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The following is a guest post by Outside the Box Mom:
In the first half of this year, U.S. consumers redeemed 1.75 billion coupons for a savings of $2 billion, according to NCH Marketing Sevices. That’s an 18 percent increase from the same period in 2009, when packaged goods companies began stepping up discounts to spur demand, the Deerfield, Illinois- based firm said. – Providence Business New, September 28, 2011
We are starting a new series about how many moms and families are saving money on groceries, entertainment, and other necessary items, by using coupons.
The series will cover:
- Goals/Why Use Coupons
- Reasons you may not shop with coupons
- Attitude
- Coupon Types
- Coupon Sources
- Organizing Coupons
- Shopping Lists
- Where to Shop
- Sales Cycles
- Stockpiling
- Smart Strategies
As with any new project, you must have S. M. A. R. T. goals:
Specific: I would like to decrease my grocery bill by 5%.
Measurable: I know that I spend $100 per week on my bill. So, I would like to reduce it to $95 per week (5% savings).
Attainable: It is not realistic to save 90% on your first grocery shopping trip with coupons. 5% is a very realistic beginning goal.
Relevant: I have to be willing to work toward this goal, as part of a bigger overall strategy.
Time bound: I would like to decrease my grocery bill by 5%, this week.
Some families would like to decrease their grocery budget to help save for a family vacation. Some need to cut spending to have funds for other items in the family budget. Your reasons are unique to you and will become important to remember as you begin this journey.
This will be an interactive series, which will feature answers to your questions. So, ask away!
– Outside The Box Mom features quick, easy, time-saving tips and solutions to help busy, working moms find balance, easy meals, deals, and time for moms. Follow her on Twitter.
I’m not a big grocery coupon user. I find that most coupons are not for foods or other products I buy so it is not really worth my time. That said I do think of myself as a very smart shopper and am still able to keep our monthly grocery bill in a very reasonable range.
I have tried and tried to learn to coupon with no luck. I am always amazed by you ladies that can coupon and coupon well!
i love the new series i hope it continues
I love using coupons to save money. While I have been using coupons for a while I am looking forward to seeing tips and learning new strategies.