Caroline Cadorette has the know-how to alleviate the stress of the 93% of Quebecers who say they are concerned about the cost of food, she who saves hundreds of dollars on groceries a week thanks to discount coupons.
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Responsible for a family daycare service, she has to feed six children from Monday to Friday in addition to her own meals. She gets there for $100 a week, when her groceries are actually worth $400 to $500.
His secret? Couponing, a “way of life” that she has been practicing for more than 6 years now.
Photo archives QMI Agency, Thierry Laforce
“I couldn’t buy an item at full price anymore, it doesn’t make sense,” says the grocery bill magician.
The resident of Sainte-Julie, in Montérégie, has her routine. She only goes out once a week, on Thursdays. “And I can’t wait for Thursday,” she laughs.
Armed with her coupon satchel, she has enough for “a good two hours”.
Photo archives QMI Agency, Thierry Laforce
She starts with the IGA, and then goes to Metro, Provigo, Maxi, Super C, Uniprix and Jean Coutu.
“I do all the racks in liquidation and I walk in all the rows, ”she says.
free products
Many coupons are placed directly in front of the products, in a plastic envelope. They are also found in newspapers, magazines and the Publisac.
“I also write directly to companies,” says the bargain pro.
Photo archives QMI Agency, Thierry Laforce
Sometimes, she finds specials from the manager in the aisles that are not displayed in the flyer. No matter the discount, it’s not uncommon for her that with the coupon discount, a product ends up being free.
“When that happens, I store it or freeze it,” she says.
This is how she managed to save $120,000 since December 2015, in addition to building up a reserve.
Training offered
She makes many donations to the community, in addition to the gifts she makes to her two sons as well as to the parents of the children in her care.
This community spirit is also the source of the training it offers for the modest sum of $25.
Photo archives QMI Agency, Thierry Laforce
For 90 minutes, it first offers an overview of good practices.
She then travels to accompany people during their first groceries with coupons – always on Thursdays.
And she remains available for a full year for all questions.
“Flyers are good, but to know the real good price to pay, you also have to use coupons,” summarizes Caroline Cadorette.
The right price according to Caroline
▶ $0.99
The pound for all the fruits,
▶ $2.99
The pound for the minced steak,
▶ $3.99
For a 400 g brick of cheese,
▶ $1.99
For a pot of yogurt of 650 g.
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