Can Coupons Help You Save Money?
Have you read about how some people save incredible amounts of money using coupons and shopping weekly sales? Unfortunately, this method of saving money does not fit my family’s lifestyle because we do not eat a lot of processed foods and so most of the coupons are for food items that I do not buy. However, because there are many people who could benefit from this money-saving strategy, I wanted to share some tips. Some are applicable for all, and some are mostly just applicable for coupon shoppers.
1. Plan your shopping trip prior to leaving home.
Look at store circulars for featured entre sale items (like meats). Plan some meals for the week around these sale items and buy extra for the freezer to avoid paying full price next week.
Make a complete list of everything you need for the week’s meals so that you don’t have to make any mid-week trips to the store.
2. Use websites that list weekly deals
Find these websites and look for and coupon bargains for your store each week. Select and print the deals you like for your store.
Google the name of your store and then add the term “deals” to find local web sites that list deals for your store.
3. Use a ‘no clip’ system
Most grocery coupons come from the Sunday newspaper coupon circulars. Instead of clipping these coupons, however, consider using a “no clip” system instead. Save the newspaper circulars and write that day’s date on the front. Keep them in a plastic shoe box. Save the entire circular instead of cutting out a few coupons and throwing the rest away. You never know which items will go on sale in future weeks so this way you may have a coupon you need.
Buy 2-3 copies of the Sunday paper to increase your savings during weeks that the circulars have many coupons you would use. Print coupons and use electronic coupons as well.
4. Wait until items go on sale to use coupons
Wait and use coupons until the item goes on sale for half price and you may end up getting it free. Many “coupon items” do not hit their lowest sale price until a few weeks after the coupon came out.
5. Know how store promotion and coupon policies work
Sign up for loyalty cards. Always give your complete mailing address because you often receive personalized coupons for items you purchase.
Pay attention to special promotions so that you can combine them with coupons.
