Coupons, when used correctly, can be useful tools when you are trying to reduce your grocery budget. Unfortunately, many shoppers actually increase their bill by purchasing things that they might not need, or wouldn't usually buy, just because they have a coupon. If you want to save money, using coupons, here are a few suggestions:
- Use coupons for items that you generally buy or have been considering giving a try. Try to avoid making a purchase just because you have a coupon for the item.
- Avoid using a coupon for an item if the same quality item of another brand is available.
- Be aware of coupon lingo. If the fine print on a coupon includes "One per transaction", only one like coupon can be used per shopping trip. "One coupon per purchase (or item)" indicates that you can use multiple coupons of the same type as long as you are purchase an equivalent number of items.
- Know your grocery stores' coupon policy. Go here for the policies of Houston area grocers.
- Try to pair coupons with store sales for maximum savings.
- Keep your coupons well organized. This will be much easier if you avoid clipping coupons that you won't use.
- Have your coupons ready at check-out. Double check for expired coupons, be certain that item descriptions match.
- If in doubt about using a coupon, ask a cashier or store manager. It has been my experience that grocery managers appreciate shoppers who are seeking to use coupons ethically.
Where can you find coupons?
Most people are aware that the Sunday paper comes with coupon inserts, but that is just the beginning. I no longer take the paper and have all the coupons I can use...and more. In addition to friends bringing me coupons, I find them offered in the stores themselves, I get them in the mail, I have even emailed companies requesting coupons. The internet is a great source for coupons. In addition to the multitude of coupons offered at the individual manufacturer websites, there are many websites that will allow you to choose, download, and print coupons. Here are a few of my favorites:
What is the best way to organize coupons?
This is a really tough question to answer. I've done it all...coupon notebooks, coupon mini expandable files, coupon boxes, even leaving them in the insert. If I had to choose...my answer would be...it depends. What is your couponing goal? Are you working toward being showcased in an upcoming episode of "Extreme Couponing" or are you planning on clipping only a few coupons a week? You will need to experiment in order to determine the method that works best for you. Because I currently use so few coupons, I have a single envelope in my purse, containing about 20 coupons.
What is the correct way to use coupons?
Once again, be aware of the store policy concerning coupons. Some stores, like CVS, will allow you to use a manufacturer's coupon stacked with a CVS issued coupon for a single item at the same time. Other stores, like Walgreens, will allow you to use a manufacturer's coupon along with the coupons in their weekly circular. Did you know that the order in which the cashier scans the coupons is important? You can actually save more money by handing the cashier your coupons in a particular order. In addition, store loyalty cards should always be scanned before coupons. Finally, pay close attention to be certain that each coupon value is deducted from your total correctly.
Coupon usage, as it applies to specific stores, will be addressed in the near future.
