RVA Deals

Like saving money but hate clipping coupons? eCoupons could be just what the doctor ordered. Read on to find out more (and to check out this week’s best deals on meat, produce, staples, and more.)

August 5, 2009; 12:00 PM • by Alison Brown

Not the coupon-clipping type? I don’t blame you. The process of acquiring, organizing, and redeeming coupons is time- and energy-intensive. I happen to enjoy it and think it’s worthwhile, but I was also a child who liked classifying my book collection using the Dewey Decimal system.

Still, consider giving electronic coupons (or “eCoupons”) a try. eCoupons are discounts “loaded” electronically onto your shopper loyalty card for stores like Kroger Ukrop’s, Food Lion, and CVS.

Start by registering your shopper loyalty card with the coupon website, and selecting and loading the eCoupons you think you might use. They expire after a month or two, just like paper coupons. When you swipe your loyalty card and buy an eCoupon product, the discount will be applied automatically. It might show up on your receipt like this:

The line that says “eSAVER Tide 0.35-” is the thirty-five cents I saved with my Proctor & Gamble eCoupon for buying Tide detergent.

The beauty of eCoupons is how little effort is involved. All you have to do is check the coupon website every few weeks to see if there are any new coupons you want to load. It’s helpful, but not necessary, to print a list of the coupons you’ve saved. And for extra savings, use paper coupons on the same product for which you have an eCoupon!

Next week, I’ll have a list of popular electronic coupon websites.

Meat Top Pick

Pay $1.29 a pound for bone-in pork chops at Kroger this week.

Veggie Top Pick

A pack of Stop Light peppers (1 each of red/yellow/green) is $3 at Kroger.

Fruit Top Pick

Even though it’s misspelled in the sale ad, Kroger has cantaloupes on sale for $1 each.

Dairy Top Pick

Kroger brand yogurt is 3 for $1 this week.

Staples Top Pick

Sara Lee Soft and Smooth bread is $1.19 a loaf at Kroger, including 100% Whole Wheat and Whole Grain White.

Snacks & Sweets Top Pick

A 16-oz jar of Taco Bell salsa is $.88 at Ukrop’s

Beverages Top Pick

6 packs of 24-oz Pepsi bottles are $2.50 at Ukrop’s, and each one you purchase enters you to win a 2009 Chevy Malibu (in addition to every $50 spent). Good luck!

Household Top Pick

Another $.88 pick: Speedstick or Lady Speedstick deodorant is on sale for 88 cents at Kroger. Combine with the coupon for “$.75 off 2” from July 25 coupon inserts.

Find more deals by accessing the stores’ weekly ads online:

• Prices valid 8/2-8/8: Kroger, Ukrop’s, Target, Walgreen’s, CVS
• Prices valid 8/5-8/11: Tom Leonard’s, Whole Foods, Fresh Market

Check out more of Alison’s stellar cost-cutting tricks and tips over at Richmond Bargains or follow her on Twitter. Your wallet is sure to thank you.

August 5, 2009 12:00 PM 4