by Mandi -Watch where the chalk-white arrows go. To the place where the sidewalk ends. S.S.
Member since:
January 24, 2006

SAVING FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON

June 05, 2008 02:46 PM EDT
views: 358 | rating: 10/10 (56 votes) | comments: 67

 

 

 

 

 

Hello all! I hope where ever you are the weather is calm. Here in the Midwest we have been beaten by strong storms, tornados and flooding. And there is more to come in the next few days.

This weeks: Saving for the Average Person is a continuation of how much we can save with coupons.

I was never a big coupon user until recently. After finding out I could buy coupons on eBay I started searching out coupons for items we use every month. Like cat food, dog food, kitty litter, personal items like certain brands of shampoo, hair dye, etc.

Last month I kept a running tally of what I bought and had a coupon for and my savings over all.

If you were a coupon nay-sayer, maybe this will help change your mind:

12- $3 fresh step kitty litter coupons bought on eBay for $10. ($36 in coupon savings)

I have already used 3saving me $9 The coupons are good until December, so they will all get used. ($9 total savings on kitty litter from May until now)

Purina wet cat food coupons found in paper for $2 off a case of 12 or more cans.

Case was on sale for $12(down from $14) with coupon $10. ($4 total savings)

$5hair dye coupon for new Perfect Ten dye. Jewel had a buy one get one free sale. (One box is normally $10) I got 2 boxes for $5 with sale and coupon. ($15 total savings)

Dry cat food coupon for $8 off a 3.5 pound bag or bigger. I buy the 17 pound bag for $17.

(Savings $8)

Garnier hair conditioner(I have very long hair and this is the only brand that really works for me) I found a $2 off coupon in the paper. Wal-Mart had a sale of $2 off a bottle of the family size. I paid $1 for a family size bottle!( $4 savings total)

Total savings on items I buy every month anyway: $40. OR a tank of gas for my Chevy Aveo.

Proof positive that with a little work and some patience finding sales, you can save significant amounts of money with coupons!

Mandi Gordon money correspondent for Gather.com

Mandi lives in northern IL with her husband, daughter and 6 pets. They may be in Oz by the end of the weekend.
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Comments: 67

Barb (Gather Site Ferret) Carlson Jun 5, 2008, 2:55pm EDT
Great advice! Now if I could just find the time to do coupons ...
barbara, I spent maybe an hour in a whole month on coupons. And hour for a $40 pay off is fine by me!
Ghostly Ghoul Jun 5, 2008, 3:11pm EDT
I can't bring myself to buy coupons, however i do find them online, trade and get the sunday paper. I love em!
Kay M. Jun 5, 2008, 3:37pm EDT
You got some good deals. I should be more conscientious about using them.
CyberGwen ! Jun 5, 2008, 3:51pm EDT
I have no problems using coupons and I save a lot. I haven't made the jump to buy them yet though.

I know that I save at least $100 a month that way. I am getting really good at watching sales and combining the savings. Also, my store doubles!
Gwen, you are so lucky to have a store that doubles!! Our stores here in northern IL don't do it anymore ;-(

thanks all!
Heather W. Jun 5, 2008, 4:04pm EDT
Hey I drive a Chevy Aveo also :) Great gas mileage aye?

I really need to start doing the coupon thing, I just never get around to doing it.
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Jun 5, 2008, 4:12pm EDT
You are pretty good with coupons.
Vicky P. Jun 5, 2008, 4:45pm EDT
Coupons have always been a great source of saving.
Amy B. Jun 5, 2008, 5:37pm EDT
I always put aside the money I save by using coupons and it becomes my fund for something that wouldn't normally be in the budget. I had never heard of buying coupons on ebay though.
Cyndi B. Jun 5, 2008, 6:08pm EDT
I need to find more items to use coupons on - my favorite store won't accept the ones I print, and I don't get the paper (because the coupon section was horrible) but maybe I should check out e-bay. I'm on there quite often anyhow.

Thanks for the advice!
glad to help!

thanks all!
Cheryl W. Jun 5, 2008, 8:08pm EDT
I used to use coupons a lot, but don't use them a lot as of late since I don't buy a lot of name brand items. I find that even with the coupon, the name brands are often still more expensive than the brands I buy....(UNLESS I can find a place which doubles coupons). One trick I did learn in using coupons, however...is to make sure and use them for items you would normally buy in the first place. If you don't, you can end up spending even more money than you usually would. Nice article!...:)
donna h. Jun 5, 2008, 8:37pm EDT
I love coupons..but I don't think I buy them on ebay..I do buy duplicate papers
Mandi,
Just for your info - those Fresh Step coupons? When you buy the cat litter, take the paw point codes off and go to www.freshstep.com and join their paw points program - you'll get your own coupons, we've been doing that and everytime you buy fresh step, you'll get between 45-50 points and you just redeem them for that $3 coupon - they mail it out to you.
We always use coupons IF it's something we buy in the first place.
Another good place to get them from is by signing up for the kraftfoods mailed</> out magazine - last months was full of coupons and a lot that I use and they're double-able too - the ones I didn't use, I put into our Human Services coupon box - we've got a coupon exchange there and you can take things you use and leave coupons you don't use - as I'm there anyways as I make the soaps (lighthouses, which is their logo for their Suicide Prevention Org.), and I also donate soap there - I can also go through the coupons at the same time.
Shampoo, I can get wholesale as well as if I wish to get hair conditioner (the one we like), I have a Sally's card that, being an aromtherapist they offered me. Great discounts, the same as hair dressers get, and I do use that.

On the site - www.dealofday.com - they also have an area that people trade or give away (mail them to you) coupons of all types, so there are many free ones out there.

Good article!
Marilyn
Oops, forgot to take the other writing off - sorry.
Deloris Wright Jun 5, 2008, 10:35pm EDT
I use to use coupons a lot. Now with the price of every thing I need to do the coupond Thing again Thanks for the good idea
Sophiya S. Jun 5, 2008, 10:37pm EDT
great advice
Sophiya S. Jun 5, 2008, 10:38pm EDT
kool
Elizabeth Madrigal Jun 5, 2008, 10:42pm EDT
I save mostly by not going shopping. That sounds crazy, but if I confine my trips to the least number necessary, buying a big quantity of items, it cures me from making another big trip.:)

Coupons have saved me a whole lot of money, though. Today I had a $10 off if you spend $50 at the market. I spent $51, and got $10 off. It just takes planning and commitment - and then remembering you have the coupons.:)
April H. Jun 5, 2008, 11:29pm EDT
I save a lot of money by using coupons!
Ellie !. Jun 5, 2008, 11:32pm EDT
I find that the coupons I see are all for expensive, processed convenience foods that I don't buy. We should start a coupon bank!
eLLIE, i ONLY USE COUPONS FOR THINGS i BUY EVERY MONTH ANYWAY. ;-) If you start to look for specific coupons you will find them...it may take a little time, but they are around ;-)

marilyn, I religiously put in my kitty litter codes...I have never gotten a coupon...my account says I have to get 700 points or something like that to get a coupon! So the $3 coupons I got off ebay were a great deal!

thanks everyone!
Carol P. Jun 6, 2008, 1:08pm EDT

BabiTag Comments - Sassy Trendy Sexy
Jan S. Jun 6, 2008, 1:20pm EDT
This is terrific! I've learned not only to use the coupons and shop at sales, but to actually put the amount "saved" into a bank. That way I am spending less and actually saving. It's remarkable how quickly those dollars here and there will add up.
Kathryn E. Jun 6, 2008, 1:28pm EDT
I don't use coupons that much but you are right that for the cuopons you need, it can be a real saver. I will look into these pet coupons.

Sometimes, time is more of a crunch than money.
Fran S. Jun 6, 2008, 1:42pm EDT
I used to be known as the Coupon Queen when I was a stay at home mom many years ago.... people in line at the grocery store first got ticked off while the cashier punched in my coupons, then they became amazed at how much I saved.... I am sure I converted a few naysayers in my years as the Coupon Queen...... I don't work with coupons much anymore because I don't have the patience to clip and coordinate my lists with the newspaper coupons... but after reading your posting I might be a New Convert myself!!
Sharon P. Jun 6, 2008, 1:52pm EDT
I use coupons a lot. I also have started buying most of my produce at our local Dollar Store. I've also gotten pretty stringent about so called luxuries. I now call a lot of them unnecessary.
Jennifer G. Jun 6, 2008, 2:00pm EDT
Wow, thank you! :)
Also, stay safe with the storms... I'm in KS, and I've been thinking I might be in Oz pretty soon myself...
suey v. Jun 6, 2008, 2:05pm EDT
I save coupons regularly and use them when something is on sale.....Saves me a few dollars a month.
Marilyn M. Jun 6, 2008, 2:08pm EDT
Thanks for the advice.
~~ Sarina ~~ Jun 6, 2008, 2:17pm EDT
I have started using coupons and am always looking for a good sale on the things I normally use. When I find a bargain too good to pass up, I usually buy enough to last me for a while.
thanks all!!!
Robert - just a simple man - B. Jun 6, 2008, 2:20pm EDT
Being a man with only a canine for a dependent I don't do much coupon clipping except for the Sunday paper AND only for things I get each couple of weeks anyhow. But just doing that I usually realize a savings of about $50 a month which pays for the Sunday paper five times over.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Jun 6, 2008, 2:21pm EDT
Storms? A decent one rolled through San Antonio a couple of hours ago but now the sun's out and we'll probably be over a hundred degrees by 5:00.
way to go Robert! ;-)
robert, yuck on the weather! I can NOT stand the heat..it is about 90 in the sun here and really humid...I am dieing.
Sarah (I want points) Jun 6, 2008, 2:48pm EDT
Sounds like you got some good deals using coupons.
Cheryl R. Jun 6, 2008, 2:59pm EDT
Way to go, Mandi. That $40. in the Aveo is a great savings too.
Barbara B. Jun 6, 2008, 3:08pm EDT
The girls that do my shopping can't be bothered with
those coupons. Wish I could do my own shopping!!
Barbara B. Jun 6, 2008, 3:15pm EDT
I always uesd the coupons when I shopped Mandi.
Barbara B. Jun 6, 2008, 3:16pm EDT
If it didn't make my legs and back hurt so darned
much I could do my own shopping dag nab it!!!!
Sheila Deeth Jun 6, 2008, 4:04pm EDT
I used to never use coupons. Now I choose where to shop and what to buy by who's got the best coupons and prices.
Sharon B. Jun 6, 2008, 4:14pm EDT
I buy generics which ends up cheaper than the name brands even when they are on sale and you have a coupon. It takes a lot less time also and I don't put out money for a coupon that I may never end up using.
Mandi;

I often find that the store brands are a better deal even WITH coupons..


just a thought.
donna f. Jun 6, 2008, 4:37pm EDT
I've been a couponer for decades now. Today I got a real thrill though...I went to a fairly new Kroger on my way home from work, as it is much nicer than my home store. As I checked out, the cashier handed me my receipt and told me to take it to the service desk, as I had won a $20 gas card....how cool is that?
carolyn m. Jun 6, 2008, 5:24pm EDT
show me the way please thank you
Mary M. Jun 6, 2008, 7:38pm EDT
Mandi, no convincing me is necessary! I save hundreds of dollars a year by matching coupons to sales and store specials. It's worth every minute of time I invest.
Mary M. Jun 6, 2008, 7:40pm EDT
Doc, of course you don't want to pay more, the trick is to go the extra step and do some matiching, then buying in bulk at a great price;). Donna, Good for you! Free gas is a great thing to win!
necee t. Jun 6, 2008, 7:47pm EDT
great article... coupons are very important....
Cindy K. Jun 6, 2008, 8:15pm EDT
I've used coupons forever. All of our grocery stores double them. I read the ads to see what's on sale, write my list, then go through the coupons. I do it while I'm watching TV, so it takes no extra time! I save ALOT that way. I've taught my daughters and all my friends to do the same.
Adele G. Jun 6, 2008, 9:01pm EDT
Thanks for all the good advice. And take care we don't want you in Oz, we want you right here with us. Stay safe.
Aunt Boni H. Jun 6, 2008, 9:21pm EDT
Jan, now THAT is a really good idea: Tally up the coupon savings, then put the equal value of cash into the piggy bank! Good bonus idea to this article!
Georgiana S. Jun 6, 2008, 10:00pm EDT
I usually saved about $20 a time with coupons, the problem with me was, I would tend to buy an item because I had a coupon rather than because I needed the item!
Diana Raabe Jun 6, 2008, 10:37pm EDT
I hate coupons, absolutely hate them! But they do add up to savings if you pay attention!
Bijou *~MotherGrizzly~* M. Jun 6, 2008, 10:55pm EDT
Great advice! I love using coupons, but I do need to organize them better. Working with coupons often feels like a full time job in itself!
samantha b. Jun 7, 2008, 11:01am EDT
thanks for the tip!
Margaret G. Jun 7, 2008, 4:13pm EDT
Love those coupons. Saved $50 at Giant yesterday. The cashier asked me if I would go shopping with her!
Sarah (is happy to be near a T.V.) G. Jun 7, 2008, 10:28pm EDT
I try to use coupons whenever possible. Another great article!
Beverly P. Jun 8, 2008, 12:30am EDT
UGH! I wish I would utilize coupons!! I swear I'm going to but never end up doing it! LOL
DragonSoul !. Jun 8, 2008, 3:38am EDT
With rising costs of gas and just about everything else on the planet, we have to save whatever money we can these days. Clipping coupons and paying attention to sales and seasonal trends can definitely pay dividends! We watch where we shop and only go in for what we have coupons for or what is already on sale whenever possible. We also try to buy stuff in bulk to get it cheaper by the unit and to limit our trips to the stores (and spending more on gas to get us to and from the stores...something that is incresingly important when the nearest stores of any value are 30 minutes away from home lol.) Since we each drive about an hour to work, we also try to do our shopping on our way home to avoid special and often unnecessary trips (again, saving on gas!)
Karen W. Jun 8, 2008, 3:47pm EDT
I went to the grocery store with a bunch of coupons in hand. Only to be told by the cashier "did you print these on a computer?" "We don't accept these." I wrote a email to my points and I am waiting for an answer back. I don't think they can do anything. The manager said that anyone can make coupons. I said with two barcodes and a scu?

STINKS
Karen
Dorothy H. Jun 9, 2008, 11:17pm EDT
Cool!!!

Triple points for you!!!
Rachel M. Jun 10, 2008, 4:51pm EDT
I like place like rite aid and walgreen that have free after rebate items, i never pay for shampoo and rarely for razors etc. and i always get my money make from riteaid, i use the online submissions (not enough info on walgreens.) Last month i got a $49 check from rite aid.
Cecilia Lyne Dec 27, 2008, 9:09am EST
great article I have just really started using coupons and sales and have been able to start a pretty nice stock pile. :) thanks for posting
Tammy F. Jan 9, 2009, 5:59am EST
I have been using coupons for years and often get some resistance from my local Wal-Mart. But I continue to use them, saving my family at least $20 with each trip to the store. I just wonder how great I could do if we had a store that would double them up to $1.
Felicia R. Jan 12, 2009, 7:26am EST
Hello :o),

I just wanted to stop by since I am finally going through what is now listed as under 4,800 pieces of gather new mail that is sitting in my inbox on here.

With that mentioned I just came across either a mailing from you yourself, or someone else brought this piece to my attention. You or they felt that your creation should be shared with the gather community, which I am very glad that it was passed on to me to view. So I wanted to say Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to publish it here on gather for us to all view. :o)

As well before I leave you I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year... in 2009 :o)

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