Couponing 101: Saving Money with Coupons & Henkel A+ Values!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.  #APlusValues #CollectiveBias

“How do you save so much money at the grocery store?”

It’s a question that I get a lot lately.  Ever since I went part-time at work following Everett’s birth, I’ve been trying to find ways to cut corners, and couponing has been the easiest way to do it.  Because honestly, it’s just that – easy.  Now, I’m by no means an extreme couponer, but there’s no doubt in my mind that I’ve saved my family thousands at the grocery store since the beginning of the year.  Since I’ve been asked so often, I figured this was the perfect opportunity for a “Couponing 101” post sharing my 5 easy steps for saving money at the grocery store and introducing you to the Henkel A+ Values program so you can save even more even after you’ve left the store!

1. Sign up for coupons.  Some couponers get the paper, others use coupon clipping services, but a lot of times, getting coupons is as easy as signing up on a brand’s website.  Love a specific type of laundry detergent?  Sign up on their website!  Can’t live without a specific type of deodorant?  Find them online!  Also, be sure to follow your favorite brands on social media for more coupon chances…but be quick because those social media promotional coupons tend to run out FAST!
2. Find a coupon website specific to your store.  These websites are the ultimate short cut, saving you time and money by laying out the exact ad and any coupons that are available.  Simply search your store’s name along with “coupons”, “coupon match-up”, or “ad match-up” and you’ll probably find one for your store pretty quickly.
3. Make a list and stick to it.  Couponing isn’t hard, but it takes time and requires organization.  I set aside one evening per week – normally Sunday – to make my grocery list based on the sale ad and the coupons that I have (this is where a store specific coupon website can really come in handy!).  Once my list is done, I put it in an envelope with my coupons, so everything is together.  When you get to the store, stick to your list and don’t be afraid to stock pile non-perishable items that you really love.  Likewise, don’t be afraid to scratch an item from your list if it turns out that your coupons don’t match the sizes on sale or if it turns out to be not such a good deal.
4. Stack your coupons.  Shopping the sale is most important, but stacking coupons is a close second.  Most stores allow you to use one manufacturers coupon and one store coupon per item, on top of the already reduced sale price or buy one get one sale price.  I save tons of money this way and often walk away with free products when I stack coupons.  And don’t forget, lots of stores accept competitor coupons, so even if you don’t have a store coupon for that item you want, another store might.  Just check with your store to see what competitors they accept.
5. Upload your receipts for extra savings.  There are several independent websites that will allow you to upload your receipt for even more savings after you’ve left the store, but more often brands are doing this too.  For example, right now, enter your e-mail address and upload your receipt showing $20 worth of Henkels purchases (Purex, Soft Scrub, Dry Idea, etc.) to enter the A+Values program.  If your receipt is valid, you will receive your $10 coupon booklet via e-mail from Henkel and Coupons.com.  And remember, the $20 is before coupons, meaning you can buy the great Henkel brands you like, use your coupons, upload your receipt, and save even more!

How do you save money at the grocery store?