Today’s post comes to us from Erin Gifford. She blogs at CouponCravings.com to share the best grocery, retail and drugstore deals. She can also be found on Twitter at Twitter.com/CouponCravings.
I was excited to meet Tricia and Cortney of Once a Month Mom at the BlissDom Conference in Nashville, and even more excited that they included me, a non-Ohioan (I’m from Virginia), in their activities! They’re fantastic! I was so intrigued by the once a month cooking concept that when I got back home I immediately sent them an email to ask for a guest post on how to get started. In turn, they asked me for a post on how to save on groceries.
These 7 tips to save money on groceries will help you on your freezer cooking days and on regular stops into the grocery store.
1. Get a Store Loyalty Card
Okay, most people have a store savings card to get the special prices in the weekly ads, but don’t overlook those mailings and emails from the stores. Both Kroger and Harris Teeter have been known to send out coupons for free products, as well as special members-only offers.
2. Load Up on Electronic Coupons
Another benefit to having a store card is being able to add coupons to your cards to be redeemed at check-out. These are still new, so they’re not available everywhere yet. Kroger shoppers can go to Shortcuts.com, Cellfire or P&G eSaver to find coupons to upload. Safeway shoppers can access P&G eSaver right now.
3. Keep Your Eyes Open for Printable Coupons
I love printables, so hit Coupons.com or SmartSource.com for great coupons to print and cut out. It also pays to visit your favorite brands, like JohnsonsBaby.com and BettyCrocker.com for great printable coupons. Use these coupons when grocery items are on sale to maximize savings!
4. Stock Up During Buy-One-Get-One-Free (BOGO) Sales
BOGO sales are great on their own, but you can also use one coupon on each item. So if you get two items, make sure you use two coupons. This is a great way to save big!
5. Stack Your Coupons
Some retailers, like Target and Walgreens, offer coupons that can only be used at their stores. Use these coupons along with manufacturers coupons on the same product for extra savings. By doubling up you may even get products for free or nearly free.
6. Look for Double and Triple Coupon Deals
Some grocery stores double or triple coupons and often only on certain days of the week. Check your local stores and shop the days when they’re multiplied.
7. Snag Rebates and Free-bates
Look for rebates and free-bates which refund you the full purchase price. You can make money in some cases when you use a coupon and then get a full price free-bate. The ads for these deals can lure you in so don’t forget to send in the forms.