You might be wondering where you can get coupons:
- Check your Sunday newspaper
- Ask friends and family for coupons
- Magazines (ex: All You)
- Internet
- Stores
Organizing your Coupons:
- Envelope System: for beginners- Start by clipping your coupons and put them all in an envelope
- File System: organize coupons by inserts. You can use a file folder system to file your inserts by date.
- Binder System: All of your coupons can be organized in a 3-ring binder by using baseball card inserts.
*Use the method that is easiest for you*
I started out using the envelope system and then went to the binder method. I now file my whole inserts by date. This way I am not spending all my time cutting coupons I may never use.
Coupon Policies:
- Make sure you know your store's coupon policy. Some stores (not all) double/triple coupons.
- Check to see if your store offers a Loyalty Card
- Some stores allow stacking of coupons. This is where you can use 1 store coupon and 1 manufacturer coupon per item.
- Some stores (not all) allow the use of competitor coupons.
- Not all stores accept internet printable coupons.
- Check the dates on your coupons frequently. Stores may not take expired coupons!!!
Plan out your Shopping Trip:
- Check the weekly sales ads.
- Matchup coupons to the sale.
- Pricematch if a store allows it. (The only store I know that does this is Walmart)
- Make your list! Never go into a store without a LIST!!! (If I don't have a list- I have my coupons organized for that particular store and I only buy the items I have coupons for)
- Get Rainchecks- for those items the store may be out of.
Understand the Lingo:
- Don't be fooled by store offerings like 10 for $10 sales (ex. Kroger). Each item is $1 no matter how many you buy.
- Wait for items to go on sale before running out and using that coupon. When you match sales with coupons you are getting a great price!
- One Coupon per Purchase- does not mean one coupon per person per day. This simply is stated on the bottom of many coupons. It means one coupon per item purchased.
- Leave kiddos at home!!! Unless you must take them, try to leave them at home with dad or grandparents, etc. Kids will want you to buy items not on your list.
- Pricebook- try to start a pricebook of those items you buy most often. This will give you an idea of the prices of products and when would be a good time to purchase them.
- Shop early before others. If there are many other couponers in your area, stores may get wiped out of those products that are the best deals.
- Bigger isn't always better- you may be tempted to buy larger boxes or quantities, but usually the smaller ones get you the best deal.
- Keep an eye on the cashier- Make sure everything rings up correctly. Also, make sure the cashier scans all of your coupons.
- Always CHECK YOUR RECEIPT before leaving the store. This way you can make sure that everything rang up correctly and all of your coupons were applied. If not, see customer service immediately.
Build that STOCKPILE:
- Start by buying items that your family uses on a regular basis. Stock up on quantities of those items when you get the best deal. (ex: I have had enough laundry detergent in my stockpile to last an entire year)
- Know how much you use: examples- shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, cereal, etc. This way you will know how much to buy at one given time when it goes on sale.
- Donate items that you have too much of and you won't be able to use it before it expires.
No comments:
Post a Comment