More shoppers clipping coupons to cut costs

DENVER - Edythe Lemberg has a unique perspective when she stands in line at the grocery store. She has seen a lot of changes in 90 years.

"I went through the great depression. Last year I thought, 'Oh boy, here we go again!'" she said.

Lemberg is now applying some of the same lessons she remembers as kid in 1929 when her parents watched every single dollar carefully.

"I clip all the coupons you can find in the paper. It takes some time, but it is worth it," she said.

It is a concept that is catching on to all generations.

Ashley Nagel is 18 and is always looking for a deal.

"Everybody is kind of in the same boat right now. Everyone is trying to pinch pennies for the holiday season," she said.

Murleen Cooper is new to the world of coupons but she says she is hooked already.

"I used to be that I didn't, but now with the economy the way it is, I am a coupon shopper and I won't stop. I am saving a lot of money," she said.

Cooper uses the coupons that she receives in the mail and in her newspaper.

King Soopers stores have seen a 4 percent rise in coupon use compared with this time last year. It will likely continue to go up.

"We are certainly finding that customers are looking for more ways to save on their grocery bill. We recognize that grocery bill is a significant part of the family budget," said Kelly McGannon, director of marketing for King Soopers.

Another trend stores are seeing with shoppers is that they are choosing generic brands over name brands to save some money as well.

It's not just food.

"I search out deals for haircuts, movies, games and food. I am looking for any savings I can get on anything I need to buy," said 18-year-old Ruby Tsao.

There are a lot of deals to be found online. There are dozens of Web sites that are dedicated to saving money and are free once you become a registered user. Some examples are:
http://momslikeme.com
http://www.couponmom.com
http://www.shopathome.com

Some sites have coupons from as many as 2,000 stores and offer discounts on products from diapers, to cleaning supplies, electronics and flowers.

However you chose to find ways to save, Cooper says it is a great feeling to see that time you spend pay off by spending less. She says the payoff is seeing her savings on her receipt.

"My eyes get big and I laugh all the way home and know I've got some money in my pocket that I can do something else with!" said Cooper.

Moms are talking about this topic right now on http://momslikeme.com. You can see what others are doing to save money and you can be part of the discussion to share what is working best for your family.

9NEWS launched the Web site as a resource to connect moms in the community.

To join the discussion, visit http://denver.momslikeme.com/members/journalactions.aspx?g=190310&m=2756636.