I have “couponed” for a while off and on, and every time I return to it I kick myself for ever getting off track. The money I save is undeniable, and I typically only buy things that we would be purchasing anyway. Many of the couponers on TV are depicted buying tons and tons of unhealthy, high calorie/preservative/sugar foods from the “inside aisles” of the grocery store, aisles I try my best to avoid, or at least shop sparingly in. Many people think coupons are only good for unhealthy foods but I’m here to tell you..healthy couponing CAN be done!!

Here’s some lingo you’ll need to know before we go any further.

Manufacturer Coupons– Coupons distributed directly from the manufacturer. Usually found in inserts in the Sunday Paper- think Red Plum, Smart Source.

Store or Retailer Coupons– Coupons designated for use in a specific store. (Target Coupons, CVS, etc.) These will typically say the retailers name on top, next to the expiration date.

Doubling— Some stores will double the amount of MANUFACTURER coupons, up to a given amount. That is, if you have a .50 coupon, the value will now be 1.00, and so on.

Stacking— Using a Manufacturer and Store coupon together. Yes, this can and should be done whenever possible. This is how I get lots of stuff for free and/or very very cheap!!

My local Shoprite (well I shouldn’t say local, it’s about a 25 minute drive from my house, but I pass it on the way home) doubles manufacturer coupons up to $1.00!!

[Note: This is super rare, and everytime I go, I get nervous that they will have changed this policy.]

Shoprite already has VERY reasonable prices on most products. If you have a $1 coupon , it doubles to $2!! Combine that savings with online coupons from shoprite.com, (that load directly onto your store rewards card) and you’re in for some mega savings. My good friend and I are passionate (we decided that word was better than addicted) to Shoprite.  I have to mention, they recently instated a rule that each household may only use 20 coupons a day, and each shopper must spend $25 before couponing. Fair enough, it has actually helped my shopping trips be short, sweet and to the point.

So, yesterday all in all I spent $45 and saved $75!! I’m pretty proud of myself for this one. Most of the stuff I got for our household was pretty healthy.

LOTS of yogurts (all free or very cheap) Lean Turkey Sausage, canellinni beans (see my previous post), bottled water– those of you that know me know I don’t typically buy bottled water, but they were so cheap I couldn’t resist– and I will recycle. I also got lots of hygeine stuff– which, as you know can be very pricey! tampons, razors, hair products, toilet paper. All necessities we can stock up on while prices are low!

2 bags of dog food, kleenex (hello allergy season). toilet bowl cleaner, lysol wipes–great for this time of the year, and the ever necessary laundry detergent.

The kids will gobble up those Eggos, B LOVES pretzels, and I’ll give some of the yogurts to my very busy sister who snapchatted me a super empty fridge earlier this week. (sorry, Katie) 🙂 I’m planning another shopping trip later in the week for my Grandma who will be having major surgery soon. I’d like to stock her up with some soups and quick, nutritious foods she can have on hand while she’s recovering!

Nothing makes me feel more gratified than being able to feed my family healthy food for next to nothing, having a stocked and organized pantry, and being able to share what I’ve learned with others.

Happy Couponing!! If you have any couponing questions, I’d love to try to answer them for you 🙂