KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Can Coupons Hold Secrets? We Reveal Them For You
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You know those people who say they can buy a whole basketful of groceries for $12? They all know the same thing: when it comes to using coupons timing is everything.
Shannon Snow knows how to shop. She's the mother of three blogs under the name "Coupon Princess."
She says there are secrets to getting great deals. "Start by going through your Sunday paper."
There'll be "at least" two coupon circulars -- one called "red plum" -- the other, called, "smart source."
In addition, some manufacturers, like General Foods, and Proctor and Gamble also put out their own circulars on a regular basis.
You can "also" find a wealth of coupons online. "Stockpile all the coupons you can."
And, get "multiple" copies , for items you like. Then "you match the coupon to the sale item."
In other words: wait to use your coupon, until the item you want is on sale.
For example:
Skippy Chunky Peanut Butter regularly sells for $3.49 a jar. But it was found on sale at Walgreens in San Francisco two jars for $3.
One coupon -- good for 75 cents off two jars --- brings the price down to just $1.13 a jar.
A box of 100 Lipton tea bags can cost up to $5.29.
But a coupon in the store's weekly circular brought it down to $1.99 a box. Add in a 50 cent-off coupon from the Sunday paper and the cost came down to $1.49 a box, nearly $4 off the original price.
Snow says combining coupons with store sales can mean huge discounts on toiletries like shampoo, disposable razors and toothpaste. "I don't ever buy toothpaste; it's always free. I wait 'till it goes on sale and matches my coupons."
And if you find something you like on sale: stock up. "You might end up with 10 jars of pasta sauce and that's great and all, but the next week you're going to end up with the noodles."
Other tips: Shannon Snow says -- don't shop on an empty stomach, stay focused and, if you can, leave the kids at home. "It takes a while to get used to, to gain confidence, and to know that you can to the register -- you're not doing anything wrong."
