The GREAT Coupon Experiment aims to solve a mystery as old as the Sunday insert itself: Is coupon cutting really a feasible way for people with lives and dogs and families to save money? My mother would say, “yes”; I would say, “I don’t know, that’s why I’m doing this experiment.”
My results from weeks 3 & 4 are, well, different. Starting in week 3 I began to supplement my newspaper clipping with some printable coupons from couponmom.com (you have to sign up, but it’s free, including junk mail, so be careful). Coupon Mom told me I could cut my grocery bill in half! But I didn’t. Yet.
Some notes on the online coupons:
1. I noticed alot of duplicate coupons online that were also in my newspaper. So many duplicates, in fact, that I’ve decided to convert to only printable coupons. Paying $2 for just for the Sunday Times really eats into my net savings.
2. Printable coupons are HUGE, so don’t print them on photo paper or anything.
Other Thoughts:
1. In Week 3 I was stoked that I used 11 coupons; it was crazy, coupons were flying every-which-way. But when I went to clip for Week 4, I noticed more of the same coupons (there’s only so much Hilshire Farm turkey that the husband will eat), so I didn’t use as many.
2. I’m not incredibly happy with the coupons offered in the only newspaper that I have available. I have good ol’ mom sending me some from her area and they are completely different. So, just be aware that all inserts are not the same.
3. Week 2 is a bit of anomaly because I went to the regular Super Market and they do in-store sales, whereas the Commissary does not.
4. I bought a coupon organizer this week. Things. Just. Got. Serious.
Have coupon or other money saving tips? Share them with the group, don’t be stingy.
Might I Recommend:
The GREAT Coupon Experiment – Week 1
The GREAT Coupon Experiment – Week 2
Wal-Mart vs. Super Market vs. Commissary