Frugal Babe

A rich life without a lot of money

Book Giveaway – How To Shop For Free!

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I’ve written many times about my food shopping habits.  Although I’m frugal in just about every other area (and rarely shop for much of anything anymore, other than food), I never compromise when it comes to what my family eats.  Nearly all the food I buy is organic, and most of my grocery cart is filled with fresh or frozen produce, nuts, seeds, dried legumes and a few boxed/jarred items like whole grain pasta or coconut milk.  I rarely buy anything from the center aisles of the grocery store, and I don’t buy things that have non-food ingredients (all those 8-syllable words on ingredient lists).  I have long been of the opinion that I’m not interested in coupons for food, because most of what’s available is for stuff that I would never feed my family.

I’ll admit that I don’t put much effort into trying to save money on groceries.  I tend to do all of my shopping at one store (either the health food store or the co-op), and although I’ll always pick up things that are on sale when I’m shopping, I will also buy food that’s good for us even if it’s not on sale (but I still haven’t been able to bring myself to pay $10 for a little bag of pine nuts at the health food store – my frugal habits don’t completely disappear when I go grocery shopping…).

Since I’m definitely not a coupon queen, my first reaction when I was asked to review Kathy Spencer’s new book, How To Shop For Free, was to assume that it wouldn’t contain anything useful to me.  But the more I thought about it, the more curious I became.  I wondered if the book might have some tips for people like me.

I was pleasantly surprised.

How To Shop For Free definitely inspired me to change some of my grocery shopping ways.  I’m committing to shopping in more than one store from now on, and paying attention to what’s on sale before I plan my trip.  There’s a major supermarket about two blocks from the health food store where I normally shop, and another one a couple miles down the road, in the direction I have to go to get home.  Both stores have organic sections, and both run sales and offer coupons.  I’m embarrassed to say that I have no idea whether they double coupons or match competitors’ ads, because I’ve never taken the time to ask (but I will as soon as I go shopping again!)

I was also inspired to see if there might indeed be coupons available for things that I already buy.  I love coupons – what frugal person doesn’t? – and I always look for restaurant coupons if we’re going out to eat, and for coupon codes anytime I make an online purchase.  I just tended to assume that there weren’t coupons for the sort of stuff I buy at the grocery store.  How To Shop For Free made me reconsider that idea.  I started looking online (including eBay) for manufacturer coupons for products that I buy already, and was thrilled to find plenty.  It turns out that there are coupons for some of the pricey organic products that I buy, I just didn’t know to look for them.  And I found that the health food store I shop at has a website where they allow customers to write product reviews in exchange for store credit.  Coupons are available for all sorts of products, if you just take the time to look before you shop.  Anytime you’re going to be making a purchase on a large online retailer like Amazon, make sure you look for an Amazon.com coupon first.

I know that my shopping habits in terms of food are a bit extreme.  Same goes for the fact that the only cleaning products I’ll allow in the house are baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide.  And that my personal care products are limited mostly to baking soda, organic conditioner, coconut oil, and Dr. Bronners soap.  And yet even with those strict parameters, I still found Kathy’s book useful and inspiring.  For most people, it will be a gold mine.

In addition to tips on reducing your food and personal care budget to nearly zero, Kathy also devotes chapters to shopping for all sorts of other stuff – even clothes – for free or next to nothing.  She also has a chapter (one of my favorites) about how you can utilize her methods to stock up on stuff that you can give away to struggling people in your community, or to organizations that will distribute the stuff to people who need it.

The book is 230 pages of really great information for anyone who could use some tips on how to spend a whole lot less on the stuff that they already buy.  And you can win a copy for free!  Just leave a comment on this post, and I’ll randomly select a winner on Sunday, the 19th.  If you want to get inspired right away, check out Kathy’s website and browse around for a while.

Comments

  2. Sounds like a great book.

    I hear you on not paying $10 for a small bag of pine nuts. I’ve gotten lucky, though–a small health food store near my sister usually has them in their bulk bin for about $10/pound. I stock up when they have them. A pound lasts a long time, as I usually use just a little at a time, and they keep well in the freezer.

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  3. Please add me to the drawing. Sounds like we shop similarly (avoid the middle of the store) so I have the same attitude as you did toward coupons. Is there much info in there about how to find discounts on produce? Occasionally I’ll find a good deal ($2 for 10lbs of potatoes!) but I don’t have any sort of system.

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  6. Because I have to eat gluten free, I avoid processed foods. I don’t bother with coupons because I assumed they’re mostly for processed foods. I’d love to get tips on saving on organic foods and products.

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  7. I’d love to read this book now after hearing your review. I tend to food shop the same way you do, and therefore never gave coupons a second thought. I wish we had a health food store nearby though!

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  9. I’ve never been much of a coupon believer, either. I never see the ones that I would actually use, so I’m very interested in this book…

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  12. I would love to read this, I have been ignoring coupons as of late, since I always assume that there aren’t any out there I would use!

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  15. Sounds like a great book. I have a friend that fed her family of 6 for less than a dollar a person a day for the month of October. I think that is great, but I don’t usually feed us any of the things that I see coupons for. However, Mambo Sprouts is a great website for organic and natural coupons. And I am starting to see more in the regular coupons as well. I would be very interested in what this book has to say.

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  16. This sounds great! I love using manufacturer coupons on personal products, but find I’m less apt to use grocery store coupons for food. I hate getting to the checkout and having to juggle things to make sure I have the appropriate coupons with the right items – so usually I just try to buy things already on sale. I do the online coupon codes too, but it’s hard to find this kind of info in Canada. We just don’t have the sales/good deals you seem to in the States.

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  17. I found your review interesting. I am learning to shop and cook so that I buy less from the inside of the store and just assumed that coupons for that sort of shopping wouldn’t be available. Thanks for entering my name in the drawing.

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  20. amazing! I have been couponing for many years but am still trying to hit that savings “sweet spot.” Going to check out the site now.

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  21. I, too, spend far too much on groceries. I get organic fruits and veggies delivered to my front door, and I shop almost exclusively at Whole Foods, Henry’s or Trader Joe’s. As a result of said habits, I spend a fortune to feed a family of four. I, too, thought that I was doomed to spend a fortune because coupons are only for the center aisle foods. How nice that someone has written a book that can help us! Thanks for the opportunity to win the book, FB! :)

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  23. I managed to get a free toothpaste by combining a sale and coupon once, but have never managed to repeat it. I’d love to see how others manage to get so much for free!

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  24. I too have pretty much given up on manufacturer coupons as they all seemed to be for processed food. That said, my usual grocery store has pretty good internal coupons at the shelf. Sometimes for $ off if you buy multiple or often buy this, get that free. If I won’t use what’s free and it’s non-perishable, I’ll go ahead and get it and drop it in the food pantry box on the way out. This book sounds like it’s got a much better system than my haphazard ways!

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  27. Sounds very interesting! I’d love to read more. If I don’t win, I’ll have to check my library.
    Happy Holidays! :)

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  28. I recently realized that that whole section in the middle of the store is actually there for most people. I had NO IDEA. I know that’s naive. I suppose I hadn’t really thought about it. I just assumed that that section was there for when people had an occasional (like 2x a year) craving for something really bad for you! I guess I don’t shop like most people.

    SO, I’ve also never been a couponer for the same reasons as you, but now I’m very intrigued by this book! I bought the $97 work from home package you had a few weeks back, so I’m tapped! I hope I win this one!

    Love your blog!

    ~Angela :-)

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  29. I have recently begun to change my shopping habits. I try to avoid the middle aisles of the store as much as possible (though the boxed foods are SO darn convenient) and I have been checking the ingredient lists on some items.

    I try to coupon as much as I can, but I know that I have a disconnnect somewhere that it isn’t working out as well as it should. I’d love to be able to read this book and learn some new ways to shop and save money!

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  31. I always have my parents save the coupons from their Sunday paper for me, but rarely find any that I can use.
    Thanks for all the inspiration and information your blog provides!

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  32. I stopped bothering with coupons when I started eating vegan and organic. They are usually for the processed things that I don’t eat and don’t cook.

    I’d love to see what tips she has for eaters like me :)

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  34. I’d love to get in on the giveaway. We live on a very tight budget and although I’ve pared down my grocery bill quite a bit by strategic shopping, I always like to learn new tricks!

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  37. I always ignored the coupon trail too because I am an 80% raw foodist (vegan). I would love to receive the book and find ways that I can save money as well. Organic veggies, nuts, seeds…

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  38. I’ve already registered for a coupon class and this would be the next level! I’m so excited about this book!

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  39. I love coupons! My friends have had a few laughs at me over my ‘clipping’ habits, but when I actually show them my results, who’s laughing now! I am hoping 2 win this book so I wont have 2 spend the $$ 4 it. Another frugal habit. Save, save, save where ever u can! If I don’t win it, or get it 4 a Christmas present, I certainly plan 2 buy it! Merry Christmas everyone & Happy New Year!

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  40. I consider myself and competitive shopper always looking for the best deals. It’s like a fun game!
    Your post has made me reconsider bulk and co-op shopping. I really enjoyed reading your post.

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  41. I always try to save on groceries, but penny wise and pound foolish as my grandmother used to say. I prefer buying fresh and organic and local even though I pay a bit more for my groceries. I think the benefits are well worth the extra expendature. Healtheer family, healthier community, healthier choices. I will look foward to reading this book whether I win it or not.

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  42. I struggle to keep costs as low as possible, but have never been as successful as I might. This book sounds like it could give me the chance to really save. Thanks for this.

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  43. I’ve been a lurker on your blog for the past few days- i really appreciate your insight and consideration for life, values, and your family. Thanks for sharing!

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  44. I would love to win this book – there is always something to learn! I need to learn about where to find coupons for organic products – that’s been a mystery to me. As for pine nuts, sometimes just a sprinkling will make a vegetarian dish wonderful! A pound would last for months in our house.

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  45. I think I’m a pretty saavy shopper. I am still reaching for the “Queen” status. This book sounds like it will give tips for everyone still trying to become a “FRUGALISTA” Going to the website now…

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  46. This seems like the perfect book, with the economy the way it is, and food prices going higher and higher. I”m tired of spending so much money at the market and I would love to win this book!

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  48. With going back to school full time and my husband struggling to find a better job, my family of four could really use more helpful ways to cut costs although it would be intersting to see how we could spend any less!

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  49. I haven’t used coupons in awhile cause I seem to run in for what we need that day or the next. I need to get it together better because they can definitely help with the budget. I’m always in the market for new tips for spending less.

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  50. Interesting. My grocery preferences are similar to yours, and I, too, assumed coupons just weren’t for me.

    Also, totally random, but would like to warn people to beware of cheaper pine nuts. Certain species of Chinese pine nuts, which are cheaper, also cause a metallic taste disturbance called metallogeusia, which can last for up to 2 weeks. No permanent side effects, but everything you eat will taste horrible until it goes away. I experienced this first-hand, and since then, I’m okay with paying more when I do splurge on pine nuts.

    If you are a foodie, metallogeusia is all the more miserable.

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  51. Sounds like a great book. I’ve never worried too much about grocery costs, as I’m only feeding me and am not a meat-eater. But I’ve become more and more organic-conscious and with the rapidly-rising costs of food and retirement approaching … I’m giving it some thought. I appreciate your always-helpful blog.

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  53. I had the same reaction to Kathy Spencer’s “How to Shop for Free”, but your review has made me really interested in reading it. I will check out some of the coupon sites that you recommend, and I am interested in figuring out how to buy food to give to the Food Bank for a minimum cost!
    Thanks!

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  56. I really need to get better about couponing and checking sales. Most of the time I just end up shopping at the store that I know has the lowest average prices.

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  60. I just discovered Kathy’s site a few days ago and I’m challenging myself to save money now (early New Year’s resolution). There is a wealth of useful info there, and in her book as well, I’m sure. Just signed up for your email, thanks frugalbabe. Happy Holidays and Happy Saving to us all!

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  62. FrugalBabe, I can’t wait to read this book. i, too, struggle with saving money on my grocery bill, so i’m looking forward to discovering new ways to save some money in this category. great post!

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  63. I have gone through phases of trying to coupon in the past and it has never lasted long! This book sounds intriguing – perhaps it might even help someone like me!

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  64. I would love to be more frugal and just started reading your blog. Thanks for all the great tips; I could greatly use some in the area of grocery shopping!

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  68. I don’t compromise on food either, but your blog post intrigued me and I am curious to know more about the tips in this book. I hope I win the giveaway.

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  69. I’d love this book, FB!! Can use some tips to reduce grocery expenses and eating out expenses. There’s been an influx on these ever since I started working.

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  77. I could use some pointers in this area, but I particularly liked the idea of helping those who are struggling. There are so many who could use the help right now.

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  80. As a single dad I have to say that, like you, I’ve never really paid attention to coupons either. I’m always, apparently incorrectly, assuming that there are no coupons for what I may be buying anyway.

    You have me at least curious and that’s most likely the beginning for me to begin investigating. Thanks for the enlightning post.

    Merry Christmas!

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  85. Myself, as well! I don’t use coupons mainly because they get lost in my wallet and I forget about them. My mother was always a coupon clipper growing up and she’s always giving me ones, which although quite useful, I have never taken advantage of. But I do look for sales, and I always compare price per ounce before making a purchase. I buy things in bulk whenever possible and often go for generic brands (they’re just as good!). My husband and I usually have three meals: hamburger helper, frozen burritoes, and pork chops. Not a lot of variety, but we’ve found a way to make this work within our budget comfortably. I would love to eat healthier and have more fresh and organic foods in our kitchen, and I think this book would really help me figure out a way to do that…I’m definitely doing more research!

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  87. I love your site! I volunteer at my local food co-op for my 20 percent worker discount. I wasn’t aware of coupons for Annie’s organic mac and cheese until last week. I would love to win the book.

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  90. As a recovering coupon queen, I’m trying to find a balance between purchasing healthy foods and still saving money. I formerly paid about $200/month for groceries to feed a family of 5, but now that we’re eating healthier (and in my opinion there are far less coupons available for healthy foods), that number easily tops $400/month. Still low by many peoples standards, but high for me. Would love to read of their ideas for bringing this number back down. Thanks! -Carrie

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  93. I found Kathy Spencer’s website a few months ago when my teenage daughter told me about another couponing book she saw at the Harvard Book Store and my teenage son showed me a video segment of Kathy on Good Morning America. I was hooked when I saw Kathy buying hundreds of dollars worth of groceries for pennies at Shaw’s, a store where I had spent $200-$300 a week to feed my own family of four. Three quarters of my family are vegetarians, and we have always chosen our food carefully to avoid chemicals and processed food. I, too, was pleasantly surprised at how many coupons I could find for foods we eat. While I am not getting all our food for free, I have drastically reduced our grocery bills and nearly eliminated our costs for personal care items. I would love to read Kathy’s book for more tips!

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  94. Although we are pretty good at being frugal in most areas of our life, we are TERRIBLE about cutting down grocery expenses. There are only 2 of us and we rarely manage to spend less than $400 / month at grocery stores. I could definitely use this book!

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