I pulled into a vacant parking lot, two small daughters with pigtails in tow. After scanning the lot for the periodic vagrant, I determined the coast was clear. Unlocking the doors, and unbuckling my precious cargo, I kept a cautious eye on the horizon. Hand-in-hand, the three of us steadily trekked toward the large, weathered, shipping container. Rounding the corner, it was clear that the front of the container was fully open. It was time to go inside…
Stealing Coupons for Free Groceries?
It sounds like the makings of a great mystery novel, doesn’t it? However, this was how our little family scored tons of free groceries each week. At times, I received money from grocery stores without paying a penny for all the food. Was it a heist, a scam, or another unethical means of taking advantage of our neighborhood grocer? Nope. Not at all. We were digging for coupons and getting free groceries by the cart full! The coupons were up for grabs at our local recycling center.
Discarded Coupons
In the beginning, I obtained unwanted ads and coupon books from family members who subscribed to local newspapers. At the time, there was absolutely no room in our meager budget for such luxuries. Does anyone relate here? Quickly deciphering the formula for using coupons for free groceries, cosmetics, and personal care items, I became hooked. Of course, a coupon here and there wasn’t enough to sustain a family. I needed multiple coupons to stock up on my deals. This is when it occurred to me that hundreds if not thousands of newspapers are dropped off at the recycling center each week. Now, before anyone gets huffy about us “stealing” recyclables, let me explain.
Visiting the Recycling Center for Unwanted Coupons
The recycling center we frequented consisted of a row of bins for specific items. There were holes in which to pitch glass, plastic, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, and phone books. [Wow! That one ages me. :)] Then, there was this GINORMOUS open shipping container where people walked inside and deposited their discarded newspapers. To justify my actions,…:) There was a sign posted on the inside wall of the container stating that “glossies” (ie glossy ads and coupons) are not accepted. I quite possibly was the only human to notice the sign. Under my feet lay mountains and masses of slick, shiny, coupon books and ads still nestled away in stacks of newspaper. To my great joy, the majority of these contraband coupons were still in date. Thus, digging for coupons=free groceries.
Did I Need Free Groceries?
Before I go on to explain some of my methods for obtaining free items, and getting paid by the store to purchase their items, let’s pause to reflect on my current situation. Our family, by no means, was starving or homeless. Things were tight. It’s probably fair to say a tiny bit uncomfortable at times. But we never ever were without necessities. God faithfully provided in every situation. Furthermore, my parents were willing at any point to help supply food if the need arose. We never needed to ask. 🙂 It was, however, a very difficult situation for my mother, bless her heart, to fathom. If we had enough money for food, why on earth would I take my little girls to the recycling center to dig for coupons?
Why Did I Dig for Coupons?
This question begged an answer on one particular day when I brought my precious mother along on our weekly scavenger hunt. I looked up from my separated stacks of coupons to see tears forming in her eyes. She didn’t need to say a word. I heard her heart. “Has it come to this?” it pulsed. I spoke looking directly into her ocean blue eyes now swollen and running over. “Moma, I would be here, doing this, even if I had a million dollars. We don’t need the money.” So why did I do it? Because I could. I am a sucker for a deal. How much better if the deal is free or even pays me? Getting coupons for free groceries is ideal. On a tight budget, that can mean a lot! In my case…a lot of home improvement projects…lol. That, my ever-thrifty, clearance sale queen mom, can understand.
So, how did I score free stuff? This could be a post in and of itself. I’ll share the best money savers here:
The 5 Most Effective Ways I Used My Coupons
- Buy one get one free + 2 coupons- I would search drug store and grocery store ads for products listed as buy one get one free. You can use one coupon per item (despite one being free!) This means you technically get one free and another for cost minus 2 coupons. A lot of times that means the other item is basically free or a few cents.
- Clearance+coupons- Some stores are a little weird about this one. You learn which one’s to skip after a few attempts. The largest grocery store in our area was a huge success for this little trick. I would dig through their clearance bins. Most often, items like toothpaste, shampoo, and other toiletries are marked down 50%-75%, to begin with. Add a coupon on top of that savings and you get a lot of free things. In some cases, you get change back for your hard work. 🙂
- Double coupons- These are much less common than only a few years back. When 50 cent coupons become $1 coupons, great things happen. Stores sometimes mark the very products included in double coupons down half price!!! Many, MANY boxes of cake mix have been “bought” only using coupons. This is a great way of using coupons to get free groceries.
- Double coupons+ clearance. This one is pretty self-explanatory. Watch the cashier’s reaction when you have a negative balance and she hands you money for your order. I dare you not to do a happy dance right there in front of the bagger boy and everyone. 🙂
- Manufacture coupons+store coupons- Here’s a neat little bit of information. Private store coupons and manufacturers’ coupons may often be used together on the same item. Pair that with some of the above methods for a profitable shopping experience.
You Must Be Flexible
A few notes about getting free groceries. You have to be flexible for this to work. If you are completely committed to a specific brand of soap or whatever, you will not reap nearly as many rewards. You may have 5 different brands of hairspray, but they are all FREE cans of hairspray!
What about Generics?
A note about generic brands. Many people are pleased to save money by buying food or toiletries in generic brands. This is an o.k. idea if coupons aren’t available. A lot of times the generic is just as good as the name brand. However, my finding is if there are coupons and sales for a name-brand item, you typically pay less than for the generic. Also, some generic brands are sadly sub-standard. Breakfast cereals come to the forefront of my mind. I can’t stand the texture of generic whole wheat o’s cereal. I find it turns to mush before it reaches my mouth. It is the real thing or nothing for me. Thankfully, General Mills is very good about printing coupons each month.
A Sad End for Digging for Coupons
I must bring this post to a melancholy close. With much sadness, I must inform you that the recycling center sign was replaced a few years ago. It is a good thing for landfills, but a bit sad for us big thrifters. All newspapers and ads may now be left for recycling. Technology and city budgets improved to the point where taking out slick ads and coupons is no longer necessary. Eventually, the gargantuan shipping container was replaced with a closed-in bin with a hole to deposit newspapers, coupons, and all.
Where Can You Find Coupons?
If the same fate has come to your town, perhaps speak to the recycling manager. You may be able to negotiate a handful of ads for volunteering. You never know until you ask. There are always neighbors and friends with discarded papers. I’m sure there are e-coupons available as well. I haven’t played with them yet. But there’s always tomorrow. 😉
I hope you found some inspiration in this post. Be sure to bookmark this page for more real-life inspiration. Also, be my guest at The Sawdust and Cornbread YouTube channel for helpful videos. There is always a way to make things happen. Sometimes it’s the discarded items that make the biggest difference. With a little thought and planning, we will be saving to infinity and beyond. Until next time.
~Lora Lea
