Most couponers aren’t loyal to a product, brand or company and will shop where the sales are. If one brand of pasta is on sale this month and a different brand is on sale the following month, experienced couponers will follow the deal and purchase the discounted product. Keep this in mind as you start clipping and saving!
Before searching for coupons, make a list of the things you need first. If you use coupons on things you were not originally planning to buy, you are spending extra money you didn’t account for. To set yourself up for successful couponing store all non-digital coupons in a file folder or binder; you can even organize them by their expiration dates for helpful sorting and ease of locating them later.
Buy in bulk. Stocking up on grocery basics, like paper towels or diapers, is one of the easiest ways to earn savings. Stockpiling more than six months of bulk items can create storage issues, though, so shopping experts recommend only keeping six months’ worth of household goods at a time.
Look at product packaging. Sometimes, companies who sell cereal, detergent, contact solution, pet food, and chocolates print coupons directly on their packaging. Cut the coupon from the packaging and file it away, noting its expiration date and the remainder of that product you already have on hand.
Take time to save money. Set aside an hour or so each week to look over digital and print coupons. During this time, you can print coupons, record current digital coupon codes in your notes, and cut and file physical coupons.
Use technology wisely. Sign up for loyalty programs and create an account on store apps for frequent savings and discount rewards. Some couponers also use sites like RetailMeNot and Groupon to find deals. And while many coupons can be found online, there are definitely still savings to be discovered in the newspaper or magazines.
Whether you say cue-pon or coo-pon, the savings are all the same. With a little time and research, you can get the best bang for your buck - and plenty of toothpaste and school supplies at bargain rates.
