The challenges of being unemployed are never ending- today's challenge how to shop on a budget (a very tight one that is). Some tips I have to my fellow unemployed readers or even those who are just looking to save a buck- coupons, coupons, coupons! For about $1 a week you can subscribe to your weekly newspaper and get great coupons! I love my new Saturday rituals; AM workout- coffee and coupons- grocery shopping! I love the satisfaction I get when I finish shopping, get to the register and save an average of 40% on my bill!
The best way to save the most money is to develop a coupon strategy. Consumer packaged goods companies partner with stores to plan when the sales will run. Usually, the coupons for key products like your favorite shampoo, or soap will come out a week or two before your store puts the same products on sale- which most people don't realize that this is the opportunity to double your savings! Most shoppers will use his or her coupons as soon as they get them, but then you miss out on the coupon and store promotion combo. After about 2 weeks of learning your local grocery stores habits you will be able to develop your own specific shopping strategy.
I have found that my local grocery will do a 72 hour sale, where bulk packages of toilet paper, paper towels, etc will go on sale when you buy 3 or more (or some combination like that) so I clip my coupons, wait for the sale, and bam! I saved $10 on the usually hate to buy products (hate to buy products are those that you always need, but cost the most, so therefore you hate to buy.) If there are good coupons in the paper one week- I will sometimes buy 2 papers so I can get more of the great coupons! They usually last for at least a month or so, and sales happen frequently as you will learn, my new strategic shoppers!
Another great new feature in the coupon world, is the uploadable coupons! *I should note that I am assuming that you already have your store's shopper card- if you don't -SHAME ON YOU! GO GET ONE IMMEDIATELY! Store shopper cards get you instant savings! You also can now upload coupons to your shopper card so you don't even have to clip them! P&GeSaver is a great site, and AOL has a new one as well. Check out your local grocery store website for links to coupons too** Another secret here- you can clip the coupons from the paper and upload the same coupon on your card and bam! double savings again! ** sneaky sneaky!
I hope this helps for those of you young, fabulous, and.. readers. I have more posts to come on the "young, faboulous, and broke- unemployed" topic so be on the look out!
Best
M. Strange
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