There was a time when coupons were the way to go when trying to save more on the grocery bill. In fact, extreme couponing almost amounted to a competition sport for some ladies. But these days, with the decline of newspapers and thus paper coupons, are there more ways to save on groceries?
I loved couponing in 2009 and 2010. I learned how some skills of which ones to use and when that definitely had a hand in keeping us afloat while my husband was unemployed. But over the last decade, a lot has changed, and my strategies had to change as well. Here’s what I do now.
Digital coupons
I love using digital coupons. Most of these are self-explanatory. You load the digital coupons to your member card and when you purchase the item and scan or key in your card, the cash register automatically takes the savings amount off the price. Truth is, this way I can’t forget to hand in the coupon (which I’ve done more times than I care to remember).
Kroger (and affiliates) now have Weekly Digital Deals where you can use specific digital coupons up to 5 times in one transaction. I’ve saved a ton on blueberries this season by buying ALL 5 sets of berries, then freezing most of them for later use (see instructions here). Check the price per pound against frozen to make sure it’s a deal, then go for it ‘cause frozen fruit is expensive!
I’ve been known to buy 5 sets of 12 or 18 eggs when the prices came out right. Any of these you don’t use quickly can also be frozen for later (see instructions here).
Digital coupons are automatically applied and so they will negate any paper coupons you might present. Just hold those back for later.
How do you get paper coupons now?
So, few people get a newspaper anymore, I’m just not even sure they’re in there. The last time I got one, it was mostly cleaning and beauty products. YES, I do use cleaning products but trying to move toward making my own, and NO, I don’t use a lot of beauty products from the grocery store. That means these coupons aren’t worth my buying a paper.
But as a frequent buyer at Kroger, I get a monthly mailing that is either coupons specifically tailored for me OR a magazine with lots of fun ideas, recipes, and again some coupons.
Do watch whether your coupon says manufacturer or store coupon. A manufacturer coupon should be honored at any store.
I also periodically will have a Catalina that prints out at the store based on something I purchased. These are the little slips of paper that print out beside your receipt. Sometimes they’re just ads, but sometimes they’re pretty valuable…like recently 65c off one spice tin. Have you SEEN the price of spices lately???
Some stores like Publix and Sprouts have monthly flyers in the store that offer additional sales and sometimes coupons. Check near the service desk at your store to see if they do this, too.
Consider rebating
Particularly if you use brand name products, Ibotta (read about it here) can help. Even if you only use the “any item” rebates, over time you can build some savings that can now be used on gift cards or deposited into your bank account. You get to choose.
They offer a bonus for referring friends who sign up (by the way, if you wanna join, please use code DHPNYDX and I’ll get credit!), and they even offer a $10 bonus just for signing up yourself. I’ve earned almost $200 and honestly I don’t buy brands that often. (This could really help on your online shopping for Christmas as well!)
Coupons have adjusted, but you can too!
Just like with sales, be smart with your coupons and rebates, too. Buy only products you would buy anyway and try to use the coupon at the same time as a sale price for extra savings. There are more ways than ever to save on groceries if you’re willing to learn the rules and then play the game. Good luck out there! Have another way you save on groceries? Please share it in the comments below. I’m always excited to learn new things!
