Couponing just isn't working for me like it used to...

[Normita]

any suggestions?

We do not have The Grocery Game here, BTW

I have noticed that the coupon circulars in my area are more and more buy 2 get 1 dollar off or even buy 3 get 1 dollar off, which takes away my ability to double coupons. It also seems that the brands that offer coupons, like P & G, Nestle, and Unilever and have gone sky high and just don't go on sale like they used to. Anyone else noticing this in their area?

Part of the problem is that there isn't a lot of competition in my town grocery-wise. I have been shopping at Aldi's and Sam's club more to compensate. I do so much work with my coupons, but it just isn't worth it so much anymore.

[KarenJ_NY]

Yes, I've noticed. It seems to go in waves actually...you'll get great coupons that correspond with great sales and then a very dry patch

[saphire]

our area is horrible lately for coupons. There also isn't much competion around here. Our area does not double coupons ever, which really stinks. I also shop at Aldi's that helps some but would love to have some good coupons.

[BC-MAV]

I have to admit I haven't done much couponing lately either. It seems like a hassle to get them out. Then the store doesn't have the brand you want. Or they do have the brand and it is sky high so the coupon only makes the price normal. I have been trying to buy CVS brands and they have REALLY good prices. But for groceries I just buy what I need. I think I am frugal in other areas like clothing!

[Holly]

I guess that's why the grocery game is so nice. I realize you don't have it available in your area, but there are some other sites that do the same thing. Do some searches. I have a local place call the Pacific NW grocery guide, which does Fred Meyer, Albertsons and Rite Aid. Also, there are a couple other sites that help with the matching of sales ads and coupons.

Check out:

www.cutouthunger.org and

www.dealagogo.com (this site is forums that are organized by store, which lists lots of good deals. Just find your store and see if it helps).

[KarenJ_NY]

unfortunately neither of those sites has any of my local stores listed Well, Wegmans, but there have been no posts in the past month for there

[Normita]

Holly, thanks for the other sites. I have seen
Ct outhunger, but again they don't serve my area. The Dealagogo looks interesting to me. Karen, don't you have Tops in your area? It looked like there was some action on that board and Triple coupons may be coming our way again. Anyway, I think I will be checking in there regularly, Karen, maybe I will post on Wegmans. My user name is Normita It looks exactly like FT so I felt at home

[KarenJ_NY]

No, we don't have a Topps. One of the boards says we do, but we don't. I even went to Topps' website and we don't have one within an hour.
I'll have to post on Wegman's too, but ours does not double coupons. I get most of my good coupon deals at Price Chopper

[Twinkle]

You might want to look into buying "better" coupons from places like ebay or coupon cutting sites (I've used thecouponclippers.com). A few weeks ago, in my paper there were coupons for save $1 off 2 VO5 Oassis shampoo but I was able to buy save .50 off 1 coupons (which double to $1) on ebay. I was also able to buy $2 off 1 for Ken's salad dressing, which is great b/c it goes on sale for $2 every now & then (the best coupons here are usually save $1 off 2 or 3 bottles, so that's a big difference).

Good luck!

[Normita]

Karen, I can tell there is no Tops in your area if Wegman's does not double!

Jen, is it really worth it to buy coupons like that? It is boggling my mind to think of the math