Newbies (and we all were!)
My impression is that there are many new people with the addition of the current 30/15 deal at Jewel. I know there are always new people to the blog, but it seems like there are even more right now. I wanted to provide some tips that helped me when I got started.
I HIGHLY recommend that you absorb info at first. Jill's class is the best way to start. This is a good deal at Jewel, but this and many others will be around again. This is a way of life and she gives a fantastic overview. I realize that getting to class is more tricky than it was a year ago...try her DVD. Incredibly worthwhile!!!!!!!!
Really want to start now? Then read "Frequently Asked Questions" and "Catalina MAdness" to the right. After you have absorbed info from the website, then ask some questions to the blog.
Last recommendation: Just focus on the ad. When we first started over a year ago we didn't use UPC code spreadsheets. We just used the info on the ad and price scanners to do our math. The spreadsheets are very overwhelming.
My point is that we have all been a newbie. In the beginning most of us went to Jill's class and got solid footing on how this works. I know that is not as much of an option at this point with how full her classes are but there is so much info on this website, it just takes time to read. DON'T FEEL LIKE THIS 30/15 IS DO OR DIE, THERE WILL BE MANY MORE DEALS............THEY JUST KEEP COMING AND YOU KEEP GETTING BETTER AT THEM. I am not yelling, just trying to give you confidence in that we have all been there. You need to take your time and learn this stuff. After you have some foundation from the info provided ask your more specific questions. WE ALL DID/DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Use code GIVE and pay $3 thru 11/22/09! |
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scan preferred card last
Hi, I'm new in the last few months (first posting), but the really nice CS rep at my store gave me a very handy tip---when trying to make sure you reach a certain price amount to earn a cat deal, scan your preffered card LAST! That way you know what your original total dollar amount is and when you've reached your deal mark. Then scan your preffered card to get additional savings so you see your new total and then apply your coupons. I love watching the numbers roll backwards :) It really helps me as a newbie, especially since my prices here in IN are slightly different than the ones usually posted here for IL. Happy shopping!
Be careful though.........
Just a heads up........it seems easier this way, but it is also easy to forget to swipe your card. Believe it or not, I have done this! Use your price scanners and your calculators to be best prepared. Lastweek I went on Thursday night and did homework with prices, then went back Friday morning for purchases. Little extra time, but well worth it.
Also for newbies, I just bought my groceries for this week...........another $36 week! I love it! (family of 6). We'll see if I need to go back out tomorrow based on any deals I want to do following Jill's post. (Been at this since November 23rd, 2008)
Hey MD.....
Great advice, and great post.
MD
GREAT post! When I first joined the site, I spent DAYS reading old posts--even ones where the deals were over, just to learn more and it helped me tremendously.
Thank you to all who continue
Thank you to all who continue to share their strategies, trials and errors with the rest of us. One thing I think that would be more helpful is if/when people can, please include the size (32oz) etc... I know, have made my share of mistakes, because I am usually in a hurry, but remember, don't complain....
consider it a "learning experience". From reading the posts, it sounds like even the people that have been doing this for quite some time will run across some minor issues now and then.
I figure I may not have gotten the "BEST" deal, but I still saved something, and I learned from my mistakes.
Do homework before asking...
When I first started it took me like 2-3 days of reading this site religiously, I was consumed with going through every tab and finding out what I could. Than I moved on to skim through some other coupon sites.....I think what you find on here recently is people asking questions and just want a quick easy answer and not wanting to do any homework or reading of the websites FAQ's, Catalina Madness, and the important things to know before you get going. I think if people seemed to have done some homework and than asked the questions that would be fine but to ask without even trying to have read all the info Jill has worked hard to share is completely rude and lazy. She's giving you the tools to do some serious savings so respect her and her efforts and do your couponing homework first. Take the Class, Buy the video, read the site....you really need to combine the class /w the website or the video w/ the website to really have it all make clear sense. With new classes happening there will always be repeat "new" questions and that's good but do the homework before bogging the site down with questions that can be answered within the shop smarter tabs on the right side of the blog.
Save Jill
Thanks MD, I was also thinking about this lately. I think with all the classes Jill is teaching, there must be tons of new people to this forum. And I see many questions asked that could maybe be figured out by taking a class and by exploring this blog and just reading, reading, reading. I know I did and I still do! I learn tons from all of you and thus learning how to do things by myself - but it takes a LOT of time!
I think many people want to just do it. They have heard some stuff (not everything they need to know), but want to be able to do a "deal" right away. You really have to give yourself some time, like many of you have written.
Anyway, I was thinking of Jill and what she has to put up with lately. When things get too personal (emails, phone calls and personal attacks), I don't see Jill being able to continue what she is doing. At least not in this form. I hope she will, but I think this has been a hard week for her.
So Jill, we all appreciate you very much and hope you will find a way to continue what you are doing without getting burned out. Because that's not worth it! Your health and your family come first.
Well, I guess this turned out to be longer than planned - sorry!
keep it simple
One more thought on this...for your first time with a catalina deal, keep it simple. Maybe try just one item to purchase (Knorr rice side?) to test your skills. If that goes well, you can try to mix and match.
musical developments-great job on thinking of and creating a great post!
Glad this was ok
I've been thinking about this for a while but was afraid it would be taken the wrong way. I am so glad this went over ok. Thanks for the other tips. Things are very different than when this blog originated.
merry go round
And while it may seem like it's a deal that will disapper forever, these deals are like merry go rounds. If you aren't ready to get on now, don't hastily jump on and get hurt. Wait a while until you have a better understanding of things and then hop on when another one spins back around.
YES!
I like it, MD!
I think what MD says about that spreadsheet is so important. I don't look at it--at all. In fact, I find it mildly annoying. =) Look at the ad. It's obvious from reading other posts from deals past that those spreadsheets are not the bible.
Look at the products and descriptions in the ad, check prices, scan prices, purchase.
One more (and to bump this
One more (and to bump this thread up):
Scroll most of the way down on the right and click on "recent posts". If you have question about a specific current deal - it is more than likely answered here. A lot of the frequent readers / posters can help 'fill-in-the-blanks' for you. This is another good place to start when you are ready to do some reading.
One more (and to bump this
One more (and to bump this thread up):
Scroll most of the way down on the right and click on "recent posts". If you have question about a specific current deal - it is more than likely answered here. A lot of the frequent readers / posters can help 'fill-in-the-blanks' for you. This is another good place to start when you are ready to do some reading.
Amen!
I (and my exploding email box) thank you for this wonderful post.
Jewel Posts(or any other individual store for that matter)
If you look on the right for the heading "Post It To The Forum" and click on that, you can choose "Jewel" or "Walgreens" etc. and look at posts which are specific to that store. Also, be sure to sign up as a member because then you will see "new" next to each brand new post and save lots of time rereading old posts.