We have settled into a less is more approach to couponing lately. As with the kids, we have decided to pick our battles and I find this approach works well with couponing. The “pick your battles” approach to couponing is great for those short on time and even those starting couponing. I explained this to a coworker last week who’s wife didn’t want to take the time to coupon. Here is how are less is more approach works.
1) When ordering online, always look for coupon codes and try to shop through a rebate site.
2) Decide where the best place to buy certain items in the stores. For example, I buy oatmeal at Walgreens and peanut butter at Sam’s Club. I can get the prices at those places by using coupons at Walgreens and just buying in bulk at Sam’s Club. We do shop at other stores so we also look for store coupons such as Target coupons.
So while I don’t always end up free bottles of ketchup, I also don’t have a garage full of ketchup to overwhelm us. I buy ketchup when it is on sale with coupons when I can (during the summer if you are wondering.) Yet when we ran out last week, we just grabbed the bulk three pack bottles at Sam’s Club and didn’t feel bad about it because we know we save money on it the rest of the time.
What is your approach to couponing? Has your approach changed over time? Leave us a comment and let us know!
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