Saving Money With Coupons

Saving money with coupons is easy, as long as you have a bit of knowledge, a little shopping savvy, and a good grocery coupon organizer. Here's what you should know when it comes to coupon savings:

• Obtain coupons from newspapers, ad circulars, online, and in the store
• Comparison shop to make sure coupons give you real value for a particular item
• Combine offers when possible to get the best deal
• Sign up for manufacturer coupons and discounts
• Use a grocery coupon organizer to keep your coupons in order
• Don't forget to use coupon and promo codes when shopping online

Saving money with coupons is a trend that more and more people are starting to follow, especially with the uncertain economy and skinny wallets that are all too prevalent nowadays. Even if you aren't in financial distress, there is still no reason to spend more than you have to on the things you buy. While saving money with coupons may seem like a simple task, it requires a certain amount of know how to obtain your coupons and organize them effectively to get the best prices.

In order to save with coupons, you'll first need to obtain them. There are a number of places where you can find money saving coupons, most notably in your Sunday newspaper. In general, it's worth the $1.50 or so to buy the paper if you don't already subscribe to it, but you can often find it for free discarded at your favorite coffee house or eatery. Also watch for ad circulars in the mail (these typically come mid-week), as well as online coupons and checkout coupons that you receive with your grocery store receipts.

When it comes to saving money with coupons, you will also need to learn to do some comparison shopping. Don't buy something just because you have a coupon for it. This can backfire on you in a couple of ways. First, you shouldn't use a coupon to buy an item that you would not otherwise buy. In the end, if it's something you won't use, then you just end up wasting money. By the same token, always compare the price of a store brand item to a name brand item, even with a coupon discount. Sometimes the store brand is a better deal than a discounted name brand, and believe it or not, sometimes the store brand is the same thing as the name brand, just with the store label slapped on it.

Get the most out of your coupons by combining them with rebates, sales, and special offers. Not all coupons can be used in conjunction with other offers, but some can and this can save you a ton of money. This can sometimes result in getting an item at a rock bottom price, or even free in some cases. Be on the lookout for store rewards and rebate programs that you can combine with store and manufacturer coupons.

When it comes to manufacturer coupons, take some time to visit the manufacturers' websites for products you regularly buy. You can sign up to receive special coupon offers and discounts this way. Of course, you'll probably save more if you aren't brand loyal, since you'll have more options. Do go with the store brand whenever possible, but if you are brand loyal for a particular product, obtain coupons so that you don't have to pay full price.

You'll also need to keep your coupons organized. You can create your own grocery coupon organizer with a card file and organize them in whatever way makes the most sense. I like to use a simple envelope for a grocery coupon organizer and organize them by the type of item and expiration date. Think of your coupons like cash. If you forget to take them to the store or end up letting them expire, it's the same as throwing away your money. Saving money with coupons only works if you remember to use them.

Last, but definitely not least, you'll want to utilize coupon and promo codes when shopping online. Sites such as Retail Me Not allow you to search your favorite stores for free coupon and promo codes, which can save you substantial money off your online purchases. I also like to shop through EBATES which, actually pays you cash back to shop online. Every quarter I receive money back for buying goods online that my family needs.

Taking just a little time for coupons can result in big savings for your family over time.

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