How to use coupons and REALLY save on groceries

$103.31!! This was my savings on ONE trip!!

I admit I was skeptical of coupons at first too. I mean, who wants to search through ads and clip a coupon only to save .35 cents on mustard right? I was WRONG. Once I learned the tricks, I cut my grocery bill nearly in HALF! To prove it, I started taking pictures of my receipts!

Things You'll Need

• weekly flyers of your favorite grocery stores
• pen and paper
• coupons from the Sunday paper
• about an extra 30-60 minutes per week (more at first but you will get your system down in a couple weeks time)

Instructions

1. First get organized. Do not obsess about hoarding coupons, getting every single deal, ect...get a pen and paper, the flyers to 1-3 grocery stores (no more than 3- you will kill yourself otherwise!), and 1 set of coupons from the Sunday paper (unless you are shopping for a family of more than 5, then get 2 papers).

2. Take the Ad packets and write the date on them and paper clip them together. This will help you if you want to use some of the coupons in the future.

3. Now, go through the sale Ads and make your grocery list according to what is on sale. Usually next to the sale price it will say "save XXamount". Pay attention to the items that are on the best sale (maybe put a little * on your list next to the things that are really good deals.

4. Next, look through your coupons for coupons that will match up to your sale items- this will give you a double discount! If it is an exceptionally good sale price AND you have a coupon for it, look in your past coupon books to see if you have a second coupon so you can get 2 items on the sale price and use 2 coupons.

5. on your list, put a small "C" behind the items you have coupons for so you won't forget to use the coupon.

Tips & Warnings

• it takes time to get used to using coupons so don't fret if you miss some here and there and give yourself extra time (without children if possible) the first few trips to get your own system down pat.

• pay close attention to expiration dates and size/ oz. etc... to make sure you are using a valid coupon. Most places are very strict about only allowing proper coupons to be used.

• don't be afraid to ask a friend who using coupons to help you at first, they may have good tips to get you through the first few tries!