Need help from expert bargain hunters

[Sfcmama]

Ok, so I'm mostly a SAHM and have settled down enough with our new dd that I have some time and energy to start being more frugal. I love being home with dd but need to adjust our spending to make life more financially comfortable. We are pretty good about living green (clothing swaps, repurposing, etc,) so I guess it's mostly household staples that we shop for most.

So where do I start?!

More specifically, what websites or other sources do you find useful for finding deals and bargains. DH and I are pretty good about planning ahead if we see good deals (especially bc his income varies throughout the year) but don't really know where to look beyond the normal newspaper ads.

I should also say that I know nothing about how to maximize coupons or rewards, etc.

Thanks!

[happysmileylady]

www.savingsaddiction.com

www.couponmom.com

www.couponkatarina.com

www.iheartwags.com

www.iheartcvs.com

Those are the coupon websites and blogs that I frequent. 

Some basics in regards to couponing and strategic shopping-

*Remember to only buy what you need/want/will use.  Do not buy JUST because you have a coupon, it will not save you money. 

*Stockpiling is how to save, so make sure you have storage.  Make sure you have plenty of freezer space, pantry space and closet space.  If you don't have a freezer, scour freecycle and CL.  My freezer was free, from a neighbor, but I have seen them on FC. 

*It takes a while to really get it all down.  It takes time to learn the best price for items in your area, how often the stuff goes on sale, how much you will need to stockpile before the next sale, etc etc.  So don't get discouraged if you only save a bit each trip at first. 

*Just because you use things that may rarely or never have a coupon doesn't mean you can't put the principles into place.  You may only be able to coupon for toiletries, but you can still stock up on sales on the produce, plan your meals around the sales, etc.

As far as other stuff, like furniture, age appropriate baby and kid needs, toys, etc, I get nearly all of it through freecycle, craigslist, garage sales, goodwill, flea markets and neighbors and friends.  I don't only look when I specifically need something though.  I always scan FC and CL for stuff I might potentially be able to use.  I have even on occasion picked up something from the free section, and turned around and sold it for $5. 

[Sfcmama]

Thanks for the tips! I am trying to start small... Been using CL and FC for awhile which makes it hard to buy things at full price. You make a good point about storage. We live in a smallish city apartment so I guess I need to be realistic about that as well. They are just starting to put more cvs stores in our area which is exciting (having shopped/saved there before). DH is really into fresh foods so I'm hoping there are some things he will compromise on to we can better stockpile...
Anyways, thanks again!

[happysmileylady]

Originally Posted by Sfcmama 

Thanks for the tips! I am trying to start small... Been using CL and FC for awhile which makes it hard to buy things at full price. You make a good point about storage. We live in a smallish city apartment so I guess I need to be realistic about that as well. They are just starting to put more cvs stores in our area which is exciting (having shopped/saved there before). DH is really into fresh foods so I'm hoping there are some things he will compromise on to we can better stockpile...
Anyways, thanks again!

They also make compact freezers, that are the same size as dorm room fridges