Beginning Couponing
Couponing can be a bit daunting if you've never done it before. However, especially for the large family, it can be an important way to save money. The straightforward way is to clip coupons and pair them up with the items you buy to get money off. If you look at coupon shopping a little more creatively you can save even more money.
The first thing you must learn is that there are different coupons. The two you'll encounter most are manufacturer's coupons and store coupons. Manufacturer coupons are often found in the Sunday paper or in fliers sent through the mail. These coupons are usually good at any store that accepts coupons. Store coupons are issued by a particular store or chain. They work the same way, offering money off on an item, but can only be used at certain stores/locations.
You have to be smart about using coupons. Sometimes buying an item just because you have a coupon isn't the best deal. Waiting until that item is on sale or using a store coupon instead can get you a much better deal. Combining coupons with local store sales (check those weekly ad papers) and you can end up saving more. Also, check to see which stores in your are double coupons. Using this method, combined with sales, and you could save more than 50 percent on each item. Note, some areas and regions do not double coupons, or only do so at certain times of the month. Don't be discouraged. Even without double-couponing, you can save big.
It's very helpful to join a coupon trading board or two. The concept of a coupon board is to find helpful tips on couponing, learn of upcoming or secret sales, but most importantly it is a place where you can find and trade coupons. Not everyone uses the same products. You can offer the coupons you would normally throw away to someone else in exchange for coupons you can use--this way you both save money. On most boards you can post a list of items you use on a regular basis. This list is you "In Search Of" List, commonly abbreviated ISO. That way others can look over your list to see if they have coupon you need and send them on to you, and vice-versa.
Here's an easy way to start serious couponing (as opposed to just using a few coupons here and there to save a small amount). Be sure to check all sales flyers at your local stores to see what's on sale that week and look to see if you have any coupons to go with the items on sale. Then go to your favorite coupon board and post your ISO list for the sale items you still need for the sale. I always go shopping the last day of the sale to better my chance of getting the most coupons I can for the sale. If a store is out of any sale items, most will give you a rain check so you can get them for the sale price the next time you're at the store.
One of the most important things is to keep track of your savings. It is a powerful motivator. When you start seeing the hard numbers and realize just how much you are saving, you'll be encouraged to take the time to better your couponing skills.
Good luck, and happy savings!
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Article by: Julie Ford
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