Using Expired CouponsIf you have an expired coupon (non-grocery), the store may still honor it. I recently purchased pricey dog food at a pet store. I nearly threw away an expired coupon for $3.00, but decided to present it on the off-chance that they would accept it.
Organize Coupons In Card Sheet ProtectorsI was having a hard time keeping up with my coupons. So a friend of mine bought me a binder for my birthday, and I bought a pack of baseball card holder sleeves and a pack of dividers.
Using Coupons WiselyI have been a staunch couponer for years. One year, I kept the money I that I saved and was able to buy a new washer and dryer at the end of the year. Two to five dollars a week at the grocery store adds up.
A to Z Coupon OrganizationFinding the coupons by categories as they are set up in the little folders one can purchase caused too much fumbling and wasting of time as I was trying to find coupons for items that were on sale. I solved the problem by turning the section dividers around and changing them to alphabetical dividers with a felt-tip pen.
Great Deals With CouponsDon't discard those coupons when you're thumbing through the Sunday paper. I rarely used them because compared with the prices at club warehouses and discount stores, I didn't find them to be a good deal.
Using Coupons After Buying ItemsSave your grocery receipts for at least 3 weeks. Coupons often come up for something you have already purchased, some stores will accept them within a reasonable amount of time after the purchase.
Saving Money with an Entertainment BookI invested in an Entertainment Book. I received it from work for a discounted rate of 13.00. With two for one fast food saving, $5.00 off a $10.00 purchase at the bread store (I really load up on that one!), and 4 coupons for $5.00 off a 50.00 gift certificate at a local grocery store.
Coupon Swap GroupsJoin a coupon swap group or start one of your own. Have regularly scheduled meetings with door prizes for the person who saved the most money that month using coupons
Ultimate Coupon ShopperI am also a coupon queen, there was a store in my area that would double any size coupons! Oh mercy! I had finally found coupon heaven, as not many stores in our area have double coupons of any kind.
Double Coupon DaysWhen using coupons, find out if the store you shop at has a double coupon day. I went shopping a couple weeks ago on a double coupon day when it was also a 2 for 1 sale. Instead of paying $3.30 for 1 item, I paid $1.30 for 2 items. (One of the best deals yet.) I have also picked up a sale item on a double coupon day once and only had to pay the tax.
By Marlene
Grocery Receipt CouponsMy grocery store (Safeway) offers a strip of coupons with the register receipt. Sometimes the cashiers forget to give the coupons to customers so the strips can get pretty long. ]
Save Coupons for Free ItemsHere is a really good tip. When you get any kind of coupons for free items, save them for times when you really need them. Times like these would be when you are low on money and/or when there is no triple coupon sales going on at that time, for those who have stores near them that participate.
Saving Money on Newspapers Bought for CouponsI don't know about everywhere else, but where I live it costs a dollar for the Sunday paper. It may not seem like a lot to the everyday person, but when you're buying it for the coupons, so you can save money, every penny counts.
Ask Sales Reps for CouponsEveryone knows to use coupons to save money at the grocery store, but the real trick is how to acquire a variety of coupons to use. Many manufacturers have their sales reps visit grocery stores on a regular basis to ensure that their products are on the store shelf.
Leave Coupons for the Next ShopperWhen shopping with coupons, if I decide not to buy the designated product. I leave the coupon for the next buyer. I'm just paying back for what others have done for me.
Wait a Week to Use Your CouponsWhen you get your coupons, in your local weekend paper (Sat./Sun.), don't use them that week. Nine times out of ten, the coupon item will go on sale 1-2 weeks after the coupon appears in your local paper. This will allow you to save even more money, when you use your coupons.
By LM in NY
Leave Unused Coupons for Another ShopperWhen shopping with coupons, if I decide not to buy the designated product. I leave the coupon for the next buyer. I'm just paying back for what others have done for me.
Nancy
Check Soda Cartons for CouponsWhile consuming a 24 pack of soda, be sure to check the underside of the cardboard insert between the top & bottom layers of cans. You will frequently find coupons (still valid) associated with previous promotions.
Angela
Start a Coupon Swap at the LibraryAsk at the local library if you can start a coupon exchange. Coupons are kept in subject envelopes. When you bring yours in, underline or highlight the expiration date. Once a month try to go through all the envelopes and discard the expired coupons.
