Saving $$$

I admit it, I threw away the stack of newspaper inserts from last weekend.

A total waste of $1.50.

I bought the weekend paper, #1, to look at the classifieds ( Who Does THAT?! ) and for the coupons, because I got a skeered by the internets that I needed to coupon clip, because the world is ending and groceries are going to be too expensive soon, and we'll be eating Ramen Noodles and I will die because I can't have the carbs.

Because, again, it's news.

The suggestions from this article via the LA Times, which are alot like the SAME EXACT SUGGESTIONS I GOT FROM STOP & SHOP, and much like everything else, should be mostly common sense. 

(Now, I do have to say something about in relevance to being a post op WLS'er - ONLY sometimes does it pay to not eat a whole hell of a lot.)

* Make a shopping list. (STICK TO IT.)

* Know what things cost. Supermarkets move prices up and down all the time, so the trick is striking when the price is low -- and adding an extra wallop with coupons. Some experts suggest lugging around a list of the prices of things you usually buy so you know when you're really getting a deal. (And, shopping in season!)

* Stockpile. This rule is related to the previous two. When something from your regular list goes on sale, buy lots of it and use those coupons. Keep in mind that one frequent supermarket trick, the multiple deal, doesn't always require multiple purchases. A two-for-one price could mean you need to buy two to get the deal or it could mean each item is half-priced even if you buy only one. Check carefully.

* Get organized. There's nothing more heartbreaking to a dedicated couponer than pulling out a coupon that has expired, forcing you to pay full price or wait for a better deal. Invest in a cheap coupon organizer and keep it up to date by tossing out old coupons. Better yet, use them before they expire.

* Be selective. Manufacturers often issue coupons to get people to try new products. But even with the coupon savings, there could be better deals on the shelves from generic or older brands. On the other hand, a store brand isn't always cheaper once you figure in the coupon savings. You have to pencil it out. Who knew shopping could be so math-intense?

* Check multiple coupon sources. The Sunday newspaper remains the most popular place to get coupons, according to Scarborough Research. But the Internet is gaining, the company said, with about 11% of households turning to manufacturer or coupon sites such as CouponMom.com, TheGroceryGame.com, MyCoupons.com and others. At www.shortcuts.com, shoppers can load discounts onto the loyalty cards of participating supermarkets.

* Combine coupons. Many stores will let you redeem a manufacturer's coupon in combination with a store-issued coupon. It never hurts to try.

* Pay attention. If one package has a "redeem now" coupon stuck to it and another doesn't, take the one that does. (Seems obvious, no?)

* Be shameless. Ask the manager for a discount on items that are damaged or have reached the end of their shelf life. See if the store will redeem competitors' coupons. Write or e-mail manufacturers about their products: how much you love them, complaints, suggestions for improvement and the like.

I will give some of these suggestions a try, but it's hard to find the coupons for the kind of FOODS I WANT to buy!  Sure, companies want me to buy CRAP, but do they want to give me $1.00 off my SOY MILK?