Guest post from Kelly of Kelly Cox At Home
My husband and I have lived on a budget ever since we got married. I didn’t find it that difficult to stick to our written plan except for one area: our grocery budget. While doable, I found it tough to only stick to our allotted $400 a month grocery money for just 2 people!
One day, we decided to look into couponing to see if perhaps we could stretch our grocery money.
Quickly, I learned that couponing has its own language! I found myself getting pretty frustrated because I didn’t understand what RP, SS and PG meant! You see, PG is how I abbreviate “Praise God” in texts or email, and I completely realized that was not the case on coupon sites!
My husband was very helpful when I was over-complicating things. He researched and figured out the coupon lingo so to speak. My eyes were opened and we chose one site to begin to follow. I’m so thankful that he helped me because I am completely hooked on saving money with coupons.
We began to cut coupons from the newspaper and print them offline. I figured out what it meant to stockpile and realized that it didn’t necessarily mean keeping 38 jars of peanut butter on hand!
It only took 2-3 months and we cut our grocery budget in HALF. Wow, we were thrilled!
Here are 3 of the many reasons why I coupon…
1. Coupons save us $200 each month.
We cut our grocery budget in half and now save extra money each month. It took a while to get used to sales cycles, coupons, and how to pair them at their rock bottom price, but that work was definitely worth the extra $200 each month!
Also, not only do we save money, but we actually have much more food (and options!) in our fridge, pantry and freezer.
2. Coupons allow us to give more.
I’ve found that we are able to give more to food pantries, our church, and even to family and friends! It is so much easier to share several bags of food to those in need because the couponing allows me to do it less expensively and offers me the flexibility to give more freely.
Also, my sisters-in-law occasionally get “coupon presents” from me and they enjoy these silly gifts! I will give them each a little bag of toiletry products, food products, seasonings or about anything that I got for free or super cheap from couponing. They love it!
3. Coupons offer an opportunity to try new brands and products.
Couponing has enabled me to try so many new products because they were so cheap (or free!) I’ve enjoyed new brands and have even replaced some of my old products with new ones.
Couponing has broadened my horizons with food, toiletries, makeup, and cleaning products. I love to try new things, especially when they are a cheaper price or even free!
I’m amazed at what couponing has done for our family’s budget. Also, I’m pleased that it has allowed us to give more. I’d suggest couponing for those who want to save money, bless others, and broaden their horizons!
Kelly is a Christ follower, blessed wife, and a lover of all things home. She blogs over at Kelly Cox At Home about her journey at home and passion for debt-free living. She hopes to encourage others in that goal, while sharing tips on how to manage and enjoy all things that make up HOME!
Yda says
I learned that for me coupons usually don’t work. I use 99% store brands from Kroger and Aldi. I love Kroger products, almost everything but its mayonnaise (I use Duke, with a coupon sometimes). I have found amazing deals at Manager’s Special section at Kroger and stock up in products we use every week such as pasta, cereals, sauces, and more.
I do use coupons for toiletries and make up.
Alex Guglielmo says
I think it’s a great idea to give away the coupon “presents”! I’ve given away specific products that friends/family need, but I never thought of making up little goody bags just for fun. I’m going to have to try that, especially since there are so many great deals I don’t take advantage of because I don’t use certain products. This is another reminder to hang on to all coupons, because you never know when they’ll come in handy for someone else!
Kelly Cox says
Thanks, Alex. Coupon presents can be so fun. Who doesn’t like a free gift of products of foods that they can use! My family had enjoyed them, pretty paper and some ribbon at times, doesn’t hurt either. 😉
Maegan Dockery says
Kelly, I love this so much! Great post! My husband and I are sporadic couponers, but I think you’ve convinced me to take it more seriously and to be more intentional with our couponing. I love that you mentioned that couponing allows you to give to others–such a good idea! 🙂
Kelly Cox says
That’s great, Maegan! So glad that you feel inspired. The savings and giving makes it so worth it. 🙂
Amie says
I was really into couponing a few years ago before stores around me enacted stricter policies and stopped doubling. I still do use some coupons on food, but mostly I cook from scratch now and eat less processed food. I don’t even bother with newspapers anymore. I just use printables and cash back apps. I still save a ton. Just today I stacked 2 printable coupons for Playtex tampons with a 25% off store coupon to get 4 boxes for $10.39 and I got $10 Extra Care Buck back. That’s about 10 cents per box after rewards. I ALWAYS use coupons for diapers and HBA products. I can’t imagine not using coupons. It’s hard to believe that before kids, my husband and I spent $80+ per week on groceries! We had 2 kids and couponed heavily and spent $50 per week on groceries and diapers. Since stores stopped doubling and I had a third child, we’re back to $80 per week, but for a family of 5 with pets. I couldn’t do that without coupons.
Kelly Cox says
Those are some good points. I totally agree that some things work for me and some things don’t. I’ve learned that as I tried to save. I change up what I do, as needed. You did great on the Playtex deal! Also, I’m with you on before I was married, I spent more each week on groceries that I do now for the 2 of us. Thanks for checking out my post.
Kat says
$80 for a family of 5? That’s amazing!
Mary says
Helpful info! I have been trying to figure out how to tackle the whole couponing thing. Good starting points. Thanks!
Kelly Cox says
Thanks, Mary! One thing I found is that too much all at once didn’t work for me. I got bogged down, hence, my husband helped me. 🙂 I picked one site, one store and started small. (after my initial crash and burn!) Starting smaller, I was able to learn more as I went along and build.
Kat says
yeah…i’m in the same boat…i’m going to try again more simpler…I’m only getting 2 sunday papers a week, and start with free items from Walmart, target, and cvs(with coupons)…I only use one other site besides money saving mom….it’s really easy to get overwhelmed!
Jessica says
I was following too many, including a few Facebook groups in which some members were harassing others. And on some, unethical methods were advocated. I got out of those groups once I realized what people were doing and promoting 🙁
Kelly Cox says
I’m sorry to hear abou the unethical methods. I agree that couponing should be ethical and done as a benefit to both your family and to be able to give more generously! This site is a good one to follow and I’d love for you to follow mine if you’d like. 🙂 Couponing can be a good thing!
Jennifer says
Kelly, do you use any of the grocery rebate apps like Ibotta, Checkout 51 or Snap by Groupon and if you do, what do you think of them?
Kelly Cox says
Jennifer, I have done a little with Ibotta and Checkout 51. However, I found that at times I would buy something because I could get that deal and realized that I had to reign my excitement in. I think they are a great way to add to your savings for the most part. Groupon is a good one, as we’ve found several deals there. Thanks for checking out my blog. Heading over to yours in a bit!
Susan says
What coupon site do you use primarily?
Kelly Cox says
Well, I do follow Money Saving Mom daily! Crystal’s site is awesome for deals, tips and couponing. Also, I look at the Krazy Coupon Lady, Southern Savers and Moolah Saving Mom. They do lists for lots of stores. Also, Coupons.com is great for internet printables and you can print by location, brand or just scroll through!