Secrets to big savings

(WTNH) - The economy is heading in the right direction, but folks are still keeping a close eye on their budgets.

News 8's Anne Craig spent some time with the Coupon Queen to see how small changes can mean big savings.

Coupon Queen Gina Juliano has the key to cutting grocery bills in half.

Two and a half years ago, Gina started her own website, ginaskokopelli.com .  On the site she posts the best deals in Connecticut, on a daily basis.

Gina was laid off from her $100-thousand a year assistant principal job, and found herself on a tight budget.

She took out time to search for the best deals of the day, and she wanted to create a way to share those deals. In no time, she attracted a devoted fan base, with more than 50,000 subscribers. When it comes to cutting costs, Gina says anybody can get started right away.

"It's weird enough, I just don't' have time to sit and do it," said a firefighter wife shopping in an Enfield Shoprite

Gina came to the rescue.

"It's like having a game plan, without a list, too much time and time is money," said Gina.

She said the store flyer is a shoppers best friend.

"Always, always create what your making for the week, around what is on sale and what's in your pantry already," said Gina.

"The salmon is $7.99 a pound, but I'll get it $6.99 a pound, good for salmon, dollar off," said Gina.

One of Gina's most important tips is to stock pile. She gives an example while purchasing deodorant.

"now I've just stocked up, I don't have to buy deodorant when it's three or four dollars," said Gina.

Gina also stocks up on newspapers, so she can have multiples of great coupons.

Her tip, which may sound odd is very helpful. Shop like a man.

"What I mean by that, you get what's on your list, you don't dither, you don't treat it like a shoe store, and you get out," said Gina.

Go straight to what you know is on sale, and don't be afraid to try new brands if they are being sold for a cheaper price.

After watching Gina breeze through the Enfield Shoprite, and save 50 percent on her bill, shoppers say they will now find time to clip coupons, look for savings and follow the steps.

1. Shop with a list ( time is money)

2. Focus on the flyer (only buy what's on sale)

3. Stockpile (cut out multiples of the same coupon to stockpile good deals.)

4. Shop like a man (go directly after what you need)

5. Be flexible on brands.