take a little planning.  I’ve got it down to about a 30 minute process now – and you can too, with a little practice!!

For those of you who are seasoned coupon-ers – please leave any tidbits and tips below!

***This post may contain affiliate links for which I may receive compensation or a discount. THANK YOU for clicking on the links.

**Updated 4/19/23