Couponing is a great way to save money on the products you already buy daily. However, if you have ever seen any of those coupon shows, you know just how much money can be saved on thousands of products. The key is to learn the ins and outs about coupon clipping to get the most savings possible.
Whether you are a beginner or a “pro” coupon-clipper, the advancements in technology have made matching coupons and discounts to your favorite local stores, brands, and products easier than ever before. Below are seven of our top couponing tips to keep in mind before heading out to shop.
1. Don’t Go Crazy Clipping Coupons
The whole purpose of coupon clipping is to save money. However, some people go crazy and clip coupons for products they don’t normally buy. Just because you can save a little money on a product doesn’t mean you should get it. The best way to save is to stick to products you normally buy and find the best discounts for them.
2. Read the Fine Print
Always double-check the fine print before getting excited about a deal. Most coupons, especially big ones, have restrictions to be able to use them. At first, a coupon may seem like it’s a good deal, but when you read the fine print, you may find that you have to buy multiples of the same product before you get the discount. Also, be sure to check expiration dates so you can use the coupons before they expire.
3. Combine Your Coupons with Store Sales
This tip may take a little bit more effort, but if you can match your coupons with store sales, you will save even more money on the products you purchase. This is the best way to get a bigger return on your investment.
4. Go Digital with Coupon and Sales Apps
Many apps can take your coupon-clipping to the next level. Some apps will let you earn cashback from your favorite retail and grocery stores for purchasing the products you already want to buy. All you have to do is scan your receipts to get money back. Once you reach a specific dollar amount in your account, you can request the funds sent to your PayPal or be applied to a gift card. Other sites such as thekrazycouponlady.com help those interested in finding the best deals and stay up-to-date on what’s available at their favorite stores. Some of the coupons and deals they alert you to are unadvertised and some of the best around.
5. Join Loyalty Programs
If you want to get the best prices and deals offered at grocery stores and retail stores, you should join their loyalty programs. The best prices are often given to those who have store loyalty cards, and sometimes the sale prices only apply to those who are members. You can also find out about great deals by following your favorite stores on social media or downloading their store app onto your phone.
6. Stay Organized
Nothing is worse than coming back from a grocery trip to find out that you missed out on some great deals because you left your coupons at home. Keep your coupons organized in a convenient location so that they are ready to be used whenever you go shopping. If you have time, go through the app for the store you are about to visit to compare clipped coupons with digital ad sales.
7. Go Old School
Even though many deals and coupons can be found online through most stores apps, there are still many great deals to be found in your local Sunday newspaper and inserts. If you find you are using multiple coupons for each store trip, it may benefit you to subscribe to the Sunday newspaper. Most Sunday newspapers come with inserts filled with valuable coupons.
Even though coupon clipping can save your family a lot of money buying the products you use regularly, it is important to monitor your expenditures. As easy as it can be to save money, it can also be easy to go broke trying to save money. Do not waste time trying to find every single deal available or spend countless hours couponing. The key is to coupon moderately and build a stockpile of coupons that will help you save money on the products you love.