Avoid these Coupon Pitfalls this New Year

Let’s start the New Year off with a Bang!  And by Bang …….I mean —- let’s make this the year we save as much as we can.

We’ve already shared with you our 52 Week Savings Plan and Progress.  Now we need to take a look at how we are couponing to make sure we avoid the pitfalls that can make us fizzle out of our savings goals before the end of January.

Buying Stuff Just Because You have a Coupon…

Unless it’s a deal, put the coupon back in your binder!

If the item in question is not a deal and you have a coupon that will only knock off a few cents don’t do it! (Not unless you need it desperately).

Ask yourself — do I need this THIS week?  Is there another brand on sale that would be cheaper then this item even with the use of the coupon? Can I stack this with an app for more savings?

Do I have to buy this brand?  

Can I keep the coupon for a later date?

Now that we don’t have doubles at Safeway OR Fry’s, think about that purchase …  even IF you do have coupons, think about the cost of each newspaper and weigh that into the deal price too. 

Trying to get EVERY Deal

Trying to drive around town to get every single deal posted on the blog and every other blog will just make you mad.  You will waste time, gas, and energy and come one with maybe one or two good deals.

Stop That Now.

There are a few rules for me.  I go to two stores  – MAX. That is IT.  Lately those have been Target and Fry’s so I’m going to concentrate on those deals.  I love me some ECBS so I will hit CVS because it’s on the corner from my house — but only if it’s close to free or very very cheap.  I will not attempt to go to Walgreens, Safeway and Bashas to save a few bucks on a few items.  It just WILL NOT happen.

With 4 kids, time is money TOO, and driving around to all these stores JUST to save a few cents costs me time. 

Not Making a List

What is your superpower to not forget?  Avoid multiple unnecessary trips to the store because you forget.

These will sometimes be pitfalls into you spending more on stuff you don’t really need.  

Make a list and make sure you know what your family needs.  Don’t like sitting down with pencil and paper?  Use the FAVADO App.  It’s all there!  It really it makes shopping much much much simpler.  

Not Having (or, Knowing) a Stock Up Price

When the Mega Sale rolls around at Fry’s, it’s good to have a list of stock up prices so you know when it’s time to buy more.  If you don’t know your stock up price, use our list and customize it to your family’s needs.

• Determining Stock Up Price Diapers  
• Determining the Stock Up Price on Toilet Paper

Do we have a HUGE stock up price list? Definitely not. And the reason for that is the price I am willing to pay is probably not what you are willing to pay.

I prefer to buy Organic Meat, Bread, Milk and Eggs – therefore MY personal price is much higher in those areas.  In terms of personal care, your stock up price may vary from mine. While we refuse to pay for paper towels, some of you may think that $.50 per roll is a SOLID price.  Do you shop for Organic food too? We have some tips to help you save there as well.

Use Amazon too – in most cases toilet paper can be just as cheap if not cheaper ON Amazon, PLUS it comes to your door – same with Baby Wipes, and it can sometimes be the same with Diapers if you are an Amazon Mom.

Your stock up price depends on what YOU are willing to pay, how much your family needs the item, and it will determine if you are willing to STOP what you are doing and make that trip to get that item.  

Not Using Apps

I’m not saying use every app either.  But with the death of double coupons, apps are the best way we can save more.  

Which one should you use?    I can’t tell you that…. but there is an app or two that will help you save on your grocery bills.  

Which do I use?  I use CartWheel at Target, Ibotta and Mobisave.  These are just 3 and that is enough.  Trying to use them all will leave you feeling frustrated like trying to get to all the deals.  

What apps are out there?  We’ve compiled a list of the Top 15 Money Saving Apps.  Determine which apps fit YOUR busy schedule and make them work for you.

Let’s start this New Year on the right Savings Foot and make it the best ever!