Sure, it may seem a little old-fashioned, but coupon clipping is still a great way to save money when times are tight. Using coupons can save you hundreds of dollars if you plan strategically and act carefully.
Sketch Out Your Strategy
Many people end up purchasing items they would not normally use, only because they have a coupon. The first step is to decide what items you need to buy over the next week or month. Make a menu plan – then from that plan, a shopping list that includes everything you might need.
Review Your Shopping
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. Plot out your shopping list for the best prices and lowest traveling distance – if you drive to multiple stores, you could use all the money you save.
Analyze Coupons
Once you know what items you need and where they are on sale, start researching available coupons. Newspapers are a good source for coupons, but the internet is one of the best sources. When you sign up for an email newsletter, a company will many times send you a coupon in exchange. Multiple websites also act as coupon clearinghouse services. While some websites offer free coupons, others ask for between 10 and 50 cents. It is very important that you note limitations or expiration dates.
Double down to increase your savings
Once you have coupons and sales that match your shopping list, start matching them together. If a store is having a two-for-one sale, match it with a coupon from the manufacturer to get a better deal. When stores offer coupons, they can often be matched with manufacturer’s coupons for even more of an impact. Match coupons up with one another in order to save even more money.
Be very flexible
There are some situations where you really will find great deals not on your shopping list. If you find an amazing deal, you should make sure you will actually use the item. Be willing to change your list to include whatever is on special that you will actually use. One way to keep yourself organized is to keep a month-long list of meals, and then cross them off as you go.
Take your planning out shopping
Once you have got your game plan and your coupons, 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 with you so you can file away in-store coupons for future doubling-down. Importantly, your impulse purchases need to be kept to a minimum. You won’t save any money if you end up buying a lot of items that aren’t on your list.
Coupon clipping can take further effort and time – but in the end, the money you save could be worth it. Just be sure to plan, to research, and to be flexible.
