Free Food
By Fishmomma
@Fishmomma (11377)
United States
April 18, 2013 6:28pm CST
One of the easiest ways for me to save is using coupons that make the product free. Each month I receive a coupon for a free sandwich, which is perfect when I'm doing a big shopping trip. I'll use my free coupon to eat and then do my shopping after eating.
It really made a huge difference the first time I stopped buying the impulse products that would be purchased because I was hungry. It was so much easier sticking to the shopping list when my body stopped saying "buy it". All kinds of junk food wouldn't end up in my cart, so I would eat less saving money. Our grocery bill is lower than all of my friends in town. They can't believe just how low I can get the bill today.
I have been using a coupon binder, so can quickly see what coupons I have now. I was wondering if others are using more coupons today, then their childhood? I certainly am using more.
My biggest challenge to save money is the short dated coupons. Sure wish they would be longer dated.
2 people like this
8 responses
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
19 Apr 13
Great idea, many say to never shop when you are hungry. You will buy something you dont need.
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
19 Apr 13
Its hard to always shop at just the right time due to my work schedule being different every day. I'm working harder to spend wisely. Thanks for posting.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
19 Apr 13
Plus with all the tricks the market use, to get us to buy those expensive items. Have a great day there.
@blackrusty (3519)
• Mexico
19 Apr 13
It is great that you can save money using coupons when I lived in the states I used coupons all the time but since I moved to mexico they do not use coupons here or I have not seen any one use them it is always far better to go shopping after you have eatin something as you have said and I am glad to see that your trying to keep up on the dates I use to put every thing in order my expire date good luch and have a great day
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
19 Apr 13
I'll admit its taking a lot of time to keep my file with current coupons only. My grocery bill is so much lower that I feel the time is well used. Thanks for posting.
@blackrusty (3519)
• Mexico
19 Apr 13
good that you save and that your working on your coupons yes it does take time to keep up with them and keep them up to date it is very well worth the time
@mikesgal4ever1999 (732)
• United States
19 Apr 13
I can tell the biggest difference when I go grocery shopping after I eat something--my momma always told me to NEVER go buy groceries when you're hungry. If I am hungry when I grocery shop, I end up with lots of money spent in junk food and not food. I use a program on my phone called 'got milk?' and it helps me with my shopping lists so that I don't forget because lets face it, that cell phone goes with me everywhere :-D
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Apr 13
I use to use the Got Milk Program and should start using it again. I'm not sure why I slipped into bad habits will be working harder to save better the rest of this year. I have always been thrifty, but when I'm stressed out I eat something bad for me. Thanks for posting.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
19 Apr 13
I used to use more coupons when the kids were home. Now I am by myself and don't buy alot of things..groceries I usually buy just once a month....shampoo etc lasts me a long time! I did save a bunch of money back in the day when I used the coupons and sometimes I would use one to get things I normally wouldn't get....like for a treat for the kids!
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
20 Apr 13
My daughter comes and goes; however, graduates from college in the spring. I'm hoping she will be able to get into the teaching program this fall and that everything goes smoothly. Whenever she moves out, then my grocery bill will shrink and I certainly won't use lots of coupons. Thanks for posting.
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
19 Apr 13
I try to find coupons but sometimes they do not really help me save. Most of the coupons I find are only a few cents off if you buy more than one item. I eat a big meal before I go grocery shopping so I do not buy a lot of unnecessary items and I also bring a list and stick with it. I will have to search online for coupons.
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
19 Apr 13
Try visiting web sites for the products your currently buying. I sent a message to Buddig informing them how much I like their products and Buddig mailed coupons to me. Butterball did the same thing. Thanks for posting.
@CookingIsMyPassion (653)
• United States
19 Apr 13
I use coupons all the time. Back in the 70's most of them were issued without expiration dates and they had many that were for $1 off and were also accepted on double coupon day.
Now you are lucky to get 50 cents off and they only last 15 - 30 days which is too short most of the time. If you buy certain products you don't use them up in that time frame and a lot of coupons go unused. That is upsetting to lose out when they expire before your next shopping day.
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
19 Apr 13
I miss all the NED Coupons and even use some of them today. The coupons of today just aren't good long enough and it bothers me when coupons are good for one week or good on a certain day and time. You feel like your jumping through hoops to save and its hard to match a great deal with a great coupon. Thanks for posting.
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
19 Apr 13
Making sure that you are not hungry when you walk into the grocery store really is a great way to make sure that you are spending less on impulse purchases when you are at the store.
I do find that I use more coupons than my parents used when I was growing up and that is a good thing because they do result in less money that we've spent. I really like it when you find an excellent deal like I found yesterday on pop. I price matched at Wal-Mart for $2.49 for a 6 pack of 24 ounce bottles and they also had a coupon in store for $2.00 off of two so I got them for $1.49 each.
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
19 Apr 13
I get excited when the item is free and do buy canned goods no matter whether my family will eat when they are free. Food Share has been putting articles in the local paper asking people for canned foods, so I help whenever its possible. Thanks for posting.
