Not new to organics, New to coupons and need encourangement

[dairyqueen]

I live in Springfield, IL. I started the switch to organics about 12 yrs ago and finally went all organic about 5 years ago. During that time we moved to Central Illinois from Phoenix AZ. I belong to a co-op after going through sticker shock since the choices are not too many around here. They are getting better. My children are growing up and now that they are 12, 10, and 6 my grocery bill is getting so high. I keep telling them not to eat so much. :) I never cut coupons because it seemed too much trouble and I could never get organized but now it seems necessary if I want to continue feeding my family what I know is good for them.

I don't have lots of time we homeschool and raise dairy goats and chickens. I need some help getting started.

Thanks D

[wendypsaves]

Welcome to OGD! Just a few getting started with couponing tips:

1. Get coupons! Save them from your Sunday paper, ask friends and family for theirs if they're not going to use them. Watch for tearpads, blinkies (the ones in the little machines on the aisles), and peelies (found stuck to products). If you have Whole Foods or any natural/health food type stores check for coupon booklets (like Mambo Sprouts or Healthy Clippings) - these feature manufacturer coupons for organic products.

2. Match coupons with your sales circular from your local store.

3. Plan your week's menu around what's on sale in your ad. Make a list before you head to the store, give yourself a budget, and stick to both.

4. Look for organics in unexpected places. You can find organic products at Target, Walgreens', even Big Lots!

I'll leave it at that for now. You'll get lots more helpful tips, I'm sure!

Welcome!!! We're glad you're here!

[ocean_brez]

Hi, Welcome to Organic Grocery Deals. We're so very happy that you found us & decided to join our online family. We value our members, as you are what makes this green community a success.

Our goal at OGD is to help you learn how to go green and in the process learning more about purchasing organic foods, living healthy and being more environmentally conscious. In this process, we encourage green living conversations as well as ideas in maximizing your savings in our quest of going organic. So, don't be shy, come on in, make yourself at home, and have fun! After saying hello & introducing yourself we suggest you start with these forums 1st. Remember, please make sure to read the stickies & the FAQ within each forum below as they contain important & helpful info compiled just for you. Remember, you are not alone as there is always someone available to help if you have questions or concerns.

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[austinmomto2]

WELCOME!

Wendy and Ocean_Brez gave you some great tips! What stores do you shop at or have near you? We have lots of people here who will post deals for various stores as well as ads. We love to trade to so jump on the trading wagon!

We have a great group of members here and our very supportive of one another.

[OHeather]

First of all, welcome!

I think one of the biggest things that one needs to learn how to do is to stockpile. I had always used coupons, even in college. Not until about a year/year & 1/2 ago did I realize how much more money I could save by stockpiling.

I also jumped on the CVS bandwagon then and have given away more stuff than I can even think of. Once your Extra Bucks have been rolled and you have a bunch, you can then buy more of the organic/natural products that you use yourself. It does take work, but the pay off is decent. There are many moms @ HCW (Hot Coupon World--OGD's sister site) that are also homeschooling, so you're not alone.

Like others mentioned, try to find and collect coupons wherever you shop. It really doesn't take that much more time to grab some Q's off a tearpad or pull a booklet of the shelf. The hard part is staying organized once you get home with all the coupons. You'll have to find a solution that fits best with you, whether a coupon file, binder, or a box.

HTH!

[derketchup]

I keep a price book on Excel, so I know when prices are good. For example, Cascadian farm frozen vegetables just went down to $1.99 a bag. With $1/1 coupons, that's $0.99 a bag for frozen vegetables! I stocked up big time.

Until I hit the rock bottom price, I just buy the bare minimum I need to chug along. So when they were $2.49, I bought what I needed for that week (with coupon of course) and waited for the big sale.

HTH!

[dairyqueen]

Thanks for the help! I have gotten some coupons and am looking forward to going to the store today and trying out some of the stuff I have learned.

D

[kristen.c]

Welcome to the board, dairyqueen!

You'll have to let us know how your trip goes.

Another helpful hint about getting coupons is to make sure and sign up for the mailing lists of the organic/natural companies that sell products in your area.

Again, welcome, and don't hesitate to jump right in!

[alaskajamaica]

WELCOME!!!

I ask everyone for coupons.

I also go to gas stations and get coupons from the refridgerated section and I get them from grocery stores in the aisles, on shelves etc.

A great way to get coupons is to join trains etc.

Check out one that I just started in the coupon train/secret pal forum.