Expert Advice That Makes Coupons A Smart Idea
Expert Advice That Makes Coupons A Smart Idea
Using coupons to save yourself some money when grocery shopping is a very smart idea. There is much to consider, and you need the right information. Remember that the ball is in your hands. Continue reading for some helpful advice regarding shopping with the use of coupons in order to save money.
When you plan to go to a store, familiarize yourself with their policy on coupons. Is the store going to accept coupons from competitors? What about computer printed coupons? If you aren't aware of the coupon policy, you will never know what coupons to bring with you when you go to that store.
It is in your best interest to make a shopping list at the beginning of the week and have it revolve around the coupons you have. From this list, you will be able to decide on which stores to shop at and where you can save the most money with each coupon.
Keep track of your coupon expiration dates. Some coupons have a 24 hour shelf life. Others will a month or longer. Look at your coupons at least once a week to make sure nothing has expired. Use any that are close to their expiration dates. This technique will help ensure you effectively use your coupons before they expire.
Try using competitor coupons at your local grocery store. Many grocery stores will honor competitor coupons to garner your business. This technique will not only save time, but it will also save money on the gas you would spend driving to multiple stores. If you do not know if your grocer honors competitor coupons, simply ask the store manager for a copy of their coupon policy.
If coupons are something you really want, do not fear diving into dumpsters or just sifting through garbage. Find a good pair of gloves and search through the abandoned newspapers to find what you want. You would be surprised at how many people throw their coupons away.
Don't allow couponing to use up time that you don't have. Going thru pages and pages of coupon circulars can be a time consuming task. Dividing your average weekly savings by the number of hours you spend clipping coupons will let you know if the endeavor is worthwhile for you.
To get the most from your coupons, you must shop weekly. Shopping weekly will help you get all of the best deals. Most stores are running weekly sales and coupons that create the best use of your coupons.
To find out about coupons you might not otherwise hear about, be friendly with your store cashiers. They see coupons of all kinds for hours a day. Chat them up a little, and you might just get some tips on coupon tricks specifically useful to the stores that they work at.
You now should have a better idea as to how to save money by using coupons when shopping. It's not complicated, but it takes the necessary planning with the right information regarding where to find those coupons. Now that you know this information, you are ready for your next grocery store visit.