Extreme Couponism?

One of the largest choices that someone has to make is whether to spend hours on coupon clipping / sorting / organizing / driving around to use at specific stores on specific days.

There are many people who blog and show just how much money they can save with store coupons + manufacturer coupons + double coupons + Ads + ...

Most people that we talk to, the families with 3 or 4 children, usually avoid extreme couponism. However, they still work hard to stretch the limited budget.

What strategies do they employ instead?
- Shopping at Canned Food Outlet every 1 to 2 weeks for basic items. (and they know what is a good deal, and what isn't)
- Shopping at Winco for most items. Focus on the bulk-food section, and other items which they've price checked.
- Use Costco wisely. Costco has a tendency to suck in the consumer with their "samples" and such. However, many items just make sense to buy at Costco. (diapers, vitamins, some clothes, etc.)
- Take advantage of sales at stores like Fred Meyer and Albertsons.
- Buy Vegetables from stores with 'good' prices, but above average quality and longevity. (thrown away food = waste)

So, instead of going crazy and spending hours on coupons, here are some alternatives:
1) Spend more time cooking instead of driving. Use wholesome foods from the bulk food section.
2) Shopping repetitively at the same 2 to 4 stores, and do some price comparisons. (save the most money on your regular purchases)
3) Limit your advertisement reading and coupons to ONLY those stores that you visit, and ONLY to the products that you use. (i.e. don't waste time reading other ads, and don't clip / sort / organize coupons that you won't or shouldn't use)
4) Know which days your favorite stores have Clearance sales, Meat Sales, and when is the best time to optimize your shopping times.
5) Buy commonly used items in bulk when they are on sale. (this is where it helps to know what you use the most)
6) Don't buy what you don't need. Remember that every dollar counts, every gallon of gas costs money, and your time is valuable!

How to use the library?

In these cost conscious times, we are always looking to save money.
Our family loves books, and we noticed that we were spending more on purchasing books than we felt that we should have. So, these are some thoughts on how we use our local library:
1) Know that you can have many books checked out at one time. (it's usually at least 30)
2) Research and reserve books online. That way you can batch trips, and get books from 'partner' library. (saves time and gas) It helps to review books before leaving, and don't take home books that look better on the computer than in real life.
3) Synchronize book searches with school topics
4) Remember to search DVD/Video shelves, as well as books on CD
5) Take time to browse your favorite aisles
6) Talk to your librarian to see if new books are in on specific topics
7) Check the website for special events
8) Use a bag for toting your books, and keep books in an organized spot, this helps prevent losing or hunting for books later.
9) Check for online renewal to save a trip if you can. (i.e. don't drive back to return 1 book if possible, batch trips to save time and gas)

You can literally read thousands of dollars worth of books in a year and the cost is already paid for by your local taxes!

Portland Area Birthday Freebies

Many are "sign up for our e-mail list" required, but a few are "show your ID".
Great list to reference as your birthday comes up, or if your S.O. has one coming up. :)

http://portlandonthecheap.com/birthday_perks.html

resource for coupon clippers to save money

This site might be useful...
http://www.couponmom.com/

The sign-up process asks lots of personal information, and give you a choice of a number of "affiliate offers", but not intolerable.
The word on the street is that this site gives good information local deals and coupons.

There is a free e-book to download.
There are strategy guides on "money saving strategies" for each store / type of store. (Target, Walgreens, etc.)

Many printable coupons, many online coupons, and lots of advice on their forums.

If you're serious about coupons, and don't mind a few add and affiliate links, then this site is a must!