Coupons aren't for me...

"Coupons really aren't for me. I can only ever find coupons for things I don't buy." This was what I thought before I really started focusing on paring down our grocery bill.

I discovered coupons aren't for everyone. They aren't for you if:

:: You don't want to spend the time they entail- and that is perfectly OK! If you feel comfortable with your current grocery and toiletry bill, that is perfectly fine!

OR

:: You don't buy the following:


Toothpaste/Toothbrushes/Mouthwash
Shampoo
Body Wash/Soap
Deodorant
Razors/shaving cream
Makeup
Pain relievers
Diapers/Wipes
Toilet paper
Cleaners
Air fresheners
Laundry detergent
Baking mixes
Frozen Vegetables
Spaghetti sauce
Canned vegetables, including tomatoes
Canned soup
Cereal
Salad dressing
etc, etc, etc.

So, if you are looking to cut your grocery bill, but you still don't see coupons you think you can use, try considering a few things:

:: Don't be brand specific- Sure you like a particular brand, but would you like another brand that much less if you could get it for free or cheaper than generic?

:: Try just using coupons on toiletries- everyone needs toiletries- you could even track your savings to see if coupons are worth it for you

:: Yes generic is cheaper than most brand name items, but brand name items can be cheaper if you match the right coupon to the right sale:: Frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh; if your grocery store doubles coupons, you could get many of the frozen vegetables free or under $1

:: Look at your local grocery stores- is there a grocery store nearby that you don't shop at because you think it is too expensive that just may have some great deals on their sales? I used to completely avoid Shaws because on a whole their products are very expensive. Once I discovered they double coupons up to $0.99 and have incredible sales on occasion, I have really cut my grocery bill. Check A Full Cup to see if your local grocery store coupon matchups are listed or check online to see if there is a blog that lists deals for your local grocery store.

Some things I've found true for myself are:

• I use the most coupons on toiletries and household items.


• I always check to make sure the deal I think I'm getting is cheaper than another brand or generic.


• I shop at 2 grocery stores a week. On Wednesday's I come up with a menu and grocery list based on what I have in the house. On Thursday's I check the Shaw's online flyer for sales. Whatever I need that I can't get on sale at Shaw's, I get at Market Basket Thursday morning. I hardly ever use a coupon at Market Basket because their generic is cheaper than any other brand I've found. On Friday I make a trip to Shaws since their sales run Friday thru Thursday. I only ever buy what I can get a really good deal on at Shaws. Otherwise they are much too expensive.


• Unless there is a great deal at the grocery store, I always get my toiletries at CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid when they are on sale. I try to always keep a stockpile and pick things up when they are on sale and I know we're getting low. You can get most of the toiletries listed above either free or really inexpensively (ie: less than $1) at these drug stores with coupons, sales, and/or rebate.

So think about your individual situation. Could there be a place for coupons in your life?