How to Save Tons of Money Using Coupons

Planning ahead helps you maximize your coupon savings.

Manufacturers release coupons to encourage consumers to try new products or switch from one brand to another. If you know how to use coupons properly, you can save anywhere from a few dollars per week to $100 per month or more. Careful preparation ensures you get the most savings when you shop for toiletries, groceries, clothing and other items.

Things You'll Need

• Printer
• Coupon organizer

Instructions

Collecting Coupons

1. Buy at least three copies of the Sunday newspaper. Each Sunday paper contains one or more inserts that have coupons and advertisements. Buying multiple copies of the paper provides access to several copies of each coupon.

2. Sign up for websites that offer printable coupons. These websites allow you to print manufacturer coupons from your home computer.

3. Write letters to the companies that manufacture your favorite products. Manufacturers value customer feedback and sometimes send coupons and special offers to those who take the time to compliment products or report product flaws.

4. Join Facebook and visit the pages of your favorite companies. Restaurants, product manufacturers and other types of businesses use Facebook to give away coupons and hold product giveaways.

5. Start a coupon trading group or trade coupons with your friends. Trading coupons allows you to get rid of coupons for products you do not buy and replace them with coupons for your favorite items.

6. Sign up for a coupon clipping service that allows you to choose which coupons you want to buy. Coupon clipping services charge customers a handling and delivery fee to cover the cost of sorting, cutting and mailing coupons.

7. Sign up for store loyalty cards at all of your favorite stores. These cards give you access to special savings and allow you to use the coupons printed in store advertisements.

Preparing to Shop

1. Organize your coupons so you can easily see the value and expiration date on each one. A three-ring binder with plastic playing card holders makes it easy to see, store and transport your coupons.

2. Review the weekly advertisements for stores in your area. Note any sale prices or special promotions for items on your shopping list.

3. Match the coupons in your binder, with items on sale for the biggest savings. If your store usually sells laundry detergent for $5 and prices it at $4 during a sale, you could save $1. If you also have a $2 coupon for the laundry detergent, you will only pay $2 for the detergent and save a total of $3, or 60 percent.

4. Match coupons to special promotions at your favorite drugstores. Several drugstores offer rewards for buying certain products or spending a specific amount of money. Using coupons reduces your out-of-pocket cost.

5. Create a shopping plan and note the coupons you plan to use for each item. Developing a plan before you shop, helps maximize your savings and avoid giving in to impulse buys.

Shopping

1. Schedule your shopping trip for a day when you have plenty of time to shop for all of the items on your list. Having enough time to shop helps avoid making mistakes that reduce your savings. Remember to take your shopping list and coupon binder with you to the store.

2. Plan to shop at stores that offer double value on coupons. Some stores double coupons every day, while other stores double coupons on one specific day each week.

3. Avoid buying items that do not appear on your shopping list.

4. Split your order into two transactions whenever necessary. Register rewards printed from the cash register at the conclusion of your purchase. If you have a second transaction ready, use the register reward from the first order to reduce your out-of-pocket cost on the second order.

5. Check your receipt for customer survey information. Some stores offer coupons in exchange for the completion of a customer service survey. If your receipt contains a survey invitation or code, use the information to complete the survey and print out your coupon.

Tips & Warnings

• Some stores limit the number of coupons you can use in one shopping trip. Other stores accept only certain types of coupons. Learn the policies of your favorite stores to avoid frustration and wasted money. Some stores print coupons for extra savings in their weekly advertisements. Look for coupons that give you the chance to triple your coupon savings or save a specific dollar amount on your order.

References

• Oprah; How to Save Money on Groceries; October 2008
• University of Illinois Extension; Save Money With Manufacturers' Coupons; Barbara Dahl

Resources

• CouponMom.com; Cut Your Grocery Bills in Half!; Stephanie Nelson
• The Krazy Coupon Lady; Extreme Couponing; Joanie Demer and Heather Wheeler
• "Consumer Reports Magazine"; Seven Secrets of Coupon Pros"; August 2010
• Good Morning America; Money-Saving Tips From Coupon Queen; July 2004