Extreme Couponers-- no not the show-- YOU!

[TheyCallMeMom]

I can work some pretty good deals.. I usually save 50-60% on each bill. on rare occasions a bit more

But I know some of you do much better.. $200 grocery bills for under $5

so what is the secret? I cannot see how to get totals down that low.

I shop mostly Walgreens and Kroger. I do have a Food Lion, Save a Lot and an IGA that I occasion.. Rite Aid if I need to.

Anyhow, I am in a coupon slump and need to be inspired.

[wookin]

Kroger should have FREE Ro-Tel this week during their Mega Event (or whatever they are calling it this time) Anyway it's buy 10 get $5 at register. Ro-tel is part of it and is .49 after the $5 deduction. Use the .25/1 1/23 SS and it's free if your stores double in your region. MM if you get triples.

I have a pretty good stockpile now and i only shop the deals or fresh produce. I also shop for food pantries so my coupon usage is a bit higher than the norm. Also I'm fortunate that I have a Publix that is super coupon friendly and I am able to get tons of overage.

This week Walgreens has Maalox for $5.09 buy 6 use 6 $5 coupons and get $10 RR. Nice little MM. Then take that $10RR get the Omega Smart Ulitmate Super Critical Fish Oil and a $10 rebate certificate prints out. So you get your $10 back.

The deals are there, you just really really have to dig for them. Good luck.

[CW&M Mom]

Does your state tax post coupon or pre coupon? If it taxes pre coupon...you probably will never get it down that good.

The way to get a grocery bill down that much is to purchase a lot of stuff that gives you overage...whether you need it or not...but if your state taxes pre coupon...then odds are your overage will just pay your taxes...but not really take down your grocery bill that much.

[bugface711]

last year I saved 82% for my yearly total. I dont look at it week to week. Some weeks I save 90+ % other weeks I save very little depending on what i need to buy or if I do not find discount produce & meat.

A lot of my savings is rolling catalina deals at the grocery store which makes for very little out of pocket. Same with register rewards at Wags.

I think for me a lot has to do with I went into 2009 and 2010 with a great stockpile. Meant I could pick & choose my deals and spending both years. I saved 81% in 09 I believe off the top of my head.

[pantryprincess]

I would love to get a grocery receipt with a 90% savings. But I don't get catalina or doubles so I'm happy when i get 50-60%.

[ryansmommie]

I think part of it depends on what part of the country you are in. I'm in a highly competitive grocery market (Charlotte NC) and during our special coupon events (Triples or Super Doubles) I can do 99% savings consistently. But, I have four different grocery stores that double up to .99 every day and several that offer Triple Coupons or Super Doubles often.

Michelle

[TheyCallMeMom]

Thats awesome Michelle! we have one that doubles, Kroger up to .50 and they are 30 min away.

[lmcconne]

I take pride in how little I spend ongoing for my little family over the course of a month and still supply all our needs (food, OTC, HBA, dog treats). I need to start actually keeping a tally of my OOP to give me the extra boost that all the time invested is absolutely worth it. I would have to say on the surface that even considering we have steak once a week and hubby will not compromise on everything, I keep it easily below $100.

[Mothernature]

The misconception about that show and coupon usage is paying little out of pocket happens to everyone. Simply not true.

All stores do not double to triple.
All stores do not run Mega events.
Cost of groceries in the area.
What the person purchases for their groceries.

For example, we can not coupon for most of the food in my home. We don't buy much processed foods so most of the Sunday food coupons are of no value. I shop at BJs where I save more than I would if I used coupons at the local grocery stores.

I think it would serve better to think pragmatically in terms of ones individual situation. The idea is to save money not compete with each person.

[TheyCallMeMom]

The misconception about that show and coupon usage is paying little out of pocket happens to everyone. Simply not true.

All stores do not double to triple.
All stores do not run Mega events.
Cost of groceries in the area.
What the person purchases for their groceries.

For example, we can not coupon for most of the food in my home. We don't buy much processed foods so most of the Sunday food coupons are of no value. I shop at BJs where I save more than I would if I used coupons at the local grocery stores.

I think it would serve better to think pragmatically in terms of ones individual situation. The idea is to save money not compete with each person.

I agree for the most part.. Our Church provides some bulk items at a great discount. ex 25# rolled oats for $9, I buy rice in bulk at Sams club as well as meats. I have been trying to make as much as I can and still have it be cost effective. There are still things that taste better if I buy it in box LOL

I am just looking at the coupons and deals, and even if I am not buying it I see the coupon matchups.. I just cant fathom some of these deals.

But like Michelle said, she can double up to .99¢ we only get .50¢ and we still pay tax.. So now I understand it more. I was just seeing those deals as unrealistic and just wanted to know what factors contribute to it Now I know a little bit more about it :)