Store loyalty programs are the way to go

Here are just a few tips that will help a new couponer learn how to save money. It can be daunting when first learning how to coupon.

The most common questions new couponers have are am I doing this right? How can I save money? Where do I get coupons?

It is best to join a store loyalty program. There is no excuse in not taking advantage of store rewards. It is the easiest way to put extra money in your pocket. New couponers need to get familiar with the stores couponing policies. Most store polices make it clear on the correct processes for couponing. Acknowledge expiration dates on your coupons. If you have a rain check, most stores will let you use an expired coupon up to 30 days. The store manager will make the final decision if the coupon can be used.

Shopping at multiple locations will provide extra savings. I know it will take extra time and on raining days, it can be a hassle. However, shopping with coupons and sales is the most effective method in reduce your grocery budget. Use overage to get free items. Yes, there are still stores like Walmart that will give you overages on sales and coupons. When you have overage, my recommendation is use the extra money toward meat.

Remember, as you save money with couponing, make sure you take advantage of your savings with the 52-week money saving plan. This is the 12th week of the year. Place $12 into your savings program. This would leave a new savings balance of $78 toward your year-end goal of $1,378.

CVS

DiGiorno 12 inch pizzas buy 2/$10 grocery promo,

Spend $30 on select grocery items and get $10 extra bucks, then use below at separate transaction making them free Puffs Facial Tissue 99 cents

Procter & Gamble 25 cents

Final Price: 74 cents.

Dawn Dish Soap 99 cents

Procter & Gamble 25 cents

Final Price: 74 cents.

Dove Hair Care $8/2, Kiosk store coupon $2, Red Plum 03-08 $3/2,

Final Price: $1.50 each.

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts $1.99, Buy three use coupons, Red Plum 03-11 $1/3,

Final Price: $1.66.

Blue Diamond Almonds $6/2, Red Plum 01-28 $1.50/2,

Final Price: $2.25 each

Gain Filings $4.94, Red Plum 03-18 $2

Final Price: $2.94

Walgreens

Walgreens Toothbrush $1.19 Buy two and receive $2 in balance rewards store card

Lipton Onion Soup Mix $3/2, Red Plum 3-18 60 cents

Final Price: $1.20 each.

Boost Drinks 6-count buy one get one 50 percent

Depending on protein grams price ranges from $8.99 to $9.99 Smart Source 03-04 $3

Final Price: $3.74

Buy four and receive $4 in balance rewards points store money

ALDI

Appleton Farms Spiral

Sliced Half Ham 95 cents per pound, limit two cantaloupe 99 cents each, green grapes 99 cents pound

Food Lion

Tyson Family Pack Chicken $4.99, Red Plum 03-11 $1.25

Final Price: $3.74.

Farm Rich Snacks $4.99, Smart Source 01-21 $1,

Final Price: $3.99.

SeaPak Shrimp or Claim Strips $7.99, Smart Source 02-11 $1

Final Price: $6.99.

Easter Kinder Joy Eggs $5/4, Smart Source 03-04 $1/2,

Final Price: 75 cents each.

Food City

Midnight Madness event sale this Friday

Scott Paper Towels or Bath Tissue, event price $3.99, Smart Source 3-11 75 cents,

Final Price: $3.24.

Nabisco Ritz Crackers, event price $1.99, Smart Source 02-11 75 cents/2,

Final Price: $1.62 each.

Cheez it Baked SnackCrackers $2.99, Red Plum 03-11 70 cents/2,

Final Price: $2.64

Kroger

Mix and Match buy 6 and save $3, Ragu pasta sauce, event price $1.29, Smart Source 03-04 40 cents/2,

Final Price: $1.09 each