General Strategies

· Combine coupons with sale prices. For example, if an item normally costs $2 and you have a coupon for $1 off, wait for a $1.50 sale at Safeway, and the item will be free after the coupon doubles.

· “Stack” coupons. Combining manufacturer’s coupons with store coupons.

· Take advantage of overage: Using extra on a coupon to pay for other products. Products that produce overage may also be referred to as “moneymakers.” Note: You will not get cash in hand for these, but will essentially have “credit” toward your other groceries/purchases. For example: an item is on sale for $1. I have a $1.50/1 coupon. This leaves me $.50 to put toward other groceries. Some stores do not allow overage and may adjust the coupon down to equal a free product or worst case, not let you use the coupon.

· Stockpile. When an item is at or below your target price, begin stockpiling. This means buying multiples of an item to use over time. Buy as many as your budget can handle, but be sure to check expiration dates and ensure you can use (or donate) it all while it’s still good.

· Keep quick and easy “pantry meals” on hand to avoid fast food or going out. We keep noodles and red sauce, canned beans and refried beans for burritos or bean dip and chips and frozen veggies. It takes less time to slap some beans on a tortilla and throw it in the microwave than it does to drive to Taco Bell. Even though I do have to still remind myself of this some days.

· Cook from scratch. Proven to save money. And be healthier. But takes more time. There are lots of recipes out there for homemade mixes, convenience foods, etc. Between this and cooking ahead and freezing meals, it is possible to cook from scratch even with limited time. This is one of my current focus areas.

· Check for store markdowns on products nearing expiration date. These are particularly good on items that can be frozen or you will eat quickly. Some common markdown items are meat, bread and yogurt/dairy items.

· Try the cheapest variation of a product, then work your way up to the cheapest “acceptable” option. Sometimes you’ll be surprised that your family likes a store brand just as well (or better!) than the expensive brand name. Sometimes you won’t. Randomly, Safeway brand brownie mix got vetoed in our house. We’ll stick to Pillsbury or Betty Crocker on sale with coupons. But we really like cheap tortilla chips.

· Be brand flexible. Particularly on household goods, I’ll try any brand once. I am able to get almost all my toiletries for free this way.

· Compare unit prices. Both across brands and across package sizes. Don’t forget to account for unit price impact from a coupon. Sometimes the best deal is on the smallest package. Don’t forget about bulk bins.

· Keep a running grocery list to log items as you run out. This way you won’t forget to buy something and end up making multiple trips to the grocery store.

· If possible, shop alone, when you’re not hungry and not rushed. I always spend more when Charles is with me. Snack foods look extra good when I’m hungry. And I get flustered and forget things when I’m rushed.

· Use a coupon clipping service. To get multiple copies of coupons on a great deal or that your family will use, use a coupon clipping service. It is illegal to sell coupons, but you can order coupons from sites that charge for the service of clipping and mailing you coupons. Sneaky, huh? I’ve never done this myself, but know of others who save quite a bit this way.

· Use cash. Statistically you spend less this way. Crystal at moneysavingmom.com takes it a step further and only takes exactly as much cash (no debit cards, credit cards or extra cash) into the store as she’s budgeted. That’s certainly one way to make sure you stick to the budget!

· Use a calculator to add up deals as you go in the store. Particularly important if you have cash only. Either way, helps keep within the budget. Or if you’re anti-calculator, keep a running total on your grocery list. Rounding to the nearest dollar gives a pretty good approximation and makes for easy math.

· Be frugal, not cheap: I consider myself frugal, not cheap. By this, I mean that I am willing to spend a little more on quality or something I know will be used rather than forgoing or buying the absolute cheapest thing available. This can take many forms, such as buying cloth napkins to save on paper napkin costs.

· Balance frugality with environmental and clutter concerns. Don’t buy things that will go to waste or clutter up your house just because they are cheap or free.

· Don’t be afraid to take a (or more) week off. Sometimes we get burned out. If you have a stockpile, these are great weeks to eat from the stockpile and just buy milk, eggs and produce needed for the week.

· Bonus: I find that practicing frugality in one area of life quickly spills into others. After food and household, the easiest one that we can directly impact is clothing and other household purchases. Goodwill, second hand stores, clothing swaps, garage sales, clearance or simply having fewer clothes. And we could all probably be happy with fewer clothes.