I LOVE lunch Break Hauls! Today's Bag includes:
One bag of Organix Cough Drops, One Box of Zicam Cold Relief and 12 packages of UP2U Gum
Total Out of Pocket Cost: $.99
Raincheck for Organix : Free
Raincheck for Zicam: $.99
12 Packs of Gum: $12.00
Used *12* $1 off one Pack of any UP2U Gum : Free
So a couple people have asked me
"How do you have time to run to all these stores and get the deals?"
My answers are: Good Planning, Using the Buddy System and Lunch Breaks. Let me break down some time saving tips for you:
Good Planning:
Once in a Blue Moon can you walk into a Store with your coupon binder and score a fantastic deal that you didn't even know existed, but most of the time good planning is essential! I take about an hour each week to come up with a Game Plan as to what deals I want to get this week, and when I am going to get them. Usually about half way through the work week I receive my flyer for the following week's deals from a variety of stores. This is when I sit down with a Sharpie and circle all the deals I want. I then I organize them onto Port it note, one Note for Each store I need to visit. Then I find the coupons/rainchecks I need from my coupon binder and paper clip them all together! Wala! You are ready for a week's worth of 'quick stops' to get the items you want.
Buddy System:
The best way to save time is to Buddy up with a friend to minimize the amount of trips you have to make each week. This system works wonders for both Kathleen, myself and our third coupon Buddy Christie. Once you are done planning, swap plans with your buddy(ies). If the deals are that good, chances are you are planning to go to the same stores! Work as a Team: "KK, I'll grab your Ice Tea at Shaws when I go if you can grab my Gum at Rite Aid when you go" Swap coupons and money for your transactions. Works AWESOME for all parties involved!
Another helpful Hint? I often enlist my husband to run by the store on his way home from work. I make him a little coupon packet with instructions, coupons and cash ( well, sometimes not cash :/) so he can save me a trip. Turns out he's a pretty darn good couponer! Often scoring deals I didn't even know about and surprising me when he gets home! Now that's the way to this girl's heart!
One last Buddy System Tip: If you need to make multiple trips to one store because of double coupon policy restrictions, bringing a friend to help you is a real life saver!
Lunch Breaks:
About twice a week, I use my lunch break at work to do a quick run to the store down the street from my job. This helps me to save time on the way home but not having to stop to grab something and give me that little pick me up in the middle of a sometimes crappy work day! Then I eat my lunch at my desk when I get back!
Bonus: Lunch hour the stores are normally DEAD, so check out is fast apposed to stopping at the busy times right before dinner when checkout can take forever!
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