This is a re-post of the article I wrote last year but I think it’s worth re-reading and hopefully will help some newbies out there!
I often hear people complain about Homeland’s policy of only doubling 1 “like” coupon per day and how they can’t save money because Homeland’s prices are much higher than other stores. I’m here to tell you that you can save money at Homeland even without doubling that second coupon. You just have to get out of what I call the “double coupon syndrome”. DCS is the inability to think past anything except doubling coupons to get a deal. Once you shake off that perception, you can still spend a lot less at Homeland than at other stores.
When you stop thinking totally about the double coupon and start adding the principle of averaging to your buying at Homeland you’ll see how you can save time and money.
For example, say Homeland has Crystal Light on sale for $1.99. Instead of just using (1) $1.00/1 coupon to get 1 free, buy 2 and use (2) $1.00/1 coupons:
Crystal Light Drink Mix $1.99
Use (2) $1.00/1 Crystal Light SS 6-12-11 – first coupon will double, second will only take off $1
Final price: $3.99 – $3.00 in coupons = 2/$.99 ($.50 ea.)
Using 2 coupons brought the price to $.50 ea. instead of free but Crystal Light is at least $3.00 ea. at other stores right now so even with a coupon you’ll still be saving big over other places. You’d probably use at least $.99 in gas and/or time going back the next day to get another free one at Homeland.
If you bought 4 Crystal Lights and used (4) $1.00/1 coupons which would take off $5.00 ($2.00 for first coupon and $1.00 each for the other 3) the Crystal Light would end up costing you $.75 ea. Still less than other places even with a coupon.
Here’s another example:
Gerber Graduates Pasta Pick-ups $.99 – Buy 2 for $1.98
Use (2) $.55/1 Gerber Pasta Pick-ups -first will double, second at face value
Final price: $1.98 – $1.65 in coupons = 2/$.33 ($.17 ea.)
You’re not gonna find the Gerber Graduates Pasta Pick-Ups for $.17 each anywhere!
Next time you’re shopping think about buying more than 1 and using a couple of the same c0upons. This will enable you to build up your stockpile a lot quicker and save you time and gas, while still saving a lot of money!
