How do you get started?

This may seem a bit confusing at first but believe it or not, this is a good week for a newbie with no coupons to start. There are a TON of IP's available to correspond with the sales. I would first suggest reading the PAGES on the right hand side of my blog especially Internet Printables, Kroger's and Meijer's coupon policies.They are very short,sweet and to the point. Here are the steps I take every week.

1) grab piece of paper and pen

2) review each store's matchup and write down what I'm interested in purchasing and the number of items I want to purchase. Also take note of the coupon, it's source and expiration date , if published ( some expire during a sale)

3) Go thru my collection of coupons and see what I have. Put them in an envelope.

4) Figure out if I need more and how many I need of each.

5) Order from the ladies on the right hand site of my blog.

6) While I'm waiting on the coupons to arrive ( just 24 hours or 48 hours if I order on a Saturday) I write down the transaction/s for each store and print any IP's that I will be using. Remember Meijer's only doubles 2 like coupons in one transaction plus sometimes they also limit you on how many of the item you can get PER TRANSACTION. Also, check out WUC for any HIDDEN/unadvertised deals that someone has noticed in their store and add that item/coupons to my list for the appropriate store.

7) Coupons arrive......go shopping!!


Examples: Meijer

Trans #1
2 Pepsi (limit 2)= 9.00
4 Oscar meyer Hotdogs ( limit 4) = 3.96
4 Duncan Hines cake mixes = 4.00
= 16.96
~ (2)$1/1 peelies on pepsi
~ (2)$1/2 MQ hotdogs
~ (2) 0.55/2 MQ cake mix
~ (1)0.55/2 MMB pepsi
= 10.41 after coupons ( 49% percent savings)

Trans #2
repeat #1 since they are limiting the pepsi and hotdogs and only 2 of the coupons will double to $1 on the cake mixes per transaction.

Meijer is the "land of multiple transactions) and when using a MMB at the U-scan, it will call for cashier intervention ( cashier has to come over and input the coupon by hand or override the system, the MMB can be bit of a headache but it's worth seeing your checkbook with money left over after your done your grocery shopping )

Kroger:
Unless your going to be buying the Cool Whip ( see closely the deal), buy everything on one trip thru the cashier. Every coupon under $1 with double or adjust up to $1.

Cool Whip - there is a Catalina Deal running , so to maximize your savings, only buy what the CAT deal is listed