Coupons are a great way to save money on grocery, health and household items. But using coupons successfully does require a little bit of an investment of time and energy in sorting, filing, clipping, and managing them all and then scouring the ads and matching coupons to good sales.
Fortunately, the awesome lists you find here at Pinching Your Pennies do all of the matching work for you!
But if you’re not really into coupons, don’t turn away just yet. Did you know that those same lists can still save you money, even if you don’t want/like/choose to use coupons?
Here’s an example of a trip I did this morning to a local small-scale grocery store in my area, Sunflower Farmers Market.
I bought produce and dairy items without using a single coupon. AND I was able to include some organics, as well!
(2) gal. Meadow Gold whole milk, clearanced to .99 (sell by 2/20)
(1) Silk PureAlmond Milk, on sale 2.50
(6) lbs green seedless grapes, on sale .88/lb
(7) lbs red seedless grapes, on sale .88/lb
(1) bunch broccoli, on sale .88/lb
(1) bunch bananas, .59/lb
(2) organic green leaf lettuce, on sale .99 ea
(4) Rio Red grapefruit, on sale .13 ea
(6) organic roma tomatoes, on sale .99/lb
Total: $23.21
[According to the receipt, I saved $17.57 off normal prices.]
Meats and produce rarely have coupons, but they DO go on sale for great prices occasionally, and the best way to find those deals is to watch the PYP or GrocerySmarts lists for the stores in your areas.
Another great resource is to read through the forum posts here at PYP for your favorite stores. Often you’ll find other members posting details about unadvertised specials or clearance items they’ve spotted around town.
And PYP has many different forums where members share ideas for frugal living, with topics covering a wide range of subjects, no coupons needed!
[For those in Utah in the Murray or Orem areas, you can find the Sunflower Farmers Market list HERE. For those in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, you can find out about a Sunflower Farmers Market near you HERE.]