Save money at grocery store, even without coupons

WMUR ^ | May 16, 2012 | Unknown

[Altariel]

PLAISTOW, N.H. -

A local wife and mother tries to not spend a dime when she goes grocery shopping, and she said there's more to it than using coupons.

Kathy Spencer is the author of "How to Shop for Free," and she also runs a website that helps track good deals at the store.

The first thing she does at the grocery store is grab the supermarket flier and see what deals can be found. She also stops by the customer service counter to see if they have any other coupons available.

Spencer said shoppers should also look for coupons on the shelves, including ones left by "coupon fairies."

"We call them coupon fairies that sometimes will just leave them for other shoppers," she said.

Spencer has made not spending money a fulltime job. In addition to her book and website, she teaches classes in New Hampshire on how to shop for free.

She said there are savings in every aisle, even if you're not a coupon clipper. The first step is to make a list.

"You have to make a list," she said. "Otherwise, you're going to roam around the store not knowing what you want."

[woodbutcher1963]

I have been a member on her website for 2-3 years.
It costs $1.00/year to join the group.
What they teach is to plan ahead. Buy large quantities when items are on sale and group them with a coupon if they are available to reduce the price to as close to free as possible.

[reformedliberal]

just a note: always check that your cashier has actually taken and given the credit for a coupon that is on the package. If they don’t and you don’t discover it until you are out at the car, take the item and the receipt to customer service. They will gladly honor the coupon.

[JRios1968]

Ping!

[lucky american]

There is no way I’m going to use 4-48ounce bottles of catsup in my lifetime.

[beaversmom]

I don’t do coupons too often these days (too disorganized), but I am a coupon fairy if I come across one and I don’t use the product.