Sure, it may seem a little old-fashioned, but coupon clipping is still a great way to save money when times are tight. It takes planning, but by strategically finding and using coupons, you can save hundreds of dollars.
Lay Out Your Method
One of the traps of using coupons is that many people end up buying items they normally would not. Decide what you need to buy over the next week or month first. Make a shopping list that includes everything you might need.
Review Your Shopping
Now that you know what items you’re shopping for, get a copy of the newspaper and go online. Figure out which stores are offering the best prices during sales or specials. Plot out your trip plan for the best prices and fewest store visits – if you drive to many stores, your fuel costs could use up all your savings.
Research Coupons
Once you have a good feeling for where the items you need are on sale, begin researching coupons. The internet can be a very good source for coupons, along with newspapers. Company websites often offer coupons for signing up for their email newsletters. There are a large number of websites that act as coupon clearinghouses. Some websites offer free coupons, others ask for between 10 and 50 cents. It is important that you make note of limitations or expiration dates.
Double-down your savings
Once you have gotten together coupons and sales, you can start matching them to your shopping list. Get even better prices by matching store sales up with manufacturer’s coupons. If there is a store coupon, you can often match it with another manufacturer’s coupon. The more coupons you can match with one another, the more money you can save.
Make sure your plans are flexible
. . Be willing to alter your shopping list to match whatever you will use that is on special that week. One very helpful tactic is to keep a month-long list of meals, then cross them off as you go.
Take yourself shopping
Once you have got your game plan and your coupons, it’s time to go shopping. While you are out shopping, it’s important to keep your eyes open for unadvertised specials. Keep a file of coupons on you, so you can double-down coupons in the future. More importantly, try to make sure your impulse purchases are kept to a minimum. It won’t help save money if you end up buying lots of items you don’t need.
It may take extra time and effort, but clipping coupons can save you extra money. Just be sure to research, plan, and be flexible.
