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
. If you do find an amazing deal, make sure you will actually use the item. Be open to changing your shopping list if you find an item on special that you’ll actually use. One helpful tactic is to keep a month-long meal plan where you just cross off ingredients as you go.
Go shopping with yourself
Get your coupons and your plan organized, then it’s time to go shopping. While shopping, keep an eye out for in-store coupons and club card deals. Keep a file with you so you can file away in-store coupons for future doubling-down. Most importantly, try to make sure your impulse purchases are kept to a minimum. It won’t help save any money on your list if you purchase items you don’t need.
While it may take extra time and effort, coupon clipping can be worth it in the end. Remember that the most important things are to plan, research, and be flexible.
