When times are tight, clipping coupons can be an easy way to save money, even if it seems old-fashioned. With strategic planning, you can save hundreds of dollars with the proper use of coupons.
Sketch Out Your Method
When using coupons, it is sometimes easy to end up falling into the trap of buying items you would not usually use. The first thing to do is plan – decide what you need to buy for the next week or month. Make a menu plan, and then a shopping list that includes both the staples and perishables you might need.
Investigate Your List
Once you know what you’re shopping for, get a copy of the local Sunday paper or go online. Figure out what store offer the best prices or are having sales. Lay out your shopping trip so you get the best combination of prices and traveling distance – traveling to multiple stores could wipe out the money you save.
Study Available Coupons
Once you have a good idea of where the items you need are on sale, start researching coupons. Newspapers are a good source for coupons, but the internet is one of the best sources. When you sign up for company email newsletters, they will often send you coupons. There are a large number of websites that act as coupon clearinghouses. On some, you may pay between 10 and 50 cents per coupon, others are free. When using these coupons, be sure that you take note of expiration dates and limitations.
Double your savings down
Now that you have a good understanding of the coupons and sales available, it’s best to match them up with your shopping list. If a store has a two-for-one sale, match it up with a coupon from the manufacturer for a better price. If the store is offering a coupon, you can frequently match it with another coupon from the manufacturer. The more coupons you match up with each other, the more money you can save.
Have flexible plans
There may be a time when you really do find a great deal on items not on your list. If you do find a great deal, make sure you will actually use whatever the item is. Be open to changing your shopping list if you find an item on special that you’ll actually use. One way to keep yourself organized is to keep a month-long list of meals, and then cross them off as you go.
Go shopping with your planning
Get both your coupons and your plan organized and then it’s time to go shopping. Keep an eye out for in-store coupons and club card deals. Keep in-store coupons and file them so you can double-down in the future. Most importantly, try to keep your impulse purchases to a minimum. It doesn’t save money on your list if you purchase a lot of items you don’t need.
It may take extra time and effort, but clipping coupons can save you extra money. Remember that the most important things are to plan, research, and be flexible.
