Many people are unaware that there’s a significant difference between couponing and using coupons. The latter merely provides minor financial savings on your shopping without any proper strategy. Even if you’re new to the practice, the act of couponing has straightforward tactics for saving up to 75% on your monthly groceries.

 

Michelle Thomas from trusted online Casino Canada is the guest post author today, who also has extensive experience in how to use coupons effectively. Once you try this method, you’ll soon see why it’s vital to know more about couponing and the organization it takes to find the best sales. When you get the hang of these basic techniques, you can move onto more advanced coupon strategies.

 

 

Here’s our guide for how to coupon for beginners:

  1. Coupon Collection
  2. Organization and Storage
  3. Store Policies
  4. The Overage System
  5. Weekly Routines
  6. Stockpile Strategies

How To Coupon For Beginners

  • Coupon Collection

An excellent source of entertainment is collecting coupons. It can be really fun to hunt for them, looking for the best sources for the hidden discount gems. However, there’s more to it than merely cutting out the best deals from your local newspaper. 

The primary goal is saving on the products that you regularly buy. Therefore, you should start by making a list of the brands you usually aim for when shopping. These items will be the first ones you look for, while anything else will be a bonus.

Here’s a list of resources for building your couponing starter kit:

  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Coupon websites, like RetailMeNot
  • Clipping services
  • Store brochures
  • Mobile applications, like The Coupon App
  • Emails and newsletters
  • Products
  • Store loyalty programs
  • Friends and family

 

  • Organization and Storage

The first part of this step involves how you’re going to organize your organic coupons. It would help if you found a way that works best for you. For instance, your cousin’s way of storing them per food type may not suit you. 

Other ways you can store them include by the expiry date or discount percentage. Whichever way you choose, ensure that you have a decent container so as not to lose them. Your options may vary between envelopes, binders, and boxes, but don’t be afraid to get creative.

  • Store Policies

The best way to coupon includes taking a look at the store’s coupon policies. A discount applied by a manufacturer or loyalty system may not apply in that specific shop. When it comes to saving time and embarrassment, ensure you know the store rules before heading with your groceries to the checkout line.

Some vital information you may gain is if the shop accepts expired coupon slips. If they do, you can still make use of them instead of throwing them away. You should also find out what the policy is on coupon stacking and overage.

  • The Overage System

There are instances where your coupon may result in a higher value than the product’s cost. For example, the store may already have a discount to which you’re applying a slip for a further price reduction. Add the two sales amounts together, and the shop may owe you funds in return.

However, not all stores are prepared to pay you the overage amount. Instead, they may ask you to add another item to cover the difference. You might even receive shop credit for the next time you buy groceries.

  • Weekly Routines

Now that you have a system in place, it’s time to prepare your plan of action. Besides keeping weekly tabs on the latest sales, schedule dates by when you need to make your purchases. You can maximize your savings by using as many coupons in one trip.

Don’t be afraid to try weekly price matching. If a shop promises to beat the best prices, head on over and show them a sales advertisement from a competing store. Not only will they lower the cost, but you may also be able to use a coupon on it. 

 

 

  • Stockpile Strategies

Sometimes claiming a bargain means you’ll have to buy a specific quantity of the discounted product. When you land in this situation, it’s time to start stockpiling. It will save you the cost of buying more in the next few months while cutting savings even more.

However, you must start slow and plan appropriately. It doesn’t help to blow your entire budget on a bulk sale and then have no money left for the rest of your groceries. Furthermore, pay attention to the sales cycle and make sure you buy enough to last in that period. 

Final Words

Couponing isn’t about taking any discount you find and running to the closest store. It’s a fine art that can save you so much money, leaving you enough for that treat you look forward to every month. Plan properly and spend wisely.

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Author: Susan Paige