Are you looking to make smarter financial decisions and save money on your everyday purchases? If so, you’re in the right place! We’ll introduce you to the art of couponing, a skill that can transform your shopping experience and significantly boost your savings. Whether you’re a beginner or have dabbled in couponing before, this guide will provide you with a more organized approach to couponing.
The Basics of Couponing
Couponing doesn’t require spending your Sunday cutting newspapers into tiny squares. But, for beginners, couponing can be overwhelming to dive in without having a plan. Even those who’ve used coupons for a while can benefit from a more organized approach. From finding a coupon database to making a shopping list, here’s how to save money with coupons.
There are two major kinds of coupons that you should know about: Store coupons and Manufacturer’s coupons. Store coupons are issued by a specific retailer and can only be used at those locations. Manufacturer’s coupons are issued by the company that makes the product, and can be used at any retailer that accepts them. The best scenario is using a store coupon and manufacturer’s coupon together to get an even deeper discount. This is called “coupon stacking” and it can save you big at the register.
The Digital Age of Couponing
Downloading the apps from your favorite retailers can get you access to digital coupons that you can “clip” on your phone, saving you the chore of having to present a stack of paper coupons at the register. Another option? Coupon databases are websites that aggregate coupons in one place, so it’s easy to find deals. If you don’t feel like searching through a coupon database, consider installing a browser extension, which will do the work of finding coupons and discount codes while you shop online.
Reading the Fine Print
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting to the register to find out the great deal you thought you were getting is not valid or redeemable. Read the fine print of the coupon: Check redemption requirements, for example what size bottle of orange juice qualifies for the coupon, and whether there’s a limit on the number of items per coupon. If you find a good deal and want to redeem multiple coupons, you’ll need a separate one for each item you buy. There also may be a limit as to how many of each coupon you can use per transaction.
Store Policies
Coupon policies vary, so look up your local store’s rules. Here’s what to pay attention to: Can you double a coupon? Some stores will double your coupon, up to a certain threshold. Do you need to join the loyalty program? You may need to create a loyalty program account with the store and scan your rewards card in order to claim some coupons or access deals. Combining coupons with store loyalty deals can help savings add up.
Planning Your Purchases
Know which products you plan to buy so you can find coupons that match. An app like Anylist can help keep you organized. It allows you to create shareable grocery lists that you or other family members can edit, and organizes the list based on categories like dairy, pasta or produce to help you shop efficiently. There are also free apps that let you digitally clip coupons for products that are on your list. And check out cash-back apps, that allow you to upload receipts and earn rewards or rebates for the purchase of featured products. They can amplify your savings further.
Being a Smart Shopper
Don’t use coupons solely because you find them, which could mean you’re buying unnecessary items. And be sure to check whether there’s an alternative that’s cheaper than your coupon deal, such as a store brand or sale item. Pay attention to annual sale cycles, and look for coupons to amplify savings. For example, school supply sales begin mid-summer. You can save even more if you are gathering coupons for pens, pencils, notebooks and so on leading up to those sales — but keep an eye on the coupons’ expiration dates.
Stocking Up and Saving
When you find a good sale, buy a few of the items — if you know you’ll use all of them before they expire. Items that are particularly good for buying in bulk are nonperishable goods (e.g., canned goods, rice, flour, pasta), personal care items (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, soap) and other household items (e.g., toilet paper, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies). Creating a small stockpile allows you to dictate how much you pay — rather than letting the retailer dictate, according to Cindy Livesey, frugal-living expert from coupon website Living Rich With Coupons.
Starting Small and Celebrating Wins
We recommend you browsing your store’s ad and picking 10 items that are on sale. Then, pair coupons with these items. Finally, head to the store. “It’s kind of setting you up for a small win, which is a great way to get started. You got your 10 items, you used all of your coupons, you saw that the store didn’t treat you horribly — and they took everything. And you saw how much you saved, and that’s the best part.
Your Roadmap to Savings Success
With this guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge and strategies to make the most out of your couponing experience. Remember, the key to successful couponing is being organized, understanding store policies, and making smart shopping decisions. So, start small, celebrate your wins, and watch your savings grow.
