When money is tight, clipping coupons can be a simple way to save a few dollars, even if it does seem old-fashioned. It just takes planning, research, and flexibility.
Sketch Out Your Strategy
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. Create a menu plan – then from that plan, a shopping list that includes the perishables and staples you might need.
Research Your List
Once you have a solid shopping list, get a copy of the local Sunday paper or go online. Find out what stores are having sales or are offering the best prices. Lay out your shopping to build the best combination of prices and travel – if you drive to multiple stores, you might wipe out whatever savings you build up.
Study Coupons
Once you have a good idea of where the items you need are on sale, start researching coupons. While newspapers are a good source for coupons, the internet is one of the best sources. When you sign up for company email newsletters, they will often send you coupons.
There are many websites that act as coupon clearinghouses. Some websites offer coupons for free, while others ask for between 10 and 50 cents. It is very important that you note limitations or expiration dates.
Double-down your savings
Once you have made a list of the coupons and the sales available, start matching them with your shopping list.
If a store has a two-for-one sale, match it up with a coupon from the manufacturer for a better price. Stores often offer individual coupons that can be matched with manufacturer’s coupons. Matching coupons with one another can save you even more money.
Flexibility is important
There are times where you will find real deals not on your shopping list. Make sure that whatever the item is, you will actually use it. Be willing to alter your list to include whatever is on special that you will use. One very helpful tactic is to keep a month-long plan of meals, and just cross them off as you go.
Go shopping with yourself
Once your coupons and your plan are organized, it’s time to go shopping. While you’re shopping, keep your eyes open for club card deals and in-store coupons.
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 doesn’t help save any money if you end up buying items you don’t need.
While it may take extra time and effort, clipping coupons can save you extra money. Just be sure to research, to plan, and to be flexible.
