Couponing often intimidates beginners. But like with anything else, it simply takes practice, time, and effort. In the beginning, it's common to save about 30% from grocery bills. Once shoppers get coupons and more practice, it's simple to save over 50 to 70% or more on a regular basis. Here are some tips to start saving money on grocery bills.
How to Save Money with Grocery Coupons
- Get coupons. Sunday newspapers are good sources for manufacturers’ coupon inserts. Coupon websites often have valuable coupons, printable from a computer.
- Scour weekly deals. Coupon forums and blogs can help with coupon matchups at favorite stores.
- Prepare for grocery shopping. A shopping list matched with sales and coupons is essential to staying organized for an efficient trip.
Coupons for Groceries – Strategy
- Combining sales with coupons (and rebates and catalinas) will produce the biggest savings, especially if the store doubles coupons.
- Stock up when items are over 50% regular prices, free, or nearly free.
- Build grocery stockpiles of favorite items to minimize cost and maximize savings.
- Balance stockpiling with storage ability, budget, and number of shopping trips.
Couponing Tips
- Learn the coupon policies at most frequented grocery stores.
- Organize coupons. Use an effective coupon organization system, such as an accordion file, binder, or shoeboxes.
- Make meals based on the store’s sales circular and weekly deals to save money.
Coupon Policy Questions
It’s important to understand the grocery store’s coupon policy to maximize grocery coupon savings and minimize frustration. Every store is different. Some helpful information includes finding out if:
- the store doubles coupons (or triples coupons) and up to what amount
- Internet printable coupons are accepted
- a limit exists for using the same coupon (i.e. some stores only allow 4 like coupons in one transaction)
- they offer special promotions
- there is a limit on the number of the same free items in one transaction. For example, if a coupon and sale makes the item free, some stores have coupon policies that limit shoppers to one free item in a transaction. Note that in this case, shoppers usually can get multiple free items at once, but only if they are different products.
Grocery Coupons Savings
Saving money on groceries with coupons is simple, fun, and a great way to reduce your regular expense without sacrificing anything. Make couponing a game or a challenge, and see how much savings can be realized. Learn about grocery stockpiling. The grocery money saved can bolster savings or be used for other expenses.
