My Money Saving Strategies

So basically since being a SAHM (Stay at home mom) I have learned to be pretty darn frugal. Living on one income is an art that must be mastered. I clip coupons yes, but I DO NOT buy a bunch of crap just because I have a coupon for it. Those "Extreme Coupon" ladies sure do save a large percentage but I just don't need 1,000 Preparation H wipes nor do I have the room to store them. Many many many and most coupons that you get in your Sunday paper and even online are vastly for highly processed and sugary foods. My family just doesn't eat those things. We stick to mostly fresh and organic foods and non-toxic household products. With that being said, it is possible to save money on HEALTHY items. I find it more valuable to feed my family real food and keep them healthy, rather than feed them sugar and toxins because uhhhh health is a very valuable thing...and we hate doctors offices :) So without further a due....

I Check Many Online Deal Sites

Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Hip2Save 

Collin, the owner of the site, posts ALL KINDS of deals every single minute of every single day. She even categorizes things by store for you so it's easy to search. She has a coupon database so you can find all of the available coupons to print before you head to the store. I personally check her Target Weekly Deals every week to see if there is something we NEED on the list and her Amazon deals. She also posts awesome clothing discounts and giveaway deals often so this is a great one to monitor regularly. She also has an iPhone and iPad app that is free to download so you always have this on hand! I even look her up while I'm shopping to make sure I'm not missing a great deal.

2. QueenBee Coupons

 I use this blog mostly for online deals because she lives in the Seattle area. A lot of the stores she has there, we don't have here in the South. She has an AWESOME Costco price comparison list that I use constantly to make sure that buying in bulk at Costco is actually more cost effective than at a local grocer.

3. Money Saving Mom

Crystal is a GREAT blogger. I love her because shes a Christian, stay a home mom, who has made a successful living through blogging. We share a lot of the same values and she always posts practical info. She has wonderful menu planning posts, recipes, money saving tips, home school info, & blogging tips.

I Use A Few Couponing Databases

1. Mambo Sprouts

This is a WONDERFUL couponing database for health food store brand food such as Trader Joes or Whole Foods. I have found a couple of these brands at Kroger as well! They also have a ton of info on what actually goes into food, what foods you should avoid, etc. Lately I have used this one a lot.

2. Target Coupons

Target actually has some pretty awesome coupons online. They change every month and you can only use them at Target. If you follow the above couponing sites you can usually score a GREAT deal stacking coupons. (Stacking coupons=using a store coupon+a manufacturers coupon+Target cartwheel=amazing deal!) Also get mobile coupons by texting OFFERS to 827438 whaaaaaat!

3. Target Cartwheel App

If you don't use this app already then you are just silly! All you have to do is scan the bar-code of the item you need to purchase and more often than not you can save an extra 5-50% on that one item! ON TOP OF YOUR COUPON OR SALE PRICE. Pretty awesome.

4. Redplum & Coupons.com

You basically select a product and print the coupon from these two-Sometimes these have healthy food coupons but not often. Most of these foods and products are very bad for you and have toxic chemicals in them so be aware of what you're buying!

I Read Weekly Ads For The Stores I Shop

1. Target

I always check their grocery ad to make sure I am getting the lowest price on what I need that week. This is always online as well as in your Sunday paper.

2. Whole Foods

I get 100% of my ORGANIC produce and what would normally be highly processed foods (but are made more naturally) from here. Especially these foods. I check Ewg.org for literally every food under the sun to see how "good" it is to actually consume. They also post weekly deals online and have coupons!!

3. Costco

I love I love I love Costco. Especially because they have so many organic and natural products that we use in bulk. They don't accept coupons but have a monthly ad that offers numerous discounts on select foods.

4. Kroger

They carry a lot more organic and natural products now and the prices are getting better and better. However, their brand selection is low and their produce selection is very limited. I'm hoping they improve this soon because it's a lot closer to us than Whole Foods! Kroger offers digital coupons that you can load straight to your Kroger card online! I get a lot of Kroger coupons when I check out to use at my next visit. TIP:THIS IS THE CHEAPEST PLACE TO BUY ORGANIC MILK :)

Receipt Submission Apps

I use three apps that give me cash back on select purchases
1. Ibotta
2. Snap by Groupon
3. Checkout51
You basically select which items on their list you purchased that trip, submit a picture of your receipt, and get cash back.... Pretty easy way to save a little $!

What Do I Do With This Info?

I'm sure this is really overwhelming info-but I do not do this every day. I try to meal plan twice a month because I hate going to the store quite honestly.

First I find recipes that I like and "pin" them to my Pintrest for quick reference. Then I write down all of the ingredients needed for those recipes. I then go to my pantry or fridge and cross off the things we already have to avoid buying duplicates and wasting money. I then search these data bases for coupons and sales that match my shopping trip. Usually I make my menu plans based on foods that are on sale at that time.

TIPS

1. I always check the manager specials isle at Kroger. Always.

2. If it can be frozen, I buy the item in bulk when there is a sale and freeze accordingly.

3. READ THE NUTRITION LABELS ON PRODUCTS YOU PURCHASE. This is huge. If you cant pronounce what your putting in your body, just don't eat it or look it up first! Fooducate is a wonderful app that allows you to scan a bar-code on a product and find out the nutrition facts and healthier alternatives. Pretty awesome!

4. I cut recipes in half to save $$. We used to throw tons of left overs away every week=$$ down the drain.

5. Shop the outer edges of the store! All of the healthier foods are on the perimeter of the store and the junk is typically in the middle.

6. Buy produce in season! This can save you a ton of money. The fruits and veggies that are in season are always cheaper.

7. Since I am now a seasoned deal shopper, I know where the items we purchase the most are the cheapest. Writing down prices on frequently bought items in your home is a great idea!!

8. When shopping online, always use Ebates.com or Shopathome.com to get extra percentages in cash back on your purchases!

I'm sure I'll think of more to add to this post in the future but for now this is where I leave you.
Happy Shopping!!