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I can hear you now… “There’s no way someone bought two carts of groceries at Kroger and got $3.28 back!!” I used to think the same way. How can you save money with a .50 coupon on a name brand product, when its generic alternative would be cheaper without a coupon?
Well, I’m here to tell you it is true. I am that person! I’m the “Coupon Queen” and I can show you in very simple and easy steps how to buy name brand products for little or nothing.
First a little about me:
I’m a stay at home Mom of three, ages 2, and 4,. I have been married to my wonderful hubby for 5 years now. I have been “couponing” for a very long time and started with no help from anyone. I am not the smartest person in the world, just someone who is determined to save a buck.
I started this on a fluke. Someone sent me a piece of “spam” about joining a newbie coupon/rebate internet list. I thought “what the heck?” I’ll join up and see what it’s all about.
After about a month of “lurking” I decided to start asking some questions and, wow, did I learn a lot! Within six months I had earned enough rebating to buy an 18′ pool for our family.
Couponing takes some time at first, but after you become organized you will find you are hardly spending any time on it at all. How much is your time worth? Your savings can range anywhere from 30% to 100% and beyond. How much you will save will depend on several factors. Where you live, for example, is very important.
You have to find out what the store policies are in your area. Do they double, triple, coupons? If so, up to what amount? Do they take expired coupons? Do they offer rainchecks on sale items? Will they match the sale price of competitors?
Another factor will be how determined you are. Are you willing to take the time at first to become organized for couponing? How much money are you willing to save and how much are you willing to let the manufacturers and retailers take from you? Do you enjoy a challenge?
Every so often I will give you tips on how to do this. I am hoping you will respond with some “tips of the month” of your own!
Regarding questions, I can answer all that I am able to given my experience.
The first thing I learned in couponing is “no question is a dumb question.” We all start somewhere and we will never learn unless we ask. So this week, I’m going to offer you a couple of assignments.
First, find out all of the above about your local stores. Then take a look around and notice all the places that coupons are available (you will be surprised). Finally, ask some questions!