Getting Started - When should I use my coupons?

A common complaint that I hear from people is that they end up spending more because they are using coupons. They use coupons just because they have coupons, on products they wouldn't normally buy.


Wait for a Sale - As I have mentioned in previous posts, one of the best ways to save is to match a coupon with a sale. When an item goes on sale and I have coupons, I buy as many as I have coupons for. This way, I won't have to buy the item until it goes on sale again. If I can get 10 boxes of Crest toothpaste for free, I'm going to get 10 boxes. Why not? We will use it all eventually or I can donate the rest. In general, I don't buy items that I won't use UNLESS I can get it for free, use it as a gift, or make money on it.


Stacking Coupons - Some stores (Target, Meijer, Rite Aid) offer store coupons. You can stack a manufacturer's coupon with a store coupon, paired with a sale and you've got a great deal! For example, this week at Meijer Quaker Oatmeal was on sale. I had a manufacturer and store coupon and was able to get a great deal on the oatmeal! I ended up buying 4. This will definitely last me until the next sale!

Buy One, Get One Sales - This is one of the best ways to save! When there is a BOGO sale, you can use 2 coupons - one for each item. How? Don't forget, a coupon is a form of payment. It is just like cash. You are saving on the item that you are buying and also giving a form of payment for the item that you are getting for free. This is great for you and for the store! You save more and the store will get some money for the item they are giving for free. Better yet, you have a BOGO coupon. You can use it with a BOGO sale to get both items for free. The coupon is a form of payment so you are using the coupon to buy the first item. Now this can be tricky. For some reason, some cashiers feel uncomfortable giving you both items for free. They often don't see coupons as a form of payment. But the store will get the same amount of money - it just comes from the manufacturer rather than the customer.


Rebates - Whether it be through Rite Aid's SCR program or mail-in rebates found in the newspaper or online, you can often make money on an item when doing a rebate! I've given you examples of how that works at Rite Aid here. With a typical mail in rebate, you are able to use a coupon and the coupon often isn't subtracted from the rebate. For example, you buy some shampoo for $3. You use a coupon for $1 off and only spend $2 but your rebate check comes back for $3! You made a dollar (minus taxes and a stamp).

Double Coupons - Back in the day, my Meijer used to double coupons up to $.50. Sadly, they no longer do that but some stores do. This is great when a store advertises a 10/$10 sale because those $.50 coupons turn into a dollar and you've got some freebies! The only store around me that does occasional doubles is KMart. I have gotten some great stuff for pennies during there doubling events because they double coupons up to $2! Unfortunately, KMart is not planning on doing any more doubles events this year but when they are back at it, I will let you know!! So, check your local grocery store to see if they double!

If you have any questions, please leave a comment. Chances are, others are wondering as well!