As you know, coupons are one of our favorite ways to save money. Most people don't realize how many coupons are available for the things that they already buy. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Think of coupons as cash
If you have a coupon that is worth $1, it's like giving the store a $1 bill.
2.
Organize your coupons
Get an accordion file and remember to bring your coupons to the store with you. Click
here to read more!
3. Does your grocery store double or triple coupons?
Most grocery stores double and triple coupons up to $1. Target and Walmart do not double any coupons.
For example, a if you have a coupon that says "Save $.40" the store will double it so you actually save $.80.
4. Check the weekly circular for coupons
The Sunday paper contains most of your local stores weekly advertisements. If not, they will come in the mail during the week. Don't forget, you can always view circulars online. Pay attention to when these sales end.
5. Get the Sunday paper
Some college campuses, like TCU, give away the Sunday paper for free! Check if your college or university does this also. If not, it is worth purchasing the Sunday paper for all the coupons it has to offer. If used properly, you will easily earn your money back. If you are paying for the newspaper to be delivered to your house, you have no excuse. Clip the dang coupons.
6. Print out coupons from websites
Check with your favorite stores before you do this. Our Tom Thumb doesn't accept online coupons.
7. What is a "good" coupon?
Be sure to read your coupons carefully. How many items must you buy in order to get the savings? $.55 of 2 items is NOT a good coupon. It will not be doubled, so that is only $.26 off each item. Our favorite coupons are ones where you save money just by buying one of something. For example, "Save $.50 off 1 box." The coupon will be doubled at the grocery store and you will get a $1.00 off 1 box. What a deal!
8. We love a sale!... and a coupon!!
This is the ultimate way to save and increase your savings percentage. Take special advantage when things are on sale and you have a coupon... its double the reward. Stock up when you can!
9. Buy in bulk when your favorite things are heavily discounted
Non-perishables are frequently on sale for a great price. Sometimes you have to buy a high quantity in order to get the extreme discount. For example, Duncan Hines Mix and Match Cakes and Brownies frequently goes on sale for "Buy 4 boxes for $.88 each." If you love baking, this is a great time to stock up.
10. Be flexible with your purchases
Keep track of when you are running low on things that you use often, like butter, bread, cereal, eggs, oil, etc. Watch for when they go on sale so you can get them at a discounted price. Always be comparing brands when you are shopping. Sometimes the off-brand may not actually be cheaper if the name brand is on sale and you have a coupon.
11. Clip the best and all coupons
Even if you don't need something right away, clip the coupon anyway. You might find that the item is on sale before the coupon expires. Always clip medicine coupons because you never know when someone in the house is sick and you need cold or allergy medicine. (There are always coupons for that stuff!)
12. What is the price per unit??
Always look at the size of the package compared to the price. Higher count packages are a better deal. Read more
here.
13. Be on the lookout for coupons around the store
Some products will have coupons attached to them for you to use during checkout. Tom Thumb comes out with a special coupon booklet multiple times a year that is found throughout the store. These are free, so don't be afraid to grab a couple. The Thanksgiving issue just came out a few weeks ago and there were all sorts of fun holiday coupons inside.
14. Keep your coupons with you...
MOM!!!!
Most of us clip coupons and then forget to bring them to the store. Keep them in your car for those unexpected trips to the grocery store. A few more helpful tips can be found
here.
15.
Don't buy something you won't use just because you have a coupon
It is always better to clip more coupons than you will actually use. That being said, just because you have a coupon doesn't mean you need to buy that particular item. Another brand might be a better value even without the coupon. Pay attention, and make smart shopping decisions.
See, it takes no time to save a dime.
xoxo
Lauren and Jenna
