Helping Your Budget with Coupon Clipping

It may seem old-fashioned, but a great way to save money when times are tight is to clip coupons. Using coupons can save you hundreds of dollars if you plan strategically and act carefully.

Plan Your Method

It can be easy to fall into the trap of purchasing items you would not normally buy when using coupons. The first thing to do is plan - decide what items you need to purchase over the next week or month. Create a menu plan, and then a shopping list that includes both the staples and perishables you might need.

Investigate Your List

With a solid shopping list in hand, get a copy of the local Sunday newspaper or go online. Make notes of which stores are offering the best prices, sales, and specials. Plan your shopping trip so you get the best combination of prices and traveling distance - if you have to drive to multiple stores, you may wipe out whatever savings you build up.

Read Up on Available Coupons

Once you know what items you need and have a good idea for where they are on sale, start researching coupons. The internet can be one of the best sources for coupons, next to your local newspaper. When you sign up for a company email newsletter, you will often receive coupons in exchange. There are many websites that act as coupon clearinghouses. You can find coupons for free on some websites, though the best coupons often cost between 10 and 50 cents. When using these coupons, be certain that you take note of expiration dates and limitations.

Double-down

Once you have a good handle on the coupons and sales available, you can start matching them up with your shopping list. Get better prices for items by matching store sales with available manufacturer's coupons. If a store is offering a coupon, you can often match it with another coupon from the manufacturer. Save additional money by matching coupons with one another.

Be flexible

There will be times that you truly will find a great deal on an item you may not have on your shopping list. If you do find an item with an amazing deal, make sure you will actually use whatever the item is. Be open to changing your shopping list if you find an item on special that you’ll actually use. Keep yourself organized by keeping a month-long meal plan, then just cross off the items as you purchase.

Take your planning out shopping

Once you have your plan and your coupons organized, it’s time to go shopping. While you’re shopping, it’s important to keep unadvertised specials and club card deals in mind. File away in-store coupons so you can use them to double-down in the future. Most importantly, make sure to keep your impulse purchases 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 remember that it’s important to research, plan, and be flexible.