The secret's out! Using coupons can add up to extensive savings at the checkout counter. But how do people do it? It's hard enough to remember to bring your shopping list and reusable bags with you to the grocery store, how can you remember to bring all your coupons too? And what do you do with them once you bring them with you? Getting started can seem overwhelming, but with these top 5 coupon secrets, you can start saving big money on all your favorite brands.
1. Save Every Coupon You Find for Items You Need
To maximize your savings with coupons, you need to save every coupon you find for items you need. This sounds easy, but you probably don't always do it. Maybe you think you don't need any more of that item, so you don't clip the coupon. Or you figure you can get the store brand cheaper - this is not always the case. At best, you'll find the item on sale or at a reduced price. Use your coupon (maybe even double your coupon) and snag a great deal. At worst, the coupon will expire before you use it, and you will throw it away. If you use it, clip it - it's that simple!
You'll find coupons every Sunday in the newspaper and every day in supermarket displays. You can find out what coupons are coming up in the newspaper, and learn about what is available from many online coupon websites, and plan your shopping and coupon trading in advance. You can also find lists of printable coupons, and coupon booklets to receive in the mail. And of course, don't forget the great internet coupons and coupon codes available for your online shopping.
2. Store Loyalty Cards
You probably already have savings cards for all your favorite grocery stores in order to benefit from automatic savings at the register. But you could be saving even more! Some stores are now trying a system of loading electronic coupons on your loyalty card. Check your supermarket website to see if your store is making this offer. They will only load one coupon per customer per visit, but if you are buying multiples of an item and have additional coupons, it adds up to fantastic additional savings.
3. Organizing
All the coupons in the world will not help you save money if you are not organized when you go to the store. One method that seems to be gaining in popularity is the clip-free binder method. Instead of clipping coupons from the weekly inserts, just file the inserts into clear plastic pocket sheets by date and type within a binder. Keep a list of what coupon is in what insert by date, and check these off your shopping list at the store. If you prefer to clip your coupons use a sturdy file box and create categories that make sense to you.
4. Double and Triple Savings
If your store doubles coupons, a name brand item can often end up costing less than the store brand. Some stores have promotions where they double or even TRIPLE the value of your coupons. Sometimes these are for a limited time, and they always have limits on the amount of a face value coupon they will increase. It pays to check with your local store to see what the rules are for doubling coupons. Some stores will limit the number of coupons you can double on one visit.
When you purchase an item while it is on sale and use a coupon too, this is a double play. When you purchase an item on sale, use a coupon, and then send for a manufacturer's refund, this is a triple play, which can offer the most savings overall.
5. Stockpile
When you combine sales and coupons, it is cheapest to buy in bulk. After all, why pay full price for something you don't necessarily need now, when you can take advantage of a store sale and the coupons you have on hand now? The key to stockpiling is to never run out of anything that you will need to replace at full price. Constantly shop sales, use coupons, and replenish your stockpile before it runs out.
Stockpiling is best done with non-edible items and non-perishable foods that have a long shelf life. Soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, canned and jarred items, and paper goods all last a long time. Many people store items in their basement, or in their garage. If you have a large enough freezer, you can stockpile frozen goods as well.
There are many more coupon secrets that can save you lots of money on the things your family needs! Just remember, being frugal does not mean being cheap, but it does involve shopping wisely and using coupons and coupon codes for maximum savings.
At FreeCoupons.com you can find the best printable coupons and coupon codes for your favorite store brands. FreeCoupons.com lets you know about the best clippable coupons in the Sunday paper, local sales in your area, and when to double up or triple up your savings (by using coupons, rebates and time-sensitive deals) to save you much needed time and money.
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