I can't handle the pressure Captain

[cmseiler86]

I was so excited to start doing this so why am I so nervous to go to the store now?

Our household consists of me, my husband and our awesome dog. On average we spend a $100 a week on groceries. I feel like it's impossible to spend less and now I'm afraid I'm going to start spending more.

Did anyone else get this sort of anxiety before their first trip?

I'm an extremely organized person that likes to plan out everything. I make a weekly menu for dinner which allows me to make a strict shopping list. We like to eat healthy and mostly fresh. So does couponing mean we are going to have to change our diet to not-so-healthy to save some money?

Sorry for all the questions, but I hope I will get some feedback from y'all.

[surgerynurse]

I used to get very nervous, especially when the scenario didn't go as planned. It definitely gets better, especially as you learn each store's policies. Many times you find yourself educating the cashiers!

[wookin]

i still get a bit nervous if it's a new store or different cashier. You never know if things will go as planned. you will learn to roll with it after awhile. If it's a problem, I usually just nix the whole thing and move on.

[motherofmolly]

no you can still eat healthy and use coupons. most of the natural/organic companies offer coupons (home mailers, printables, inserts etc) which will help offset your weekly $.

i am sure you use deodorant, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo/conditioner and soap too! you can really save some significant money on these products too.

also, there are a few on here now that buy extra of the HBA items that they get for free and trade for fresh produce and eggs at the farmers market. which can help you save money there.

and you will get use to the "what ifs". think of a couple different ways to do your plans so you can toss either a "what if" product in or scrap the whole thing and go for rainchecks. i do this with kroger for the mega sale..i always have that cheap item for under $1 that i can toss in to do my mega deal.

[kendra228]

Definitely check the store forums when you are starting out - they help with match ups. And I find posts and match-ups for healthy foods quite often. And remember, any savings makes a good trip! Good luck!

[thickbluebug]

So does couponing mean we are going to have to change our diet to not-so-healthy to save some money?

No, we eat meat and veggies - and limit our processed foods. It can be done.
That being said I have been out buying free and cheap junk for my brothers 5 kids.


Barter - I swap with the hair cut girl and produce guy. That counts as savings to me - cause you have to pay dollars for their services/products. I shop a lot at the produce market and they want free razors, shampoo and deo.
Even my cleaning girl takes trades often too.
Lots of peeps love our freebies.
You can also take a basket of freebies to work and sell them at half price - read where people have co workers begging for the stuff.

I piggy back and get coupons on my produce, dairy and meat. It's hard but it can be done.

My favorite that is out frequently is the the cooking creme by phili - lots of q's out for 1.00/1 1.50/1 and the stuff is usually on sale for $2. I piggy back the meat coupon they put out frequently that is for 1.50/2.00 on chicken.
Same thing with hormel and oscar bacon and the piggy back.
Kraft and their piggy backs - $1 on produce, $2 meat - gotta be careful and do it when they have the cheap dressings mayo and bbq sauce after peelies and insert coupons.
Pepsi and coke put out wyb on their soft drinks too. We drink soda so that is something I jump on.
Another top piggy backer is the hamburger helper buy 2 or 3 and get $1 on beef. Several times in 4 years these things have been free - so $1 off on meat is great for me. Then I trade those things to family and friends.

Try asking your family if they need anything and maybe you can piggy back when a good coupon comes out. I have never had any problem with the family wanting me to pick up x for them. Just call b4 your trip and say - heading to the store - can you use x for x amount.

Always search for $/$ coupons at your stores and ask what competitors they accept. I buy lots of our meat, dairy and produce with those.


It's work to buy cheap meat veggies and dairy with coupons - but coupons are work anyway

[klcglad]

It will get easier! I was so nervous my first trip too, but I saved half of my total my first trip at the grocery store! You do have to make the decision on certain products though whether it is "worth it" to use this coupon on this brand name product (ie- if you only have 1.00/2 and there is a size limit that its only good on one of the biggest packages) or if it would be better savings for you just to get a generic brand or what you would normally buy before couponing. This is how you could end up spending more if you just buy something because you have a coupon... but if you are buying the product anyway and it is something you normally use it is good practice to have a coupon for everything you are buying at the store... this is how I saved half of my total my first trip.

& I see that you're a TNT! You can always trade for the coupons for the healthier foods that you eat!

[cmseiler86]

Thanks ladies y'all have been very helpful.

[mommaof2kiddos]

Hi! I'm trying to stick to healthier eating as well, and couponing is still working for me :) I've read the other replies, so I won't repeat the good advice you've rec'd so far.

I suggest you contact companies that you prefer and you'll get coupons in the mail, things that are organic like milk and yogurt. Wait for items to go on sale AND use a coupon, that where I am finding the biggest savings and then buying as many as I can to last until the next sale cycle. With fresh produce, pay attention to the season and buy when the price will be at the lowest - you can freeze many items to use later on in the year when they are more expensive on store shelves! I get my produce when its marked down to managers special price and freeze. Fruits are great for smoothies and making jam. Hope that helps :)