So I think most people have a basic knowledge of coupons – the little pieces of paper you can find in the Sunday paper, or in the store ads you get in the mail that offer savings on specific products.
Now, how many of us take the time to actually find coupons and use them? I know I didn’t until just a few short months ago.
I
think a lot of people don’t realize just how much money they could save
by couponing. Its not just .50c here, or .75c there. You can get
items for free if you really learn how to coupon.
It only takes a little time to save a lot of money.
1. Stockpile Coupons
Start
collecting coupons so you have a basis for saving money. I have a rule
that I won’t cut coupons for an item I never use or never will use.
Its a waste. If its an item I’d like to try, I will. But not for
something I can’t for-see myself ever buying.
2. Organize Coupons
Keep them organized! Right now I use an accordion folder to keep mine in order (See picture). But as you can see in the picture, its busting at the seams. I think I’m going to start putting them into a larger accordion folder or into a 3-ring binder with clear page inserts. This way I can see everything better. Find what works best for you. I know some people organize coupons in separate envelopes by category. Whatever keeps them organized and at your fingertips.
3. Utilize Your ‘Junk’ Mail
You know those store ads you get in the mail that most people just throw in the recycling? Utilize them! Its information delivered right to your front door about the current sales at your local grocery stores. They also contain coupons you can use in conjunction with sales and manufacturer’s coupons to maximize savings!
4. Stack Coupons and Sales
Stacking is the term that refers to using multiple coupons and sales on the same item. In most cases, you don’t want to use your coupons on an item that’s regularly priced when you could wait for it to go on sale and save even more.
Think
about this – Right after Christmas, Target had Nestle Toll House
Morsels on sale for $1.78. That’s a good price in and of itself. But
then if you had the $1/1 Nestle Manufacturer coupon, you could take them
home for .78c! You can’t get the store brand on sale for that price.
If you went to the grocery store and used your coupon on a regular
priced bag of morsels, you’re not maximizing your coupon (avg. price
$2.50 – $1 = $1.50 )
5. Start a Stockpile
There are a lot of benefits to having a stockpile. When you have extra of things you use regularly, you’re not wasting money by running out and buying an item you need immediately when there isn’t a sale or coupon available. Stockpiling also encourages you to eat at home, because you don’t have an excuse to eat out (“Oh, we don’t have anything to make for dinner, let’s just order a pizza…”).
Another benefit to stockpiling is that you know you’re taken care of if you lose your job or have an unexpected expense come up. I like that security of knowing I can nix my grocery budget for the month and put it into savings because I have enough food and health items to last in my stockpile.
