I've written a little about how I've become a bit of a couponer, saving a substantial amount of money on my weekly grocery bill. Sometimes, though, people will say that they can't coupon because they "don't eat those kinds of foods." Meaning, I guess, that they don't eat Rice-a-Roni and other not-so-very-healthy foods.
I get it. I don't eat those things, either. But that's not a reason to avoid couponing. Believe me, you can get healthy foods using coupons -- you simply need to do a little leg work. Here's some proof for you!
Today, for example, I got some great deals on these regularly high-priced items:
Clementines: My store had a coupon for $1 off a 5lb box of clementines (posted on their Facebook page), which I combined with a $1 off coupon from an insert in my Sunday paper. Total savings: $2 (cost: $3.99 for 5lb box).
Bagged salad: These were on sale for 2/$5. I had a $2 off 2 bags coupon that I downloaded from coupons.com. Total savings: $2 off 2 (cost: $3 for 2 bags of salad).
Organic yogurt 6oz cups: I had a $.50 coupon from the Stonyfield web site that I downloaded. This combines with a $.50 payback from SavingStar that I loaded on to my store loyalty card. Total savings: $1 off 3 (cost: $1.97 for 3).
Organic baby meals: Again, I had a $.50 coupon from Stonyfield. I combined that with a Catalina from my grocery store (the coupons that print out with your receipt) for $.35 and a $.50 payback from SavingStar. Total savings: $1.35 (cost: $1.54 for the 4-pack).
Organic 32oz yogurt: $.50 coupon from Stonyfield and a $.50 Catalina. Total savings: $1 (cost: $2.99).
Organic diced tomatoes: I printed out two $.85 off coupons for any Muir Glen product (from coupons.com). My store doubles coupons, bringing each coupon's total value to $1.70. Total savings: $3.40 (cost: $.58 for two 14oz cans -- only $.29 each!).
Just on those products, I saved a whopping $10.75. These are all products that I regularly use (and, in the case of the yogurt, use a lot!) so I would be buying them anyway -- taking the time to find and use the coupons simply put money in my pocket!
So, there you have it. Not so running-related, but perhaps helpful. Just because you like to serve organic or fresh foods doesn't mean you can't coupon. Take a little time to try it out and it will pay off -- I promise you! Just give it a shot.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, everyone!
~ Felice
