With the cost of food spiraling out of control, clipping coupons as a method for shaving a few dollars off the grocery bill has had a resurgence of popularity.
A brief overview of money-saving tips when using coupons:
* Create a file
Establish a filing system that enables you to keep track of your coupons to ensure they do not expire before you have a chance to use them. Each week, make your grocery list first, and then go through your coupon file, pairing up appropriate coupons with the items on your list and weeding out any expired coupons for discard.
* Follow the rules
Read the fine print on each coupon carefully to ensure you are following the rules. Know in advance the quantity you are expected to purchase in order to take advantage of the coupon savings. Know the rules of the stores you patronize as well. Some stores allow you to combine their in-store coupons with manufacturers coupons for further savings. Some stores pay double and triple the face value of your coupon, usually up to a dollar.
* Maximize your savings
Apply your coupons to the items when they are on sale for even more significant savings. Highlight the expiration date on each coupon. Most items do not go on sale the same week as a coupon is published. If you have leeway on the expiration date, leave that coupon for use at a later date. Don’t hesitate to do your weekly shopping at several grocery stores in order to take advantage of all the sales offered.
* Use selectively
Stick to your shopping list. Only use coupons for things you truly need and want. All coupons are not a bargain. If an expensive brand name product that you don’t ordinarily use has a coupon for a dollar off, that coupon is worthless to you. However, there are times when you might want to try a new brand of something to see if you like it well enough to add it to your regular shopping list.
* Calculate the savings potential
Sometimes a store brand is less costly than the manufacturers brand, even factoring in the coupon. Carrying a purse-size calculator is a good idea for comparing prices on different brands and price per unit on different sizes. Comparison shopping is the key to maximizing savings.
* Where to obtain coupons
Your Sunday newspaper generally has pages of coupons inserted. Magazines are a good source for coupons for grocery items and other durable goods. Local grocery chains distribute a sales flyer mid-week that often include coupons and always list what items are on sale that week. Go on-line to obtain coupons, either from your favorite manufacturers sites, your favorite stores or from a site dedicated to offering discount coupon, such as coolsavings.com.
Grocery stores often have a coupon bin where you can pick up coupons other customers could not use, or leave your own unused coupons. Check that bin before you begin to shop, and also pay mind to available coupons placed nearby specific items on the grocery store shelves.
Many larger grocery chains now dispense coupons along with your check out receipt, usually for repeat purchases of items in your current order. These particular coupons are incentives from the store to encourage repeat customers and often do not have an expiration date.
Contrary to what you may have heard, clipping coupons does not take an inordinate amount of time and the savings garnered by using coupons effectively will more than offset the time spent.
“A penny saved is a penny earned.”