One tried and true method for getting more bang for your buck is to use coupons. My friends often tease me telling me that they never know how many coupons I’ll whip out while we’re out shopping. I even carry a small organizer in my purse to make sure that I can find the coupon I’m looking for when I need it. I am definitely a coupon-clipper.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of when you’re a coupon person. I’ve found that once I admit to someone that I clip coupons, they often admit that they are, too. Before I know it, we’re trading coupons, tips, and laughing over some of our craziest coupon buys. Here are some of the best tips I’ve heard:
Register with your favorite shops for the best coupons. You can receive coupons from all over the place if you register with your favorite stores. Michael’s and Justice For Girls each send me coupons regularly. In addition, I get email coupons from Joann’s and Lowe’s.
Expiration dates don’t always apply. I have successfully used coupons that have expired. I would suggest handing the coupon to the cashier and letting him decide whether or not you can use it. The worst that can happen is his telling you that the coupon is expired, and you don’t get to use it.
Many stores will honor their competitor’s coupons. I’ve used Lowe’s coupons at Home Depot and Bed Bath and Beyond coupons at Linens and Things. Many times, the retailer would rather let you use the coupon than have you shop at a different store. All you have to do is sweetly ask if they honor competitor’s coupons.
You can use more than one coupon at a time. I know the coupons say “one per customer,” but most stores don’t really want you to go through their checkout lines multiple times so that you can use multiple coupons. As long as you have one item for each coupon, you can usually use all of the coupons you want. Stacking coupons works well too. There is where you combine a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon.
Don’t assume you can’t use a coupon on a clearance or sale item. Different stores have different policies on this matter. Now, I never suggest being difficult in the checkout line. Cashiers aren’t paid enough to deal with rude or cranky people. If you just ask, though, many times you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the leniency you will receive.
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6 responses so far ↓
1 Budget Stretching with Coupons : Not Made Of bMoney/b | moneycompleteguide.com // Feb 17, 2009 at 10:58 am
[...] Budget Stretching with Coupons : Not Made Of bMoney/b [...]
2 DEBT FREE JOURNEY // Feb 18, 2009 at 7:56 am
I use coupons and it is definitely worth the time and money saved….especially if you use the coupons in conjunction with the buy one/get one free sales. AND, you are right, EACH item is allowed a coupon, so it makes for a HUGE savings! I got a whole cart of groceries yesterday at Publix for $34.22! Even the cashier was shocked! Have a great day!
DEBT FREE JOURNEY
debtfreethroughchristwhostrengthensme.blogspot.com
3 Nathan McGee // Feb 19, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I have never had any luck with coupons and rarely use them. I have searched through the “Sunday” Paper only to find stuff that I don’t normally buy. I’ve gone to coupon websites only to be bombarded with ads, pop-ups and so called “deals” that require filling out forms and such to get the deal. I consistently save money on groceries by shopping smart and keeping my head up for actual sales and discounts.
Now if there is someplace to find good coupons… I would love to know!
@nates2cents
4 Scott @ The Passive Dad // Feb 20, 2009 at 1:29 am
I’ve read that you can use competitor coupons, but have never tried it yet. You’ve motivated me to try it this weekend. I need to buy some toner ink and will take a competitor ad to Staples where I’m going to use my rebate check. With my luck I’ll get some teenager that is clueless about what I’m trying to do
5 Christine // Feb 20, 2009 at 10:44 am
I visit Dealio every single day. I am addicted to the site. They offer price comparison, but best of all they have every single coupon code that is available for to all the major stores, plus ones that you may have never heard of. They also are up-to-date on storewide sales and hot deals. The layout is extremely easy to navigate. If you look to the left of the page, you can find the store you are interested in and click on it. It will bring up all their coupon codes and deals. I have saved a ton of money using their site. http://www.dealio.com
6 Rafiq // Feb 23, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Don’t be scared of scouring the web for coupons! They can be easily found online, and there are plenty of coupons to be found! I like using websites that compile all the deals and coupons found all over the web onto their own website. The one that I’ve enjoyed the most using is this website called Cheaptweet. It compiles all the deals that are being talked about in the wide world of Twitter all onto their website – it’s very useful!
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