I can hear the gasps now. You’re a personal finance blogger and you’ve never used coupons? I have on occasion – but usually they’re the kind that are attached to the product you’re buying or conveniently hanging right in front of it. I’ve never actually sat down and looked the coupon books that show up in the paper from time to time.
I think partly I’m just lazy. And I’m forgetful. Even if I cut a coupon out, I won’t remember to use it. As well, there are just 2 of us. We go through stuff slowly, so a lot of coupons don’t come out when I need something, and I’m not organized enough to buy it ahead of time!
So, I don’t think I’ll ever be a master couponer, but hopefully I can start learning to save myself a few bucks here and there.
I went armed with 3 coupons today, and managed to use 2 of them.
- One was a dollar off on Crest Pro Health Mouthwash. The dentist had repeatedly reminded me I really need to start using mouthwash, so I finally bought some.
- The next one was a dollar off a “Scrunge”, which is used for cleaning ceramic stovetops. I managed to catch this on sale as well as being able to use the coupon. I’d like to claim this was due to my being awesome, but frankly, it was just a coincidence.
- The third one was a Buy One, Get One Free 2 in 1 Pantene Shampoo coupon. Couldn’t seem to find much in the way of 2 in 1 shampoo at the grocery store, so I just hung onto it and will use it at a later time (we’re not in pressing need of shampoo at the moment).
I am proud of myself for cutting out and using the coupon, but I gotta admit it’s a pain to remember to bring them, put them with the product, and make sure you pick the exact product that matches the coupon. I can’t wait til the day I can just scan these things onto my phone and then scan my phone at the checkout!
Do you coupon? How much does it help you save?
Couponing in Canada is just generally tougher than in the US. They seem to have a much wider variety of coupons available. Here you really have to search them out more. With a bit of planning though, it’s an easy enough way to save some money each month.
Couponing really adds up! My wife and I run GroceryAlerts.ca so we advocate using coupons.
I recommend visiting our printable coupons page (shows all printable coupons available in Canada). You can print these at home and redeem at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Superstore, No Frills, Safeway, (most Canadian stores).
MM – yes, we don’t have the variety or the options they do in the U.S, but it can definitely save you some bucks if you get organized.
Steve – thanks for the suggestion – I’ll definitely pop on by.
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Coupons are great to use and we have saved literally thousands although we are to the point where we have cut back significantly. We realized we were buying too much of some items and simply don’t need anything else. We went from $500 a month using lots of coupons to $190 a month now. We host a game called The Grocery Game Challenge and we post our weekly shops each week. This has helped us cut back significantly knowing that others will be reading. We have other fans that play and have noticed a drop in their bill simply for the same reason.
Now we are going back to basics and trying to make homemade meals rather than boxed food although once in a while is ok. We are growing alot of vegetables and herbs now and make our own jam. Couponing is not for everyone and no one says you have to carry a binder around. Like Steve mentioned once you know what you are buying each week check out what coupons may be available and print them out. It’s better to save a buck then nothing at all.
Cheers,
Mr.CBB
Hey Mr. CBB – I knew you’d have a lot to say on the subject, being a pro and all! I am aware of your Grocery Game challenge – but I can’t compete.
Mr. canuck Buck takes salads each day for lunch, and fresh produce and meat tends to drive the bills up. I do tune in each week to see how you’re doing though!