Bargain Shopping Secrets.

Lately, I have become obsessed with bargain shopping. This past week, I saved over $75 at Target alone (more on that below). I have been asked by several friends and co-workers just how I do it. I thought I’d share some of my tips with my readers.

Stacking Coupons

Did you know that you can combine store coupons and manufacturer’s coupons? Well if you didn’t, you are truly missing out on something great. Most stores (Target, Acme, Giant, CVS – to name a few) will stack your coupons. If you shop on a sale, there’s a good chance you can get the item for pennies or even free.

I print most of my coupons out online from places such as A Full Cup, Smartsource and Red Plum. I also clip coupons the traditional way. I buy the Sunday paper solely for the coupons. And sometimes, I snag my parents coupons as well. And lastly, I sign up for mailing lists. Places like Target and my local supermarkets send frequent coupons.

Before I head out shopping, I check websites such as Deal Seeking Mom and Stretching a Buck to name a few. These ladies sure know their stuff! They are the couponing queens. Not only to the lay it all there for you, they link you to the printable coupons and give you the best deal scenarios.

For example, this past week, we did our grocery shopping at Target. We got enough food to last us 2 if not 3 weeks (we may need to purchase meat but we have all the staples). Our bill before coupons was around $175. After coupons, $101. The cashier was asking for tips as he was scanning my coupons. Even the hubster was pretty impressed with my coupons. I got some items for free (Up & Up Wipes) and many others for just pennies. The best deal I found was the Nivea Lip Care and Lotion. 3 Lip Care Products and One 13.5 fl oz lotion for $5 – you can get the details here.

There you have it! My #1 bargain shopping secret. Now get out there and clip those Coupons!