It’s no secret that grocery shopping can put a serious dent in your wallet – but the good news is that it’s possible to save money on food with a little bit of savvy. Couponing is the way to go and can help you reduce your grocery shopping bill substantially.
Whether you’re a shopping newbie or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you get the most out of your coupons to save real cash. So, read on and get ready to become a coupon-savvy grocery saver.
How Much Do People Spend on Groceries Each Month?
Before you start your couponing journey, it’s important to understand exactly how much people typically spend on groceries each month and where that money is going.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average household spends anywhere from $215 to $308.2 per month on food for one adult on the thrifty plan. When you add in a family of four, that number jumps up to approximately $968.3 per month!
That might seem like a lot, but it’s important to remember that grocery bills tend to vary from person to person. Your cost of living, where you live, and what type of food and brands you buy all affect your total bill.
Now that you know the basics, let’s dive into your couponing journey and figure out how to save money on groceries.
Save money on groceries using coupons:
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is by using coupons. Coupons are a great way to get discounts on products that you normally buy, which can add to significant savings over time.
By understanding the ins and outs of couponing, you can easily save up to 50% or more on your grocery bills. But before you start clipping coupons and going wild, it’s important to know where to find them and how to use them.
Ways to Find Grocery Coupons:
Coupon clipping is an art, but there are plenty of places to find coupons. Here are a few of the most popular ways to find coupons:
Newspaper coupons:
The simplest and most economical way to find coupons is to clip them from your local newspaper. Newspaper coupons come as an insert in newspapers published weekly and on Sundays.
The Sunday newspaper tends to have the most coupons, comprised of both manufacturer and national store coupons. The weekday papers usually have deals from local supermarkets.
Online coupons:
You can also find plenty of coupons online to help you save money on groceries. Most manufacturer and store websites offer coupons that can be printed and used in stores.
Online coupon aggregators are websites that find all the available manufacture and store coupons and put them all in one place. You can search by product or store, download and print the coupon or add it to your mobile phone.
Catalina coupons:
These are coupons that print out at the register with your receipt after you shop. They’re based on the items you purchase and usually offer discounts on future purchases.
Catalina coupons are a great way to save even more money since they’re usually geared toward specific items and stores. With a little bit of planning, you can really maximize your savings.
Manufacturer coupons:
Manufacturer coupons are coupons that come directly from the manufacturer. They can be found in newspapers, online, or through direct mail. These coupons usually offer a discount on specific products or brands.
These can be used at any store and are a great way to save money on staples such as milk, eggs, produce, and meat.
Store coupons:
Store coupons are specific to a particular store and can be found in newspapers, online, or at the store. They usually offer discounts on various products and may be used in combination with manufacturer coupons for even more savings.
Plus, many stores have loyalty programs and offer special discounts for members. Signing up is free and can net you big savings in the long run.
Printable coupons:
Printable coupons are just what they sound like: coupons you can print from your home computer. They can be found on various websites and offer discounts on a variety of products.
These types of coupons are usually store-specific, so you’ll need to know which stores accept them before you begin. You can also find printable manufacturer coupons, which can be used at any store that accepts them.
Grocery coupon apps:
If you’re an avid couponer, plenty of apps make it easy to save money on groceries. These apps allow you to search for coupons, locate deals, and even create shopping lists.
With these apps, you can save digital copies of your coupons and use them at the store with your phone.
Online coupon codes:
These are codes that can be used in online stores to get discounts on items. They usually require you to enter the code at checkout to receive the discount.
Online coupon codes are a great way to save money on items unavailable in your local stores. Many online retailers offer special discounts for their customers, so be sure to do your research and find the best deals.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find the best coupons and save even more money on your groceries. But that’s not enough, and you will also need to know how to use the coupons the smart way.
How to use coupons:
Once you’ve collected all the necessary coupons, it’s time to get to work. Here are some tips for couponing like a pro:
- Read the fine print coupon and ensure you understand any restrictions.
- Check to make sure the coupon can be used on the item you want to purchase.
- Look for deals that allow you to stack coupons, like buy one get one free or discounts when you use multiple coupons.
- Don’t forget to check expiration dates and any other requirements.
- Check out coupon blogs and forums to stay up-to-date on the latest deals.
Final Thoughts:
Couponing can be a great way to save money on your grocery bill. With some planning and research, you can maximize your savings and get the most out of your coupons. Plus, you don’t have to give up on convenience. With apps and online coupon codes, you can save money without compromising on convenience. So don’t forget to look for the best deals and save today!