« Frugality, the Grocery Bill, and the Large Family, Part Two | Main | Marvelous Monday- ELECTIVES »
Frugality, the Grocery Bill, and the Large Family, Part Three
By Kendra | June 5, 2009
Ready to organize your coupons? These are the categories I use:
Baby- Diapers
Baby- Products
Baby- Wipes
Bags- Containers
Bags- Foils and Plastics
Bags- Trash
Baking- Mixes
Baking- Oils/Sugar/Flour
Batteries
Beverages
Bread
Candy
Canned- Fruit
Canned- Meat
Canned- Veggies
Canned- Soup
Cereal
Cleaner- Bathroom
Cleaner- All-Purpose
Cleaner- DIsh
Cleaner- Disinfectant
Cleaner- Floor
Cleaner- Furniture Polish
Cleaner- Glass
Cleaner- Laundry
Condiments
Crackers
Dairy- Beverage
Dairy- Cheese
Dairy- Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Butter
Dairy- Snacks
Dairy- Yogurt
Frozen- Beverage
Frozen- Bread
Frozen- Ice Cream
Frozen- Meat
Frozen- Veggies, Fruit, Potatoes
Frozen- Snacks
Health Food
Hygiene- Band Aids
Hygiene- Deodorant
Hygiene- Face
Hygiene- Feminine
Hygiene- Hair
Hygiene- Lotion
Hygiene- Medicine and Vitamins
Hygiene- Shaving
Hygiene- Soap
Jelly/Peanut Butter
Meat
Mexican
Office Supplies
Paper- Kleenex
Paper- Cups/Plates
Paper- TP
Paper- Towels and Napkins
Pasta
Pets
Produce
Rice
Salad Dressing
Sauces
Seasonings
Snacks
Syrup
Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
There is nothing new under the sun, and I got this idea from Crystal at Money Saving Mom- love that girl! Tipnut has other methods and how-tos.
You can accumulate coupons from various sources. We don’t actually get the newspaper but my in-laws do and give me their coupons, plus my mom faithfully clips hers and sends them to me. That’s an incredible ministry! Sunset Magazine has had quite a few these past two issues, as does All You Magazine found in WalMart stores. I scour every magazine that comes my way; most have at least a couple of coupons.
Increasingly, coupons online have become a large portion of my stash. I print mine through My Points… you do know about MyPoints, right? Every time you click through one of their emails you earn points, and when you purchase something through their links, you accumulate more. Those points can be redeemed for gift cards to all kinds of stores. In fact, I gave away five gift cards last Christmas as gifts, and I spent absolutely nothing on them! I’ll get some bonus points if you sign up from an email I send to you, so if you’re considering this, would you let me know in the comments? I can send the sign up email to you ASAP.
Next post I’ll talk about other ways to save money and how to keep that budget under control.
Topics: Home Organization, Resources | 60 Comments »
June 5th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Hi Kendra, I had never heard of MyPoints. What a great resource! I would like to sign up and get you some points in the process. These posts have been really encouraging for our family right now. Thanks so much for sharing.
-Audrey
June 5th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Audrey-
Email’s on its way
Thanks-
Kendra
June 5th, 2009 at 12:50 am
I would also like to sign up to MyPoints.
Thank you for sharing.I am learning so much from you!
June 5th, 2009 at 1:00 am
Lucy-
Same
~Kendra
June 5th, 2009 at 3:18 am
Hey Kendra,
I would love the info on My Points. Also, does your son do all the coupon filing? I am thinking my almost 9 year old daughter could do it. How much time do you spend a week or a month organizing- not looking for the weekly sales either filing or discarding expired ones?
I like that you have so many categories as I think it would be able to locate what you need specifically.
Thanks.
June 5th, 2009 at 3:56 am
I’d like to sign up with MyPoints, too. Thank you!!!
June 5th, 2009 at 4:32 am
Could you please send me the email to MyPoints also? Thanks for the information.
Amy
June 5th, 2009 at 4:52 am
Hi, please send me the email about My Points. Thanks so much for your homeschool advice and these couponing tips are great! Thanks so much. My email is crmercer@yahoo.com
June 5th, 2009 at 5:40 am
I haven’t heard of My Points either. Is it like Swagbucks. We have been doing that. You earn points for using their search engine (powered by google), but it takes a while to earn enough to redeem.. Wonder if My Points would be better??
June 5th, 2009 at 5:53 am
Sure, I’ll check out MyPoints…
June 5th, 2009 at 5:53 am
I’d love one too! Thanks.
I so enjoy this blog. I also have 9 children (#10 comes in Sept.), who are about the same ages as yours… 16 to 11 months currently. So anyway- just wanted to let you know I appreciate the blog!
June 5th, 2009 at 6:09 am
Thought I’d throw out one thing that is really helpful to me as plan my grocery list. I sign up for emails from the stores that I frequent. The local grocery store near me sends out it’s weekly ad as a pdf 2 days before it comes out in Wednesday’s newspaper. This allows me to get a jump start on my planning.
PS Cheryl turned me onto MyPoints last year. Crazy that it’s that easy!
June 5th, 2009 at 6:15 am
Kendra, Am I reading right that for you brand is not an issue so much as is it on sale/do I have a coupon? In other words, you are not brand loyal, but would rather have a coupon. In the past when I have tried coupons I have found that a.) I cannot find coupons for the brand we like b.) most coupons are for processed stuff that we do not use anyway. c.) if I tried to go to where the items were the loss leader and I had a coupon to get the best deal (i.e. the grocery game) I would spend every waking moment shopping!! (something I do not like to do inherently). How do you overcome this, because I know that you are wwwaaaaaayyyyyy busier than I am!! (I am reading these posts with great interest because I am sure that I can cut my brocery bill!!)
June 5th, 2009 at 6:17 am
Sorry, I meant grocery bill. Also, when I say brand, often it is the store or WalMart brand, because often, even with a coupon, the store or generic brand is still cheaper.
June 5th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Well my goodness, count me in!! I’d love to know more about MyPoints. Never heard of it.
This continues to be helpful. Unfortunately, I am on my way this morning to the yucky store.
Trying to figure out how to get started using the grocery stores instead, but need stuff for the weekend. Maybe soon going in there will be rare. I hope so.
Have a GREAT weekend, Kendra!
Dawn in SC
June 5th, 2009 at 6:30 am
I would like to sign up for MyPoints too. Thanks!
June 5th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Hi Kendra,
You’ve inspired me! Please send me the email for My Points.
Thanks,
Shawna
June 5th, 2009 at 6:49 am
I remember my mum using coupons all the time, but they don’t seem so common nowadays (in the UK at least) – or maybe I’m just missing them!
Is mypoints just American? If not, send me an email too as it’s always great to save a bit of cash.
Store loyalty cards are big over here, I save up a lot of money with mine that way.
Love your blog btw
June 5th, 2009 at 6:54 am
I would love to join MyPoints. I have never heard of it! I also wanted to thank you for all the time you take to help so many families through your blog. I have been reading for quite some time, and you have helped me tremendously in my journey to start homeschool with my now 5 year old. Thank you! God Bless.
June 5th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Hey Kendra – shoot me an email about My Points, please! Never heard of it…. We spend a TON of $$$ on groceries because of Joshua’s food allergies. I never use coupons cause there aren’t many for his specialty foods. I guess I could use them to save on everything else though – that would help! Thanks for the tip!
Leah
June 5th, 2009 at 7:07 am
I’ve spent the past few days of reading your posts working on my menu plan and grocery list. Thanks for the encouragment. I’d like to sign up with MyPoints as well. Thanks.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Hey Kendra:
Thanks for the list of items for coupons. I ‘coupon’ a lot, but loose them or can’t find them in my PILE as I can never find a good way to organize them. I am going to try your divisions to see if they help me. (i dont get it, either. i am generally quite organized, but with coupons…i am a coupon klutz!)
I would also like to add MyPoints to my stash of coupon sources. Thanks!!
kim
June 5th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Hi Kendra,
I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and am really enjoying it. I don’t know how you get done all that you do but I appreciate your shared wisdom. Thank you for taking the time to bless moms! I have never heard of my points and would love to get in on that action. Thanks SO much!
Blessings to you,
Dana
June 5th, 2009 at 7:52 am
I have never heard of My Points. I’d like to sign up too please.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Kendra,
I’d love a referal to Mypoints.
Thanks
June 5th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Megan-
Done!
~Kendra
June 5th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Kim-
Done!
~Kendra
June 5th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Amy-
I didn’t have your last name so I put “Luv”
You can change it once you sign up.
~Kendra
June 5th, 2009 at 8:15 am
OK, everyone… MyPoints is only letting me refer five people. Drat! So I’m sending the rest of you an email with options- sign up on your own (not so fun), sign up under Copperswife, Dana, or two other friends of mine (fun! They’ll really like me and maybe give me one of their gift cards), or wait until July when I can refer five more people (really fun for me! Requires patience on your end).
Kendra
June 5th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Paige-
I am only brand loyal to a few items that Andy and I like. But the rest- nope. I have four kids using deodorant and they so far don’t have a real preference. I buy whatever is cheap or free and toss it into the “public stash” so they can help themselves whenever.
Recently one of my boys developed a love for a certain shower gel. I told him I’d be on the lookout but I won’t pay full price. He can buy it with his own money if he really, really wants it. I then typically buy a product like that and stick it in their Christmas stockings
~Kendra
June 5th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Could you send me an email? Thanks!
June 5th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Thanks Kendra!! I missed seeing you this year for the Board retreat…..feel like I am keepin up with y’all though!! Love ya much..give Li’ a big hug for me!
June 5th, 2009 at 11:01 am
I’d love to get more information about My Points. I’m always a little leary to join Internet “offers” but it means a lot when someone is already using the program and LIKES it;)
fullovnrg (at) hotmail (dot) com
Thanks
June 5th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Off topic but just a quick question from a past post. Do you use the “red juice” to clean basically everything from bathroom to kitchen?
Thanks
Brandi
June 5th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I would like an email regarding My Points.
Thanks
June 5th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Great resource! Send the link!
Summer
June 5th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Re: the Christmas stocking comment-I tend to give one of my sons who absolutely LOVES breakfast cereal…the not good for you kind…2 boxes of cereal wrapped up at Christmas. He always laughs, and then goes straight in and eats a couple bowls. LOL!! Sometimes it’s the little things in life that are the most special. Dawn in SC
June 5th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Brandi-
Yes, but I do use vinegar and I zap fly guts with bleach if I’ve had to kill one on my kitchen counters or table. Yuck.
June 5th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Hi Kendra,
I would love to sign up with My Points too. I love your site and it has been such an encouragement to me!
Jamie
June 6th, 2009 at 6:39 am
You can sign me up in July!
June 6th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Kendra,
I appreciate that you have taken the time to share your methods with us for saving on groceries. I never had a grocery budget before and spent far too much in the last couple of years. I actually caused us financial trouble by being so careless in my spending on food and household items. (The other area where I spent carelessly was homeschool supplies.) DH has wisely put me on a budget ($500/month) and I’m really struggling. The timing of your posts is wonderful! Please send me the email to sign up for MyPoints. Maybe I’ll even have money left over from the budget to spend on education! ~Jacqueline
June 6th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I would be interested in signing up with mypoints as well. Could you please send me the link? Thanks so much!
Julie
June 6th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Kendra,
Thank you for taking the time to share about saving money in a large family. We have been blessed with seven children. Ages almost 16 down to 16 months. I have saved more than I ever imagined possible by learning (from Crystal) to shop CVS for personal hygiene items and meds.
I would love a referal for my points. And I look forward to reading more of your series.
Thank you,
Monica
June 6th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I am so impressed by this! My boyfriend and I plan our menus for about 2 weeks in advance and try to buy only what we need for each meal (of course, we end up buying a few extras) but it’s helped so much. I think by adding more coupons we could save a lot more money.
I’d love to join MyPoints. my email is csknight23@gmail.com
June 6th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
I had NO idea you coupon!! Wow, I’ve said before that I look up to you, and I mean it!! I’m so excited to find this out! I’ve been reading this blog for 2 years now, and you have been a TREMENDOUS source of encouragement, and help! Especially with homeschool! I just recently started to “super coupon” out of necessity, and I LOVE it! I have a suggestion for your readers who coupon:
I found that I was getting an ABUNDANCE of items for FREE or Practically FREE… I didn’t feel right about “stockpiling” them for future use… after all the Lord promises to provide for our every need, and that he will be our daily provision… I trust in that. So I approached my Pastor and our church now has a Food Bank, where we provide food boxes to those in need… It’s a great ministry, and a great way to help others with items we as couponers can get FREE! Also, local Homeless Shelters and Food Banks are in need of items too!
Love your blog Kendra, and at 26, I strive everyday to follow in your footsteps to my 4 littles!!
(Mighty Joe and my little Kaleb are months apart, and I remember reading about Mighty Joe, while dealing with Kaleb’s illness…. it was encouraging to watch God provide your family with miracle after miracle!! Thank you!)
June 8th, 2009 at 6:58 am
what is red juice?
June 8th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Red Juice is an all-purpose cleaner from thecleanteam.com
June 9th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I’m thinking of signing up for my points, could you send me that e-mail?
Thanks!
Gabe
June 10th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Hi Kendra!
I’m interested in mypoints as well! Please send me an email!
Deborah
June 11th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I’m interested in MyPoints too. Thanks!
June 11th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I’d love to help by signing up under someone! Just let me know! Thank you!!
June 20th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Hi,
I would like to look into My Points if you could sent me the email. Thanks!
June 20th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Please send me e-mail for My Points.
Thanks!
June 21st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Kendra,
I would love the email for My points if you can. . .
Many thanks,
Kami Kloster
July 5th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I have never heard of Mypoints but am always looking for new ways to save money with coupons. Please send me an email and I will sign up!
July 12th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Please send me the email for Mypoints. Thanks!
July 25th, 2009 at 7:06 am
Will you please send me the email? Thanks!
Amey
August 10th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
MyPoints – count me in too
Thanks for the posts!
October 15th, 2009 at 5:55 am
Oh, oh…. me too
March 9th, 2010 at 7:59 am
I know this was posted a while but you could send me an email if you are still doing this… thanks so much for all that you share!