Extreme couponing requires some basic knowledge. Start by knowing your local stores. Each store will have a different coupon policy. Often, these stores will have their coupon policy posted online, as Wal-Mart and Kroger do. Other stores will have a printed brochure or pamphlet that outlines how and under what circumstances coupons are accepted. You may have to ask the store manager for information on coupon policies at individual stores. Understanding the policy of each store will help avoid problems and you’ll discover which stores allow you to stack or even double your coupons for maximum savings.
Once you understand local coupon policy, you have to acquire some coupons. You can find coupons in many different places. Check local newspapers and flyers first. These often have time sensitive coupons that you might overlook. The Sunday paper is usually full of coupons. If you’re hoping to purchase multiple items, you might want to purchase multiple papers. Consider purchasing a subscription to your local paper, or even two or three. You’ll save money on the paper and stock upon valuable coupons.
The Internet has become an excellent source for coupons. Internet coupons come in two varieties: coupons you print at home and those that you request to have mailed to you. Either type of coupons are valid at most stores. Just make sure that every coupon you collect from online sources has an expiry date, a scannable bar code, and the manufacturer’s address (for the retailer to remit the coupon). Never purchase coupons from online sources as they might not contain all the necessary information to be accepted by most major retailers. As for printable coupons, don’t cut them off the paper after you’ve printed them. Leave the URL at the top of the page intact. Store managers will be able to see that you’ve obtained the coupon legitimately. Some excellent sources for online coupons include SmartSource.com, RedPlum.com, and Coupons.com.
In addition to bookmarking these sites, you might want to subscribe to couponing websites or mailing lists. These sites often let you know what coupons are available and from whom, making your shopping easier. SavingMoneyPlan.com and KrazyCouponLady.com are just two examples of sites you might want to visit.
Now that you have your coupons, you have to organize them. How you do this is up to you. One of the most popular methods involves using a small expandable file folder. Group your coupons according to expiry date and product type. This will make them easier to find while you’re in the store, saving you time. It will also help you keep track of which coupons expire when, maximizing your coupon use and your savings.
Coupons and flyers in hand, it’s time to plan your shopping trip. Take your flyers and circle the best prices on the items you intend to purchase. You’ll maximize your savings if you’re not too concerned with specific brands. Remember that many stores such as Wal-Mart will match any advertised price on an item they carry, provide you have the flyer to prove the price. This may save you from running to several stores in one day.
Once you’ve located all the best deals, pull out your coupons and match sale items with your coupons. By combining your coupons with the sale price of a particular item, you can probably save 50% or more. You may even be able to get some products for free. If you notice that your coupons actually exceed the sale price of the items, check store policy to see if they permit overages. It’s unlikely that the store will give you cash, but overages can be applied to the rest of your grocery bill if store policy permits.
Saving money takes an investment of time and effort. It doesn’t just happen. You’ll have to devote time to find coupons, organizing coupons, figuring out local coupon policies, and organizing your shopping trip. All of this sounds like it takes a great deal of time, but if you concentrate your efforts, you’ll find that you can do all of this in about an hour a week. The time invested is well worth the money you’ll save.
