When Kathy Spencer's husband ended up in the hospital a few years ago, his absence from work and the mounting medical bills got Kathy thinking very seriously about ways to save money. And it was a simple purchase of a carton of juice with a coupon that led Kathy to the realization that with a well-planned strategy, she might actually be able to shop for free, all the time.
Today, she feeds her family of six - and their pets too – for an average of $4 a week. By stockpiling and carefully organizing coupons from drug stores, local newspapers, web sites, Facebook and even Twitter, she has found a variety of ways to virtually shop for free. And recently she shared some of her best advice on saving money and maximizing savings when she sat down for an interview on Mondays With Marlo.
Here are just a few of her top tips:
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Don't Buy In Bulk
Don't buy items in bulk. It's not cheaper! That's a myth.
Cut Coupons When You Need Them
Don't cut coupons until you need them. Use the coupon database on <a href="http://www.howtoshopforfree.net" target="_hplink">howtoshopforfree.net</a> to organize them!
Donate Your Items
There is a fine line between stockpiling and hoarding. If you're stockpiling items under your kids' desk, then donate them!
Look For Coupons Everywhere!
Look online, on Facebook, <a href="http://howtoshopforfree.net" target="_hplink">howtoshopforfree.net</a>, in your free local newspaper, and, um, even by dumpster diving!
Start Out Small
Lower your weekly amount you spend week by week, making your goal to eventually get your items for free.
Be A Disciplined Shopper
Be disciplined when out shopping. Keep just enough cash in your pocket for what you need and have your list. Don't grab spontaneous items. Know when to walk away!
Give Your Grocery Store A Heads Up
If you're going to be getting a lot of items for free with coupons, call the store ahead of time and let them know so that they're prepared.
Carry The Store Coupon Policy
Carry your store's policy on coupons with you when you shop, in case your cashier doesn't know it.
Donate Free Items You Can't Use
If you can get something you don't need for free, get it anyway and donate it!
Buy Kids' Clothes At The End Of The Year
Buy kids' clothes at the end of the year, when they're on sale. Stores like Abercrombie & Fitch never go out of style.
Call The Manufacturer
If you love a product but can't find a coupon for it, call the manufacturer and ask them to send you coupons. Most times, they will.
Get Your Coupons For Healthy Food
Eating healthy on coupons is definitely possible! Whole Foods has coupons that can be combined with manufacturer coupons. A dollar off here, a dollar off there -- and soon your yogurt is free!
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First Posted: 04/27/2012 4:35 pm Updated: 04/27/2012 4:35 pm