How much do you save when you clip grocery coupons?

Question

I don't usually clip coupons unless it's a good one for free makeup or something. I'll clip one or two and use them because I found them and save like $0.75. Today, I clipped a few and added it up and I'll save $3.90 today on groceries. Say I do this every other week, during my BIG grocery shop days and I'll save almost $8 for the month. Huh? Is this really worth it. Am I doing something wrong? If you clip coupons for the grocery store, how much do you save per trip?

Answer 1

Go to coupon websites where you can print the coupons.  That way you can print ones for items you actually use.

Answer 2

You can save alot when clipping coupons, you just have to make sure that your using them along with other money saving deals. Like if you have a good coupon for something that you use regularly you should use it at the store that has it for the cheapest price or that also has it on sale. This way you can save loads and stock up on the necessities.

Answer 3

You're not doing anything wrong, but you have to pair up coupons with other money saving tips.

1. Only buy things when they're on sale.  (Or try..)  A sale item $7.95 instead of $9.95, plus a $1 off coupon you save $3 in stead of $1.

2. Buy in bulk - only the things you'll always use

Toilet paper, paper towels, mayo, ketchup, etc.  When you buy in bulk you save more money per item, and combine that with a coupon, even more savings.

3. If stores are close together or near your house, buy certain things at certain stores.  Don't get everything at one store.  That is how they make their money.  CVS is really expensive on some things, but I always buy my ziplock bags there because they have the lowest price (for good bags) and they always have sales.  But I don't buy food there, etc.

4. Don't always assume the coupon is saving you money.  If you have to buy 2 things to save $1, but you'll never really use the second thing... not worth it!

5. Go generic!  There are a lot of things that you can buy generic that are the same or better... then you don't really need the coupons.  Same example, CVS ziplock bags.

Good luck!

PS - All of this does take some extra time, but I can always save closer to $15-$20 at the grocery store on a weekly basis.  I save an additional $5-$15 at other stores, CVS, etc.

Answer 4

I usually save about $7-$10 a week in my coupon clipping. But I also plan my meals around what’s on sale. A VERY big help!

I almost died the one day when I saved $26 in COUPONS! I was so proud I bragged to everyone. LOL.

It’s very time consuming to clip coupons but if I’m saving a few pennies here and there, well it all adds up and I’m down to save even 1 little cent.

Answer 5

I clip all the coupons I can and usually save $5 a week, usually go shopping 1x a week. It's great if you go to Pathmark, they double all coupons, up to $1 (0.75 = 1.50 off), that's where it adds up.

Saving every penny does help, $10 a month = $120 a year, that's one months phone/cable/internet bill.

EDIT:  I agree with the 1st poster I would like to see coupons for fresh veggies, but Perdue (Chicken) does offers coupons, just have to look for them.

Answer 6

I rarely bother with coupons.  They are mostly for items that are either:

1.  Packaged and convenience foods that I rarely buy.

2.  Brands that are so expensive that evenwith the coupon they are STILL more expensive than the store brand or competitor.

I usually flip through the coupon insert in my Sunday paper, and on a GOOD week I might find 2-3 coupons that I might use (usually for cat food, cleaning products, or cookies.) And since my local stores don't double -- that means saving, at most $1-$2 a week.

If, like me you mostly buy fresh produce and meat, 'simple' packaged foods like pasta, canned tomatoes, tuna fish and the like, and store brands -- you probably won't find much benefit in clipping coupons.

Rather than clipping coupons, I do much better by reading the store sale flyer, and planning my purchases based on what's on sale.  I can stock up on basics when they're on sale, and then use them over the next few weeks/months.

Answer 7

I have saved up to $45 in coupons and store discounts. I do not buy stuff just because I have a coupon. You also have to read the coupon carefully. I find $1.50 coupons on 2 clean-team wipes. the store gives you another $.50 off ...The smallest pack is 2/$4, so with the coupon and store discount you get 2 packs for $2.

I like a particular type of expensive razor. I love when I can find $2 off coupons to match with a store's buy one get one sale. I also do that with shampoo for hubby and things like that.

Answer 8

I don't usually clip them, because they are for things that I don't buy.  It always seems to be for alot of processed stuff.  I'd love some coupons for meat and veggies!

Answer 9

I usually save $10 to $30 in coupons.  Some women go nuts and spend hours accumulating coupons, coordinating menus with coupons they have and going to several stores.  For me, you have to factor in your time and gas and it doesn't usually justify the hassle of doing all that.  

I clip the coupons out of the Sunday paper.  I use them at stores that double them and I especially like to use a coupon on items that are already on sale.  If the store is having a buy one get one free on an item that is $1.50 and I have a 0.50 coupon that they double - I get two of that item for 0.50!   That's how I save the most.

Good luck!

Answer 10

yes you are doing it wrong when you clip just make sure it's something you are using and sometimes you might have to change the brand but you are getting want you need. i have saved up to $75.00 or less but it's gas money to me. if you find them like buy one and get one free it adds up. i get the sunday paper just for the ads and coupon's want you need to do is sit down go threw the ads fine what you might need that week or the next shoping day then you write down what you found and see if yoy have the coupons to go with your list and even better if you have store's that pay's double that's when it's fun. and also if you have a friend that cut's coupon's you two can help each other. just tell her the brand's that you might use because she might throw them away. this year  i'm using the money i save for christmas and last year i used the money for birthday's. you see how you can make it fun just don't get into it. i use a jar that i bought at belk's it count's it for you so you alway's know how much money you have.

have fun