How to Be Smart Using Coupons

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By Kristina N
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Be Smart Using Coupons

Clipping coupons can easily have you spending more money than you intend. Being careful and smart with using coupons can help keep your costs lower.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

computer
Internet Access
printer and paper
scissors

Step 1

First, do not spend money to buy coupons. There are several Web sites that sell store coupons. Avoid buying any coupons at all. Why spend money to save money?
Step 2

Seek coupons for items you buy regularly. For example, if there is a detergent you use often, seek coupons for that brand only. Make a list of your regularly purchased items to keep you focused. It's easy to clip a coupon for a food item just because it's on sale. However, another item, similar in brand may be even lower in price. If the coupons are too your advantage, then use them.

Example: A coupon that saves you $1.00 if you buy two of something, costs more than buying a similar brand, when you really only need one box of that item. Each box with the coupon value off, ends up $3.50 each, when you could have purchased another brand, just as good or better, at $2.00/box. It pays to look things over diligently.
Step 3

Keep a running list of items you use close by when you clip coupons. Save other coupons to swap with friends and family. When you trade or swap, you are not spending any additional money.
Step 4

With your list of items you prefer to buy, search online for printable coupons. Many online Web sites that are the actual companies who make the item you are looking for, can be printed right from home. They will have expiration dates, so use them before they expire. If you can, hold out until your preferred item is on sale too.

TIP: Print the coupons on recycled school papers or junk mail papers.