I still use coupons, but have cut back considerably in the last year. I found myself buying items because they were so cheap and not because we necessarily liked them or couple fit them into our meal preparation lifestyle. Also, it seems like the bulk of coupons are for convenience foods or for snack foods. For health reasons, I have been trying to limit our consumption of these items and/or switch to organic versions.
Lately, I have been buying very little prepackaged food (pretty much just the basics such as cereal, rice, pasta, pasta sauce), so my coupon use has gone way down. When I do use coupons, I use them as has been recommended here -- in connection with a store sale and preferably in a store that doubles them. Sometimes that means waiting several weeks for the right opportunity.
To combat the lower coupon savings, I have been trying to be more efficient/less wasteful in my meal planning. I am currently experimenting with freezer meals, where I prep a meal in advance and put it in the freezer until I want to cook and serve it. I picked out a few dozen recipes from a couple of books I got from the library. When a main ingredient goes on sale (such as ground beef or chicken breasts), I make a few recipes using that ingredient and freeze them. In a short time, I already have a nice line-up of pre-assembled meals.
Not only does this help me be able to serve a hot dinner during the workweek, but it really focuses my shopping. I am buying some more expensive items than I have in the past (primarily organics), but my weekly shopping bill is still within the same range it was when I was couponing more actively (approximately $50-$85 for 3 people -- 2 of whom are not big eaters)
Lastly, I have several chain markets within a short distance from my home. They all run great specials, but I stopped trying to keep up with them. I selected the three I find to be the most reliable in terms of low prices and quality and only read their sales ads. If a store has multiple deals on items I need/use, then I'll go to that store that week. If it only has one or two items, I won't go unless I desperately need the item or the store is giving it away.
|