I thought I would try to be like those really cool coupon queens I've seen on TV but am not quite making it that far. In the area of Florida I'm from there are no doubling of coupons. I do the best I can matching the BOGO's with coupons but I never get my bill down to anything extraordinary like those coupon queens. Also, I'm tired of driving to three different stores wasting gas and time, UGH!!! I have decided to go the weekly grocery run, make out a menu and list and stick to it. I think I might actually simplify my life and save a little time this way. Has anyone else been caught up in this? I'll still clip my coupons and use them but not to the extreme i have been caught up in recently.

I am also in FL - no doubling coupons I don't get bagfuls of stuff for pennies either. But I try to match bogo's and sales to coupons and only buy what I need for my week, OR what I can get for real cheap. I buy the cheapy stuff in multiples for a stockpile. For example I bought BBQ sauce at Publix this week which was BOGO and came out to .60 a bottle. So I stocked up with about 6 or 8 bottles ( I forget now!) and figure I am good for the next 12 months on BBQ sauce. With the coupons, I keep an eye out for the high dollar coupons, for example I had a $4 Purina coupon so I got a bag of cat food for .19. I also get tired of hitting a bunch of stores, but I think it is the best way to save right now. One thing, I do not try to get every deal I see. Or else I would be shopping all day looking for deals. I do the ones I can and don't stress if I miss out on some.

One thing I've learned from reading books with frugal shopping tips is that coupons are not necessarily the best and easiest way to save money on your grocery bill. I haven't had much luck either, and haven't seen double coupons anywhere I've lived in years.

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It's not what you make; it's what you spend.

it'd be nice if you had a days at a time to devote to couponing, but if you're like most women, you have children, work, etc. to keep you occupied. the way i see it, if you're saving any money, you're doing great! they do double coupons in some stores in my area, but they're pretty pricey (even on the sales) to begin with, so i wouldn't save anything. just stick to your usual stores, keep an eye on the ads, and save a few dollars at a time.... the old saying "every little bit helps" is true.

You have to remember the coupon queens didn't learn to get their bargains overnight. It takes time and patience. Anyone who is into couponing will tell you not to buy anything just because you have coupons and don't kill yourself trying to find the best bargains. Also remember a lot of the coupon queens have a large stockpile at home, so when you see them shopping on the news they are buying things they wouldn't necessarily buy just to get a good deal.
I've been buying my normal groceries and stocking up when things are at a good sale price and so far I've noticed a reduction of $80 a month in my grocery bill. I go shopping once a week and don't drive all over town, the majority of shopping is done at 1 store with the stocking up shopping done at another.