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One of the ways I love to use coupons is to help me save on the more general products and household goods that I need to get anyways. This takes a load off of the rest of my budget, making the more expensive foods that I love to serve my family that much more affordable for us!
Here are a few examples of some of the non-organic items that I regularly use coupons for:
- Toilet paper
- Baking soda
- Ziploc bags
- Razors/blades
- Bandaids
- Lightbulbs
- Batteries
- Office supplies
When it comes to food, cleaning products, and personal care or beauty, I’m pretty sticky about what I use. But for these general types of items, I shop pretty similarly to everyone else!
Last month I scored on some significant toilet paper savings (on an eco-friendly brand, no less!). This week I will be getting some Ziploc freezer bags for almost free. I never pay more than $1 per razor or blade (and Ryan and I have sensitive skin, so we buy the high quality ones).
The basic idea is to stack manufacturer’s coupons with either store coupons or store sales/discounts, and to focus your shopping on the available deals and stocking up as much as you can. This ensures that you are regularly buying items at the cheapest price available.
Here’s an example from this past weekend, bought at London Drugs which allows me to stack manufacturer’s coupons (meaning I can use more than 1 coupon at a time):
Elastoplast Fabric Bandages (band-aids)
Regular price $4.99
Sale price $2.99
-$1.00 coupon (from Save.ca)
-$1.00 coupon (from SmartSource newspaper insert)
Total= $0.99 per boxI did another deal for their heavy fabric variety, where I had a $1 and a $1.50 coupon, so I paid only $0.49 for those boxes!
Here are a few resources that will help you learn to use coupons effectively, according to where you live:
Using Coupons in Canada
Mrs. Smith Extreme Shopper :: I have taken this class (hosted in someone’s home if you live in the Lower Mainland, BC area, or an online Skype class for those who live elsewhere). It was so valuable in better understanding how the couponing system works in Canada, which stores to go to, the rules and regulations, where to find coupons, and how to maximize your savings.
Using Coupons in USA
Couponing 101 :: Here are some good basics to understanding how to get started with using coupons.
Money Saving Mom :: Check out her store deals to find stores near you and begin to see the types of coupon scenarios that are being done. Also, her series 31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget has more helpful information on how to save with coupons.
How Saving Naturally can help you save:
Though I do my best to share coupons, deals, sales and discounts on products that are specifically organic, natural or whole foods, I also include coupons for basic household goods, “natural” or not. Taking advantage of these coupons can only help to make the rest of your grocery and household goods budget that much better!
If you know of any great coupons or deals available on these type of products, please don’t hesitate to contact me so that I can post the deal for everyone’s benefit!
Read all of the posts so far in the How to Start Saving series!
I’ve been on the fence for a while about coupons. I like the idea, but I’m not going to buy Hot Pockets no matter how low the price since I’m leery of all the preservatives. Home goods are an area that I can see using coupons.
I have a question, though, about stacking the coupons. In your post you mentioned stacking manufacturer coupons with store coupons. Then in your example it looks like you were able to use two manufacturer coupons (Save.ca and SmartSource) – or maybe I didn’t understand.
.-= Ella´s last blog ..Never be seduced by a cheap printer =-.
@Ella, Nope, no Hot Pockets entering my home, either!
Yes, in this example I did stack two manufacturer coupons. Where I live, there is one store where I can do this (London Drugs). In fact, they will allow me to stack as many coupons as I like on each product, as long as the UPC (barcode) on each coupon is unique.
The other local stores will only accept one manuf. coupon, combined with stores sales or coupons. This is more of the usual store policy. I still shop at these stores with coupons, too. I just have to look for really great deals or special discounts to make it more worthwhile, since I can only take off the one coupon.
Keep in mind that I am talking as a Canadian. In the US, I believe there are other stores that will stack even manuf. coupons, and many stores that will double coupon value. You really need to know the policies of the stores where you live!
Love to see how you’re using coupons too free up room in your budget for healthy and organic foods!!
Thanks for linking to me!
.-= Stephanie @ Couponing 101´s last blog ..YoBaby Prize Pack Giveaway! =-.
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