Sunday, 26 August 2012

How To Use Coupons To Your Advantage

By Allan David


No matter if you live by yourself or have a large family to feed, coupons can be a major part of your budget, if you know how to use them. The following article will offer you many money saving tips on using coupons and getting more mileage out of every dime you spend!

Try contacting the manufacturer directly. If there is a product that you love, but don't often find coupons for, try contacting the company directly. Express your enthusiasm for their products and ask if they have any coupons available. Who knows? You may score some great deals on a brand you really love!

Use more than one source. Don't make the mistake of thinking that your weekly newspaper is the only source of coupons. Get a few different newspapers and go through each of them to make sure that you have access to as many coupons as there are. Think about subscribing to a number of papers to get all the coupons in your mailbox.

Before beginning any coupon strategy find and print a copy of the store's coupon policy. Many stores limit the number of coupons that can be used on each transaction, while other stores may not accept internet coupons. It is therefore important that you print a copy of your store's coupon policy.

When you are clipping coupons always make sure you look on the front and back of each sheet of paper to make sure you are not going to cut into another coupon on accident. Often times the papers make sure that this will not happen by offsetting the coupons but you will want to double check.

To save money try and stock up on certain items by using coupons. If you think something is a really good deal then go ahead and get more copies of any coupons that you like. Check to see how many coupons you can use and then have other people use the coupons as well.

When you are going to venture into extreme couponing you have to be an extremely organized person. That is the key to this game. You must keep all of your coupons on file and know what you have, even if you have to write down what you have or keep them on a spread sheet.

If you like a product, look on the package and see if there is a 1-800 number you can call. Often these numbers are used for complaints, but you can call them and they might send you coupons. If you want to search on Facebook as well, many companies offer coupons for their Facebook subscribers only.

Don't only look to print papers, look to the Internet as well. Many websites contain coupons that you can print and bring with you. Some even have digital coupons that you can scan from your smart phone while in the store. Or if you are online shopping, they may provide a coupon code for your use.

If you snag a truly great deal with a coupon for an item that you won't use, donate it. Food banks will accept nearly any packaged food item. Women's shelters can often use diapers, shampoo, and other toiletries and supplies. Research and contact local resources in your community to find out what they need, and use your couponing skills for good.

Make sure you have the room for all of your newly bought items. Couponing will fill your cupboards and have you buying multiples of one product to get them for free or at a very deep discounted price. You will be stocked up for a long time on some very specific items.

If you shop at a store regularly, inquire about their customer loyalty program. All loyalty programs offer their members coupons and discounts that other people do not get. This is especially helpful at the grocery store, because that is a place that you do need to visit every so often.

To make your coupon hobby run more smoothly, try purchasing a three-ring binder, and fill it with baseball card collector sheets. Each sheet contains 9 pockets that you can fill with your coupons. Coupons can then be divided into categories, such as cleaning supplies, beauty products and many other categories.

Find a store that offers the value of doubling your coupons, to save some serious cash. Even if you need to drive a little further, the money you spend for gas will be well worth the savings you experience at the register when those coupons give you twice the discount.

Using coupons requires planning just like efficient shopping does as well. Make your list, find your coupons, and have at it! You will be amazed at what you can do. Remember the helpful advice you've read here as you embark on your next shopping journey, and find yourself saving a considerable amount of money.




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