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Jackie, when I lived where there were no double coupons, I simply adapted my
buying habits. Every store sells loss leaders - merchandise sold below wholesale
to tempt you into their store. Stock up on those items whenever possible; try to
use coupons for as many as you can. In my area, the store brands are not cheap
enough to make them less than major brands with coupons. Look for sales and
clearances where using your coupon will represent a greater percentage of savings.
Don't be afraid to try new brands. Sometimes, you can find great deals at discount
places such as the 99 Cent Stores or Big Lots (Pic N Save in my area) for products
that rarely go on sale or issue coupons. Some of the big drug store chains around
here sell food products as loss leaders. They take mfg. coupons, too.
I get two different Sunday papers which gives me double coupon sections. I also
get an additional section or two from family members or neighbors who are too
stoopid (sic) to use them. I'll let you in on a secret: if you find out who distributes
the newspapers in your area, you might be able to talk them into saving the
leftover coupon sections. We did it for quite a while until we had stocked the garage
better than some of the convenience store in our area! Another possible source is
your local library. They get newspaper too, and will often have someone clip the
coupons and make them available to their patrons. Some have set up coupon
exchanges; of course, you could do this with your own friends or family. Lastly,
there's always the Net. I imagine some of the DODers could recommend many good
websites. Look in magazines as well - the family mags like Women's Day, Family
Circle, Good Housekeeping, etc. usually have a few.
Be creative, Jackie, and think outside the box. If your grocery stores don't sell their
store brand baked goods that are day old for 1/2 price, suggest it to the store
manager. Look to buy produce, so expensive in the major markets, at smaller stores.
The ethnic markets around here sell great produce for less than 1/2 the price of
the big markets. Good luck, and if you have any other questions, you can always
PM me. I'll be happy to answer - heaven knows I can babble on for hours!
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