The following question was sent in by reader Amanda:
I would love to participate in the $10 Per Week Stockpiling Challenge. The problem is, I never buy the Sunday paper. Do you think it is possible to get some good results without coupon inserts? I usually rely on printable coupons, store rewards and in-store coupons for my savings. Thanks a bunch!
Great question Amanda! I believe you can still see some great results with a little strategy and determination. Here are a few tips.
Know Your Stores
Find out if your local grocery store offers rewards programs or catalina coupons. Maximize these programs along with sale prices to see the biggest savings.
Play the Drug Store Game
Get familiar with Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid, where you can earn points or rewards and redeem them for future purchases that will yield even more points/rewards. “Roll” your savings each week to minimize your out-of-pocket expense.
Print, Print, Print
Lately I’ve been seeing an increase in higher value printable coupons. Remember to keep an eye on Coupons.com, CouponNetwork, RedPlum and SmartSource so you can build your coupon stash.
Check For In-Store Coupons
Don’t forget to look for peelies, hangtags and tearpads in your store. These are usually rare and high value. Just remember, peelies and hangtags are intended to be used for the product they are attached to and not to be taken out of the store for future use. Tearpads are free game in my opinion. Take a few and save them for a strategic purchase.
Join Ibotta
Get cash Paypal deposits for purchasing select items at participating stores. This is a great program, and the savings can really add up. Roll your earnings into future weeks to multiply your buying power.
Utilize Rebates
Throughout the year we will see some nice rebate offers on non-perishable items. The best ones will be reported here on MomsbyHeart, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
Buy the Monthly Loss Leaders
There is a fairly reliable pattern of bargains and loss leaders available each month from your favorite stores. Read what you can get in January HERE. These items are at their lowest prices of the year, so it’s a great time to stock up. Stacking these low prices with a coupon will yield you even bigger savings and often you will find printable coupons to go along with these deals.
Buy Online
Amazon is a great place to see big discounts on paper products, baby items and snack foods. Consider setting aside a few dollars each week from your $10 stockpiling budget to save up for a big purchase when a deal is available.
Consider a Coupon Clipping Service
When you see a high value coupon on an item you need to stockpile, consider enlisting the help of coupon clipping services. For a small fee, they will send you a quantity of coupons that are already clipped. I use Ebay and Coupons by Dede.
What Do You Think?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Is it possible to join our Stockpiling Challenge without using coupon inserts? How would you do it?
Posted in: stockpiling
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The county I live in does not have a paper with coupon inserts.I would have to drive 30 miles to find one every Sunday.I have learned to make a lot of my own stuff like dish soap,washing powder and shower gel.This saves us a lot of money.I also have a Sams club membership where I buy things like the large cans of ketchup for 2$ and then separate into jars.I get 8 pints of ketchup for .50 cents each.Mayonnaise is 6$ a gallon and as long as I keep it in the back of the fridge it won’t ruin before we get it used up. I always check the clearance sections each time I go in a store because they add things each day.
Hi,
You mentioned using a clipping service to stockpile. I’ve read conflicting opinions about using a service. Some blogs say it’s unethical to purchase coupons because the manufactures don’t sign on with it and the service get’s away with it by saying your paying for the clipping service and not the actual coupon. What say you. Love your blog. Thanks
Hi Fred – True, there are conflicting opinions about using these services, but as with the rest of my couponing, I just make sure to know the rules and follow them. I know these sites are following the laws (the ones I use). And I don’t see much difference between trading coupons, buying multiple papers, or paying for a clipping service. Manufacturers set the rules and we follow them. If they change the rules, I will follow the new ones. Just my opinion. Thanks for the question.