Yes, coupons can be a pain to clip – much less organize. But do the math: Save $3 per weekly trip, and that’s more than $150 in your pocket at year’s end. With coupons ranging from 25 cents to $1 each or more, that’s not so hard to do.
Some $318 billion worth of coupons are issued every year, writes Stephanie “The Coupon Mom” Nelson in her book, “Greatest Secrets of The Coupon Mom.”
She notes that the best source for grocery coupons are the Sunday newspaper circulars. The Internet also is a good source – worthwhile sites include Nelson’s, couponmom.com, and coolsavings.com.
To make clipping more expedient, invest a couple of bucks in an inexpensive coupon organizer. When you’ve collected a decent pile, sort them during TV commercial breaks or other empty minutes. Keep it where you’ll remember to grab it before you head for the store.
Other tips:
• Use coupons when the item goes on sale for optimum value. Ditto when stores have double-coupon days.
• Accept coupon “extortion” – e.g., if you buy Items A and B, you get Item C for free – only if you will use all the products you have to buy. Ditto for sizes and/or flavors you don’t typically purchase.
• Skim through your organizer prior to each grocery trip to review your cache and toss expired coupons.
• Don’t forget, coupons are accepted at many department and drug stores too.
• Coupons exist for your benefit, not vice-versa. Don’t feel obligated to use them for items you don’t need or don’t normally buy. But when you’re curious about trying a product, they’re a great incentive.
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