Coupon clipping has become a prevalent practice, and many shoppers are finding more ways to save than ever.
Amanda Focht of Kenhorst knows how to locate the best deals and combine them to save the most money. Amanda began coupon clipping in 2003 when she noticed, while working at CVS Pharmacy, that customers would use their store rewards and coupons to save money. Amanda says she “never pays for toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, razors, and shaving cream” and has even been paid to buy products!
The savvy-shopper finds her coupons mainly from bloggers, as well as the sales ads from the Sunday paper. Her number one tip for those looking to save more is to “follow the bloggers!” Another tip is to subscribe to the Sunday paper in order to ensure the coupon inserts will all be delivered to your door. Many papers in stores do not have the full inserts, depending on number of inserts printed and papers distributed.
Amanda herself runs a blog (www.berkscountycouponing.org) and a Facebook page with Jenn and Sean Gulder of Reading. They do weekly price match-ups for local stores and the dish on locations to gather coupons, as well as store policies on coupons and sales. The website also includes a “how-to” for beginners, couponing lingo, tips on organization, and more. Amanda has given classes for the Oley Valley Mom’s Club, Leesport Vo-tech and other groups of couponers.
Through Facebook, Amanda hosts coupon swaps to meet other deal-finders and to swap coupons and ideas. Amanda and her fellow couponers are persistent about ethical couponing, which entails being moral and honest in using coupons. This means not copying coupons (which constitutes fraud), not clearing out entire shelves, and only buying what you need for your family; essentially, being a kind consumer.
Other reputable blogs to check out include: couponingtodisney.com, forthemommas.com (a Philadelphia blogger), and iheartthemart.com.
