Recently there’s a new show on TLC that has been driving men and women crazy with excitement. It has to do with something they call “extreme couponing,” and it appears to be a way to walk out of the grocery store with hundreds of dollars worth of items, for a fraction of retail cost.
And while many people probably don’t have the time and energy to devote themselves to a lifestyle of extreme coupon clipping, there is something to be said for using coupons as a way to save money. Taking even a casual approach could lead to savings of 20-40% savings per month, and that adds up fast!
Analyzing the best tips from the experts, I’d like to present the best tips for how to save money with coupons.
- Sunday Paper
Much of the week’s specials and deals will be announced in the Sunday newspaper. This is also where the best coupons arrive. If you really want to save money with coupons, then it starts with actually having them. The Sunday paper is where you start.
The Sunday paper also contains advertisements of sales and specials, and even if you don’t find any coupons, you can see where you should visit for the best deals.
- Take Advantage of Coupon Matching
Many stores will offer to double or match coupons that you bring from the paper. If your current grocery store is missing this fantastic option, then look around until you find one that does. Even if you have to drive an extra twenty minutes, it’s well worth the extra time to save $100 in groceries per week.
- Buy in Bulk
The best couponers make their best gains by buying as many sale items as they can and then storing them for later. Though this doesn’t work with produce and dairy, it works with things like toiletries and boxed items. Buy as much as you can afford, and save so you don’t have to buy it next time.
- Coupon Clipping Services
If you search the web, you’ll find a host of coupon clipping services that allow you to buy coupons for use in your local grocery. You can search for products you buy regularly, and buy as many coupons as you need. They usually cost between 10% and 20% of the money they save.
- Organization
The most important tip from extreme couponers to learn how to save money with coupons is to be organized. Get a coupon book that you can use to store and organize coupons. Use this to make your grocery lists so that you set out to get exactly what you need. It also helps to know how much of each item you want, and where you can go to get the best deal.
The trick for learning how to save money with coupons is by getting active and paying attention to the way groceries price and sell items. If you learn the game, then you can win every time.