Coupons! Coupons! Coupons!

So I did a little research this morning...trying to find out where to snatch up the best deals, etc.

So here's the nitty gritty for those of you in my area...you know who you are.

Here are the list of stores in our area and their coupon policies...(sorry, but I kept the list down to only the stores I shop at, so Giant is not on the list...I have never liked their prices.)

Food Lion 
Accepts manufacturer and internet coupons.
Does NOT double/triple

Shoppers
Accepts manufacturer and internet coupons.
Doubles up to $.99
On occasion, they triple, up to $1.50 I think.
Internet coupons accepted up to $7.00
Free internet coupons not accepted, unless it's BOGO.

Super Fresh
Accepts only manufacturer coupons
NO internet coupons
Does NOT double/triple

So...for me...Shoppers wins. Hands down. Not that it's a surprise. So now, onto planning my coupons and spending. Unfortunately for me one of my favorite sites, SouthernSavers.com doesn't offer the AD's for Shoppers on their site along with all the bonus information they provide (more on that in another post)...so I have to do a little work on my own.

So, let's pretend  you are sitting down with me at the dining room table to plan my shopping trip. Here's what I would do. First thing, I make a list of what is needed, and then what's wanted, then extras. This is so I won't over shop and/or buy anything we don't really need. Then, I head over to Shoppersfood.com and I hit up their 'online coupon' area. I select my desired coupons and even print doubles of some good ones. (Now, bear in mind many online couponers will keep track of how many you have printed. I believe you can print two to three before you will see a note that says "limit reached" next to the coupon.) For this trip I clipped 12 coupons, totaling savings of $12.55, I am already excited! I also have my already collected coupons stocked up and ready.

Next, I check the weekly specials...for even more change in my pocket! After selecting your store you can check out the weekly in-store specials or the circular. So I check those out and match up with coupons where possible. For example, I am adding these to my shopping trip:

Digiorno 2/$10 - Coupon for $2 off = 2 for $8 or $4 each
Kraft Cheese Singles 2/$4 - 2 Coupons for $1 off = 2 for $2 or $1.00 each
Tyson Chicken Strips (lower price) $6.99 - Coupon for $1.00 off = $5.99
Sargento Cheeses (lower price) $2.79 - Coupon for $.50 off two/doubled = $2.29 each
Johnsonville Italian Sausage 2/$6 - Coupon for $1.00 off = $5.00 or $2.50 each

So with just those I am saving $7.00...it's a start, that's for sure.

Now the plan for this trip to the store is to just buy what is needed, no stocking up.

So skip forward a couple hours...after some research and planning, collecting and cutting coupons...the shopping is done and I save $13.80!!! That was 14% of my total. I am quite proud of myself...I love learning how to coupon and I love saving money!

So get out there, cut coupons, do a little planning and SAVE! Share some of your best couponing stories and how you save money shopping!

I SHALL Coupon!!

I will...
cut coupons.
save money.
and save BIG.

I will.

Here's how I'm doing it...for now at least.

I have started by cutting coupons, duh. I recently purchased a weekend only subscription to The Sun newspaper (Thank you Groupon. If you aren't using them you SHOULD!), I got my first one last weekend. I cut out what we eat, drink or use only. I categorized them.

I will do this for at least another two-three weeks, to build up a complete system of coupons.

Then, I will start  implementing them into my shopping plan...according to my bi-weekly meal plan.

I will take only the coupons that I plan to use. I don't plan to stockpile for more than a 3 month supply of anything. If my store is doubling or tripling coupons, then that's a bonus, and I will try and match up to those shopping dates. I will also take advantage of the deals at CVS, Rite-Aid and Walgreens, like toiletries, etc.

This is my plan.

I am excited to build up to bigger and better savings each time. Eventually, I plan to join CouponSense.com. So, far it seems to be the best plan available.

Until then, here are my other online resources:
Coupons: Red Plum
Coupons: Smart Source
Coupons.com
Money Saving Mom
Hip 2 Save
Mojo Savings
Frugal Coupon Living
Passionate Penny Pincher
Southern Savers

So...how do you save? Do you cut coupons? Share your secrets...it's not that fun if your the only one saving money! ;)

Canvas Prints on the CHEAP :)

but they sure don't LOOK cheap! :)

Check out one of my sweet little 8x10 canvas prints I got for just $14.95!! No joke!! My house may soon be littered with them!! This little one is for my bedroom! :) It's one of my favorite pictures of Husby and I right now!

I muted out the colors a bit to go with the colors in our room :) Almost black and white!

SO...wanna get your special Canvas deal today??

The Canvas People deal of the week is here!!!

GO!! Get yours now! :)