How to Stack Coupons to Get Free Groceries

Stacking coupons makes it possible to get grocery items for no cost.

Stacking coupons refers to using a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon on the same item. This money-saving method allows you to increase your savings and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses when you shop for groceries, toiletries, cosmetics, pet care products and other items. Careful preparation and attention to detail will help you make the most of the coupons in your possession.

Instructions

1. Collect as many coupons as you can before you do your shopping for the week. Ask friends to give you their unwanted coupons. Print coupons from websites such as RedPlum.com, CouponMom.com and SmartSource.com.

2. Organize your coupons by category to make it easier to find them. If you only have a few coupons, an inexpensive plastic or cloth coupon organizer will hold your coupons securely. If you have hundreds of coupons, use plastic baseball card holders and a three-ring binder to organize them.

3. Review the weekly advertisements for your favorite grocery stores. Make note of any sale prices on the items you need. Clip store coupons from the advertisements and put them in your coupon organizer.

4. Develop a preliminary shopping list by determining the items you need and organizing them by category. Use categories such as frozen foods, canned goods, bread and pastries, beverages and snack foods. Organizing your shopping list by category will help you stay on track when you shop at the grocery store.

5. Create a shopping plan by writing down each item you want to buy and the coupons you plan to use for each item. Plan to use stacked coupons to get some of the items on your list for free. If you have a store coupon for $1.00 off of frozen pizza, and the sale price of frozen pizza is $2.50, combine your store coupon with a $1.50 manufacturer coupon to get the item for free.

6. Visit your grocery store and fill your cart with all of the items on your shopping plan. Remember to bring your coupons and written plan to the store with you.

7. Present your coupons to the cashier before checking out. Each set of stacked coupons you use will help you reduce your grocery costs. Watch the cash register carefully to make sure your items ring up correctly and the cashier deducts all of your coupons.

Tips & Warnings

• The coupon policies vary widely from one grocery store to the next. Check with a manager before creating your shopping plan to ensure that the store will accept all of your coupons.

• Try to shop at stores that double the value of manufacturer coupons. If you have a $1 store coupon and a manufacturer coupon for 50 cents, the store doubles the coupon to $1. This makes it possible to get a $2 item for free.

References

• Coupon Divas: Learn How to Stack Coupons

Resources

• CouponMom.com; Cut Your Grocery Bills in Half!; Stephanie Nelson
• The Krazy Coupon Lady;What Does "Stacking Coupons" Mean?; Joanie Demer and Heather Wheeler; May 2010
• Bankrate.com; 8 Tips for Online Coupon Clipping; Dana Dratch