No one particularly loves spending hundreds of dollars on groceries every week, which is why we thought it was a proper time to bring up the rewarding topic of couponing. If you’re sick of overspending on personal and household items, we have some advice: Start couponing! Easier said than done? Follow these tips, and you’ll be couponing in no time!
Don’t Use Coupons Immediately – Unless They Expire Soon
Most printed coupons have a shelf life. On average, you’ll see expiration dates marked 6-8 weeks out, which gives you time to check out weekly sales, see if you can apply coupons, etc. U.S. News calls this “playing cards with coupons.” If current sales have already discounted your items, why use the coupons just yet? Wait until the sale and the coupon align for maximum savings.
Read the Fine Print
Nothing is more aggravating than getting to the register only to discover that your coupon isn’t valid. This could be for a number of reasons. For example, the redemption requirements could specify that you need to get a family-size bag of chips instead of the regular size. Or there could be a rule that says you can only purchase two of one item with no exceptions. The regulation could also limit you to a certain amount of coupons per transaction. Always read the fine print before cashing out.
Download Store Apps on Your Phone
Do you remember waiting for the Sunday paper to break it open and cut out the coupons? Do you remember going to the grocery store and browsing the aisles for those little coupon machines? We do. But both of those concepts are starting to feel foreign.
Today, most couponing can be done with your cell phone through downloading store applications. New savings are released every week, and you can easily “clip” the coupons and use them digitally at checkout.
Stack Coupons for the Best Prices
In the couponing world, “stacking” is a popular habit. It’s when you use a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item. The best part is that most stores accept two coupons for a single item as long as one is from the manufacturer and the other is from the store.
Buy in Bulk
Earlier, we mentioned that some coupons have limitations, such as how many items you can buy with one coupon. So, our best suggestion when you’re trying to save big is to buy in bulk as much as you can.
What does that look like? If your coupon says you can purchase six 6-packs of toilet paper in one sale, do it. All nonperishable goods, personal care items, and household items should be bought in bulk. Down the road, you’ll thank yourself for having extra, and you won’t have to pay full price!