Saving Money By Using Coupons

We’ve all heard the stories of people who save tons of money each and every week by using coupons.  Many times we wonder just how much time and energy it really takes to save 40%, 50% and more. 

Well the fact is that coupon shopping does take some strategy, however, it does not need to be as time-consuming as you might imagine.  Here are some coupon tips and techniques to consider. 

Are you really saving money?  Seems like a crazy question when you have a coupon in your hand that is offering to save you a dollar off, but the fact of the matter is that even with a groceries coupon for a dollar off you might not really be saving money.  Think about this.  Is this a product that you would normally buy?  Is this a brand that you would normally buy?  Is this something that you need?  Many times manufacturers who offer coupons are betting on the possibility that by offering you a coupon they may entice you to try their product and many times they are right. 

Many times we will try something new just because of the fact that we can save a dollar or two on the product.  But if it is not something that you use or need or want you are not saving money but you are just spending money.  A coupon does not necessarily mean savings if you are indiscriminate in your use of them.  A sale or a coupon does not save you money if you were not planning on buying the product in the first place. 

Another thing to consider is the manufacturers brand vs. the store or generic brand.  Many time the quality of the store brand or the generic brand is equivalent to the manufacturers brand and if you are checking prices and adding up savings you will often find that you can save more by buying the store brand than you can buying the manufacturers brand even with an awesome coupon offering $1.00 or more off.  Check your prices and determine how much your own brand loyalty is worth to you. 

Check your stores sales fliers.  You can often save money by using your manufacturers coupons combined with store sales and store coupons.  But you need to make sure that the sale is really a “sale”.  If you see a 2 for 1 sale but the price is higher than usual, are the savings really there?  Know your prices.  It just takes paying attention at the store for a little while to know approximately how much things cost.  If the price changes be aware of how much and how often and consider if you are really saving. 

This is also important when choosing a store to shop in.  Most stores are fairly competitive if you add up the prices for everything but be aware of the items you consistently buy.  If one store consistently has lower prices on the items you most often purchase then you could end up saving 10% or more every week just by picking the right grocery store. 

As for coupons, the

best advice is to choose them wisely.  There are coupons in your Sunday paper, sales fliers, magazines and of course, online.  Shop around for the best coupons and the best deals.  The best coupons are the ones you will actually use to purchase things that you actually buy. 

You can save money on groceries.  Make a menu.  Make a list.  Cut and use the coupons that work best for you and shop the sales. You will save money.