During this recession, everyone has been clipping coupons… I know I have! Here is my coupon routine that is saving me at least $100 every month.

• I go once a week to the grocery store since there are different deals each week.
• I put my coupons in order by their expiration date so I will be sure to use all of them BEFORE they expire.
• I ONLY use coupons for things I know I will use.
• When I have a coupon, I make sure that the reduced amount is not still more expensive than a generic brand’s cost. For example, if I get a “$2 off body wash coupon” for a $6 product, it will still cost me $4. If the generic brand is cheaper than $4, I will buy that instead.
• I stock up on things. The best deals are the ones that let you buy in bulk like a 10 for $10 deal!

Then, it takes me about 10 minutes a week to go through my coupons and make my list. Here’s what I do:

• I go through the coupons I have received in the mail and at the grocery store, save the ones for products I use, and put them in order. I add the ones I am going to use this week to my list along with the coupon amount (so I can compare prices at the store).
• Then, I go through the weekly ads for my grocery store (I don’t wait for the paper— I go right to their website!). I write down the items that I use on my list with the price next to it (so I can compare prices at the store).
• I go to my websites to print and download coupons. I am signed up for: www.couponmom.com, www.coupons.com, www.pgesaver.com, www.shortcuts.com, and a few others. I add those products to my list with the coupon amount next to them.
• I check my email for promotions from different companies. (I buy diapers a lot so I am signed up at Huggies.com, Pampers.com, etc. to be sent special offers).

Optional: Save your receipts for a month. You can see how the prices of different products change and then buy those products when they are at the lowest price. There are some items I refuse to buy unless they are on sale!

Good luck