Good morning Monday!

Good morning! I did some shopping yesterday, went to Publix to pick up a few things, when I realized that for those of you who may be beginning couponers you may need a few tips on doing most effectively!  So here are the top steps that I utilize when couponing.

1. If you find a source of coupons you like, whether it be AllYou Magazine or your Sunday paper, go on and when you can, get 2 copies.  I initially thought this was wasteful, but now see why.
2. When you are in stores and you see coupons, Publix has flyers in the front usually, get two of those as well, also many stores have tearpads throughout their aisles and "blinkies" (the little red machines that spit out one coupon at a time).  If you see something you may use in the future, get 2 and put them in your coupon box, your pocket, your hand, otherwise you may regret it later.  These coupons do go fast!
3. Now that you have 2 of every coupon.. you may ask why.  And I will tell you.  BOGO.  Buy one Get ones are amazing! My main store that I use this at is Publix.  When you buy things that are BOGO, in Florida at least, you do have to get both items - in other words, you don't get one at have price.  But when you have your two items, lets say for example, this week Keebler cookies were BOGO, so I had 2 packages of Pecan Sandies for the price of one.  Two packs= $4.09.  Then I had two coupons for $1 off those cookies that had been put out by the manufacturer, BUT in addition, Publix takes competitor coupons.  My publix considers Walgreens to be a competitor, I had a $2 off any 2 packs of Keebler cookies that was a Walgreens store coupon.. In the end, I had $4 off, paid 9 cents for 2 packs.  That might be lengthy and hard to understand.  Just remember that for each item you get, you can use a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon, even if one item is technically "free".
4. Stock up.  For the first few trips, you may not get great deals on everything you need.  For the first month, my husband asked why I didn't get things to make complete meals.  Well, you have to wait for things to come up on sale.  However, when things go on sale, and I have the coupons, I buy extra.  We have so many boxes of cereal.. After a month or two of watching ads and stocking up what you can, you will get a better balance of things.

  If you have questions, feel free to ask! I may add on to this later this afternoon, things always seem to hit post script.. Otherwise have a great Monday!