How to Coupon: Try Shop-hopping

No Comments | Written on June 15, 2012 at 9:00 am, by Rachel Achmad

iStock

There are so many shopping options today, from chain and local groceries on up to superstores and chain drugstores. I’m often asked how I keep from getting overwhelmed. So here’s my shop-hopping strategy:

First, I scan weekly flyers for good deals. To me, a good deal is at least 50% off. Next, I go through my coupon stash to see what I can combine with sales. I also visit Couponmom’s database to make sure I haven’t missed any coupon-stacking opportunities. (Sites like these are great resources, but they don’t list match-ups for local stores, so remember to check those on your own.)

My next step is time assessment. Ideally, I like to visit the same two stores each week. Both of my stores double coupons up to one dollar in value. If your stores don’t double, or if most of your coupons have a face value that’s more than one dollar, Target and Walmart are worth visiting. They price most things lower than neighboring stores, and they’ll price-match on anything else, so bring your flyers with you.

Some weeks, I simply don’t have time to do any of this. When that happens, I go to Target or Aldi and buy only what I need (in other words, no stockpiling) and stick to store brands. I’ll be spending more than I would when I coupon on sales, but I’ll still be spending less than I would shopping at my regular store sans coupons.

Final Reminder: Don’t assume just because you can stack a coupon on a sale that it will always be the best deal. Never lose sight of what you’re actually spending.