Shop Smart: Coupon Challenge

By Renita Perrrone

Aug 6, 2009 - 09:37 AM

Last week I mentioned the importance of stocking up when items are on sale so you don't have to pay full price in between sales.

This is important, of course, to save money. However, another reason for shopping like this is so you don't have to go to multiple stores to get the best prices. When you are driving all over town for the best prices, you are spending money on gas, wear and tear on your car and, of course, your valuable time.

Many people ask me where I find coupons. There are many sources that I will list below:

-The Sunday Newspaper. Almost every week, aside from a holiday weekend, there will be coupon inserts in the paper.

-Many manufacturer’s will have printable coupons on their websites. If they don’t, email them and ask them for coupons. Many times they will send you a nice batch of coupons in the mail!

-Look for “blinkies” in stores – these are the coupons that are in a dispenser on the store shelves next to the products

-Look in magazines. Walmart’s All You magazine is a great one for coupons.

-Many mid-week papers have coupon inserts as well. Locally, check out The Forum and Jewish Journal -- which are on newsstands Wednesday.

-Publix has several magazines that usually have coupons in them. I suggest subscribing to them -- they are free -- as the store copies don’t always have the coupons.
            Publix Greenwise
            Publix FamilyStyle
            Publix Wine Guide (I am not a wine drinker so I am not sure if this one includes coupons or not)

In addition, if you qualify, sign up for the following:
            Publix Baby Club
            Publix Preschool Pals

Many stores will have extra coupon booklets that come out through the year. Always check their sales flyer areas to see if they have any available.

Now that you know where to find the coupons, let’s look at some of the good deals this week.

Don’t forget the common acronyms:
BOGO – Buy one, get one free
SS – Smart Source (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
RP – Red Plum (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)

Publix – prices from August 6 through August 12

Post Honey Bunches of Oats, Assorted Varieties, 13 to 18-oz box, or Just Bunches!, 17-oz box, (excluding Family Size) BOGO $3.99
Coupons available:
$2 off 1 printable here
$1 off 1 and $1 off 2 from SS 7/26/09

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pasta, Assorted Varieties, Whole Wheat Blend or Multigrain, 12 or 13.25-oz box, BOGO $1.79
Coupons available:
$1 off 2 printable here

Campbell’s Soup, selected varieties, 10.5-11.5 oz can – 10 for $10. Although there are not any coupons out there for this, if it’s a staple for your family, this is a great price. I have a daughter who eats soup almost daily so I really stock up on these sales.

Publix Deli Sweet Ham - $3.99/lb (savings of $2 per lb)

Red Seedless Grapes – 2 lb for $1.99

Cherries - $1.99/lb

Grape Tomatoes, 1 pint – BOGO

Wishbone Dressing – BOGO

Crisco 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 16.9 oz, BOGO

Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Bread, 24 oz loaf - $1.99
Coupons available: $0.55 off 1, SS 6/14/09

Breyer’s Ice Cream – BOGO

Green Giant Frozen Vegetables, assorted varieties, 7-10 oz pkg – 10 for $10

Nabisco Single Serve Tray, or variety or Munch Packs; or Kraft Handi-Snacks, assorted varieties, 12 or 15 ct. 9-25.2 oz pkg – BOGO

For a full list of weekly sales, click here

Albertsons – prices from August 5 through August 11

Once again Albertson’s meat prices seem to be better than Publix this week

73% lean Ground Beef - $1.48/lb
Chicken Drumsticks or thighs - $0.88/lb
Pork Baby Back Ribs – BOGO
Center Cut Pork Chops – BOGO
Angus Rump Roast – BOGO
Catfish fillets - $2.99/lb
Fresh Pork Tenderloin Excludes Marinated - BUY one GET 2 FREE
**requires coupon from sales flyer mailed to homes

Other deals:
French’s Yellow Mustard, 14 oz – buy 1 get 2 free
Arnold’s 100% Whole Wheat or 12 Grain Bread – BOGO
Knorr Noodles or Rice N’ Sauce 10 for $10
New Crop Eastern Peaches - $0.97/lb

For a full list of weekly sales, click here.

I’d love to hear from you! Please tell me what you would like to see in this blog!

Renita

Renita is a resident of Palm Beach County, and author of “Wow! You Saved How Much?” For more information, visit wowyousavedhowmuch.com