When the economy is struggling consumers look to squeeze most out of each dollar they spend while saving as much as possible on essential items. Why fork over $3 for a box of cereal when you can pay $2? Spend $40 on an oil change? That would be crazy when you can get it for only $19.99. And wouldn’t it be great to save $2 on your favorite burger combo at lunch today?
It is time to become savvy consumers and to start utilizing the thousands of coupon offers that are available. Throw away any notion that clipping or using coupons is a dying art form only practiced by penny-pinching homemakers of yesteryear. Hundreds of hard-earned dollars are desperately waiting to be saved each year by simply applying coupons to the purchases you were planning to make anyway.
Saving money with coupons is not limited to grocery purchases but that is the best place for a coupon novice to begin. Coupons for items purchased at the grocery store are available for most product categories. From personal grooming products to breakfast foods to cleaning supplies, coupons can save the shopper several dollars each week.
Before a shopper can start applying coupons to their purchases, they must first find the coupons and choose the ones that will work the best for their needs. It does not do any good to clip a $2 off coupon for a brand of shampoo that you hate and would never buy. When choosing your coupons only clip the ones for items and brands that you already purchase. The exception would be to clip a coupon for a new item that you would like to try but are unsure if you will like. Use a coupon and then don’t feel as guilty if you dislike the product.
Locating coupons for grocery store items is as easy as a simple internet search. There are several free websites dedicated solely to supplying manufacturer coupons to consumers wishing to save money on their favorite products. Type in “free grocery coupons” to any search engine and you will be hit with several sites to consult and use. Many times coupons from these offer more money off products than coupons found in the Sunday newspaper.
At CouponMom.com not only can you print out many useful coupons for your grocery items, but you can also learn how to organize your coupons and link to other savings for restaurants and online shopping codes. The coupons available on sites like this one are organized so you can see a picture of the product, how much you will save, and then one click selects the coupon to be sent to your home printer.
Sometimes your own local store will provide its shoppers with specialty coupon books. These coupons will usually have a shorter expiration period but are usually worth a bit more than the manufacturers coupons. If your store has a preferred shopper card you may be earning coupons for free items each time you shop and have your card scanned. Some stores will even highlight these items in their sale ads. For example, if you purchase a loaf of the store brand bread and jar of the store brand peanut butter, you might receive a coupon for a free gallon of the store brand milk. At $4 a gallon in most areas, free milk is a great coupon!
Super-store retailers that not only have a large grocery store but a gas station on their property might offer gas coupons when you purchase certain items. If you purchase several of these items during your shopping, you can receive a coupon worth 10 cents off each gallon of gas during your next fill-up.
To take advantage of these money-saving deals, a shopper must be alert and even a little flexible. If you have a coupon for 75 cents off a brand of sandwich bags that is not your regular brand, weigh your brand loyalty. Is it worth paying $1 more for one brand when the coupon brand will work just fine? Likewise, a shopper must make sure the coupon is actually saving money. If you normally purchase the store brand of ketchup, a coupon for 25 cents off a national brand of ketchup will not save you money. Ditch that coupon and buy the store brand.
To maximize the value of the grocery store coupon, shop at a store that doubles or triples coupon values. This perk is available at some national chains but is more frequently employed by local grocers. Be an avid advertisement reader. Whenever possible purchase items that are on sale and use a coupon for extra money off. You might not need bar soap this week, but in two weeks you will and it won’t be on sale then. Buy on sale, use your coupon, save money, and store for later use.
Coupon savings are not limited to grocery store purchases. There are limitless coupons available to save smart shoppers on everything from tires to fine dining to eyeglasses. It is expensive for a family of four to eat out in a restaurant. At the website Restaurant.com, consumers can dine for less. By using the site’s search tool, you can find restaurants in your area that offer reduced gift certificates. For example, a $25 gift certificate for Cheddars Restaurant can be purchased on this site for only $10.
Visit the websites of any of your favorite chain fast food eateries and you will find coupons for special meal deals. Several pizza restaurants even offer discount “coupons” when you place your order online. After you’ve saved money on a meal or two, you will never be satisfied paying full price again.
Saving money with coupons doesn’t have to be a hassle. Planning a shopping trip around the coupons will take a bit longer than just dashing off to the store but the money you save just might pay for that romantic dinner or a movie night with the kids. If you can save money on the items you have to buy, you will have a little extra left over to buy the one treat your heart really desires.