The Checkout Chicks

by ClipperGirl56 - Twitter, blog

I have been a frugal shopper for just over two years. In that time, I have learned that the key to successful shopping is preparation and organization. There is nothing more frustrating than getting to a store and realizing that I don’t have my coupons. . . or getting home from shopping and realizing that I have forgotten about a great deal. After much trial and error, I have finally found a method that works for me. Since it saves me time. . . . and frustration, I thought I would share it with you.

First, I do not cut out every coupon. I tried the binder method, but I was just not disciplined enough to cut out the coupons and file them.

Second, I have found a wealth of information from other bloggers. I can find the deals quickly and easily by browsing a wide selection of blogs. These awesome women have done the work for me by locating the deals, the coupons that match the deals - they even let me know what my out of pocket will be. So, check out those blogs. Then either add them to your favorites - or better yet - subscribe to them by email or RSS feed.

To see which hot drug store deals I want to take advantage of, I check out my favorite savings sites on Saturday night. (Your favorite blogger probably has the highlights of Sunday’s drug store deals up on Saturday). On Wednesday evenings, I check for the grocery store deals. To ensure that I do not forget the deals that I am interested in, I copy and paste the deals onto a Word document. I color code the deals as FREE, MONEYMAKER and good deals. Then I cut out the coupons I will need.

Third, the best way that I have found to make sure I do not forget a deal or coupons is to make up a small binder that I carry to the store. It is a 1 1/2″ binder that will hold dividers for each store. The dividers that I have chosen have a flap that I can stick my flier and list in and also has an index card pocket where I store my coupons. This method enables me to have everything I need at my fingertips when I enter the store.

By preparing for my shopping and organizing my lists and coupons, I have saved myself a lot of headaches and frustration.

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