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A Squishy Saturday + Coupons + Hauls

For the JapChae, Chili, and Meuntang (Fish Stew) recipes.

I still have friends that dismiss coupons as rubbish.  Literally.  They recycle inserts or strew valuable coupons here and there as if they’re gum wrappers but I’m a huge advocate of using them.  Confession #287, I’m a recovering extreme couponer.  At one point in time, I was that crazy lady with cabinets overflowing with non perishables that eventually connived its way into an entire downstairs closet.  I’ve since weened myself off because honestly, nobody in my family even drinks sun drop!  You know that high you get from bounding breathlessly through the front door with morbidly obese sacks of stuff that you either got at rock bottom prices or practically free?  It’s a high like no other and it’s addictive but I’ve since learned that just like cheesecake, moderation is the key so I’ve become wiser and now only semi-hoard things that I know will be put to use, but forever I’ll be a couponer.  No doubt about that.  There’s still a gleeful cheerleader in me that shakes her pom-poms when the clerk circles my total savings and wishes me a great rest of the day.

What to do: sign up for every grocery stores email notifications/newsletters.  They will typically tailor a relevant list of groceries that are currently on sale having analyzed your past purchases via loyalty cards and send you an email.  This way, you can gather the appropriate coupons or have a point of reference when comparing one stores sales with another.  Similarly, it helps to study circulars of different stores (or websites).  Be informed of each stores policies, it seems that revisions are ongoing (but some stores will even accept expired coupons, price match, or offer rain checks).  It may also help to download their apps and “like” them on Facebook.  Sometimes, certain sales are only divulged there. Figure out an organizational system that works best for you.  You can organize your coupons alphabetically/by aisle/etc.

Where to go: Don’t waste gas for one or two things.  Only go to the stores where you can get the most for less.  You could also jot down where what is the best price.  For example, I know that bulk spices are the most affordable at such and such.  You’re not always going to save at the bulk wholesale warehouses.  Look at the price per weight.

When to go: Be on top of sale dates.  The most extreme couponers will clear the shelves.  I don’t mean that figuratively.  The later you go, the less luck you may have.  It also helps to write down special “super double coupon” or “triple coupon days.”  If you’re super serious, you could consider going in at midnight to beat the crowds and be one of the firsts in line, armed with an arsenal of organized coupons and a mental note (or you can obtain an aisle-by-aisle list of products from the manager) of where everything is.  (I’m super crazy in that I’ve committed to memory the layout/placement of products of my favorite stores).  The best time to buy something is when it’s a). on sale b). you have a store coupon + manufacturers coupon (some stores accept competitor coupons, even expired ones).  c). it’s “double” or “triple” coupon day, often making your final bill FREE.  It also doesn’t hurt to scan the clearance aisle.  You can use a coupon for those as well, after all.  B1G1 are cool because you can use 2 coupons and if you happen to have a B1G1 coupon, both end up being (there’s that word again) FREE.

How to get Coupons: Sunday inserts are the best.  In my town, I believe you can have just the Sunday paper delivered to you.  You can also just get the inserts on Amazon/Ebay.  Some people even have luck on Craigslist.  There are also several online resources available at your fingertips.  Look into investing in a printer.  There are several printable coupons.  The more computers you have, the better (there are limits to prints).  There may even be a smart phone app!  If you’re super lucky, some stores will reward you by mailing out “$5 or $10 off your entire purchase.”  Those are great.

I hope this helps.

Love,

Your recovering-coupon-addict,

Squishy Monster ^.~

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16 thoughts on “A Squishy Saturday + Coupons + Hauls

  • Choc Chip Uru says:

    Wow shopping expert much? Note to self gotta remember these tips :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Now if only someone would pay me to grocery shop and eat!!

  • Lester says:

    Been into coupons for a LOOOOOOOOOOONG TIME myself. Not extreme but in these times if one can get something for five backs instead of ten( MORALLY AND LEGALLY) GREAT I say!!Deep discounters like save a lot, food 4 less are great too.

    http://www.cellfire.com/

    Is a great cell phone coupon site too! ASK FOR THOSE REIN CHECKS FOR un available items when no limits are mentioned Angie.Try not to shop when one is hungry, sad, etc. It could lead to over spending , forgetting sale items, etc.Some nice Ladies ( Dear dolls I know swear couponsuzie.com is great also.

    Happpy couponing and saving EVERYONE!!1 WOOOOOOOOOO!

    Love.

    Les.

    Ps I read in the WALL STREET JOURNAL that I GET FREE AS LONG STORY, Traditional HARD WIRED phones will BITE THE DUST in 3 years or less. Few people even have a land line any more.

  • Amelia says:

    Hi Angie, love your video. 2 thumbs up for you.
    Great shopping tips, you’re excellent.

    Have a squishy weekend, regards.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Great tips, Les!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thank you, Amelia! You’re the best =)

  • yummychunklet says:

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing.

  • Awwwwwh! says:

    I’ll miss your old channel for sure
    …but I kinda think I’ll like the new one too!

    I need your couponing skills master jedi
    … more in one day you do!
    than I do in several!
    … red chicken bottle I must find,
    the force is strong with you!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    of course =)

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    lol, you always make me smile!!

  • Simply Sweet Justice says:

    Do you ever shop at Costco? Great tips!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I do sometimes. (thanks) =)

  • EverydayMaven says:

    Great tips! I love to use coupons and get deals. Especially since I buy so much organic – it can get really expensive.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Aren’t coupons for organic food stuffs twice as nice? =)

  • Paul Anthony Prince says:

    The lack of food pics surprised me but the video totally made up for it!! ^^) That Jjapchae looks Jyummy indeed!

    Did you say Frito Pie O.O? We’ve got to try that one out. You did what with bacon fat? Toasted the cornbread or chili spices? Either way you had me at BACON <3!

    And are you kidding me? I would watch you do dishes any day. Better yet you wash, I'll dry and stack. I'm like a dish-drain tetris champion. Coincidentally, some of my fondest memories of visiting my grandparents are of watching them standing side-by-side, taking turns washing and drying dishes. A little goose here, a little peck there were constant reminders of the love they shared. I hope for someone to wash dishes with the way you hope for someone to hold onto the shopping cart with you.

    Wowzers, it looks like you got some great hauls for not a lot of cash. I wish my couponing skills were as good as that. Those are some really great tips. I usually end up holding on to coupons too long waiting for deals to bonus them and they end up expiring. :/

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful weekend with us and all those clever couponing tips. I hope your mother's Christmas present turned out well^^

    Love & Prayers,

    -Paul

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I like to toast my spices with some of the fat =) I dread doing dishes and its probably my least favorite part of all. Your grandparents sound so sweet, I wish I’d known mine.

    I’m almost done with it and hope you have a great weekend, Paul!

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