It's possible to save a lot of $$$$ with coupons even television shows have even been made about it. Everybody knows that you can save a little bit here and there using coupons but most are unaware of just how much money you can really save with coupons? Here are 6 EASY steps to help teach you how to save money with coupons.
- Rewards cards are awesome to use because they give you a big savings on sales but also there are usually incentives to being a member. Sometimes you will save money on gas at your local gas station if they have a deal with them or you can build points to save on groceries and other sales. One of our local grocery stores regularly runs specials where they sell $50 gas cards for $40 when you purchase a certain amount of groceries. You should never pass up deals like this.
- If you arrive at a store, and they are out of a sales item, ask for a rain check! This is one of the least utilized couponing secrets out there. Most of the larger grocery chains will offer rain checks for items that have been advertised. This will allow you to come back and purchase items at the sales price when the store receives more stock. Also, look for unadvertised specials. Many times stores will put items on sale when their stock isn't moving as they would like.
- Keep your coupons organized. Whether you use a coupon holder, binder or envelopes, make sure your coupons are organized and easy to find. Organize them in a way that is easiest for you to sort through. Some ideas are sorting by item type or the section of the store the item is kept in. A coupon that you can't find is a coupon you can't use and that costs you money. Stay organized!
- Keep your eyes peeled for "peelies"! When shopping in your local store, be on the lookout for coupons stuck to the outside of products or hanging around the necks of bottles. These are called peelies and hangtags in coupon lingo, and can save you big bucks! Also look for coupon dispensers in aisles to save even more. And don't be afraid to try a different brand if it is being heavily discounted and your normal brand isn't. Being brand loyal can cost you money.
- Try to stack your coupons. Sometimes stores will allow you to use both a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon for one item. If the store allows it, this often leads to items that cost only pennies on the dollar or are at times even free. Always ask if you can stack coupons when you are at the checkout stand to save the most money.
- Talk to your friends or neighbors to see if you can trade coupons with them. Go over all of the coupons that you have found and ask someone else if they can trade with you. By doing this you can help each other out and save a bunch more money as well.
So there it is, when you properly understand and utilize these steps you can save a lot of money simply from clipping those coupons from the fliers, newspapers and printing them off the Internet. Now go ahead and get to work!