If you've watched any reality shows about extreme couponing, you may think that only people with far more time or interest in coupons are the only ones that save a lot of money. While those reality shows can be entertaining, it's important to realize that they only depict a tiny percentage of people who use coupons to save money. If you merely want to use coupons to spend a little less but don't want to dedicate your life to extreme couponing, the good news is there are plenty of simple ways to accomplish your goal:
Print or Digital: One of the most common questions that people have about coupons is whether they should actually cut them out or search online. The answer to this question is that both options can be useful. While the Internet provides access to a broader selection of coupons, local newspapers and flyers can contain great print coupons as well. When you're getting started, it's definitely worth looking through both print and digital sources. As you progress, you may find that one option consistently yields better results for your specific needs.
Know the Policies and Terms: Anyone who watches a coupon reality show quickly discovers that this pursuit has its own terms and style of language. While you don't have to achieve fluency before you can start successfully using coupons to save money, there are a few terms that are especially useful to know. The two most significant are double deals and stackable coupons. The former refers to specific times when a coupon's face value is worth double, while the latter means that both store and manufacturer coupons can be used together. Every store has different policies, so you'll want to get a clear answer from any establishments that you plan to frequent.
Stay Organized: Since clipping print coupons and scouring the Internet for money-saving coupons to print out can result in lots of piles of paper, it's essential to develop a system that makes it easy for you to stay organized. Not only do you want to know what coupons you have, but just as importantly, you want to know when they expire. There's nothing worse than finding an awesome coupon, only to lose track of it and not rediscover it until it's already passed its expiration date. Even if you plan on remaining a recreational couponer, it's worth picking up a binder and some plastic organizational sheets. This will make it easy for you to develop and hone a system that works in whatever way you want.
Time Your Shopping Trips: If you plan on using more than a coupon or two, it's worth timing your trip to the store during a period when it's not going to be packed. This will allow you to scoop up lots of great deals without feeling totally stressed throughout the experience.
Here are some coupon websites you can join for free:
1. Coupons- You can access and print coupons from the largest selection of grocery coupons on Coupons.com. Get exclusive offers from top leading brands not found anywhere else, earn cash back, and get loyalty coupons for being a member of Coupons.com.
2. Ebates- You already shop online, so why not get paid for it! Ebates provides cashback to over two million of their dedicated members. Since 1999, members have earned over $100 million in cashback savings from 1,800+ stores! Joining is free and you get a $10 gift card after your first purchase of $25 or more. Here is how Ebates works:
- Get started by adding your credit and debit cards to your account.
- Find an in-store cashback offer you like and link it to your card.
- Pay with your linked card in stores and get cash back.
3. Valpak- You know those envelopes you get in the mail filled with coupons from local and national businesses? Those blue envelopes are from Valpak. And did you know that Valpak offers online coupons as well? Make sure to check them out!
4. RetailMeNot.com- At RetailMeNot.com, you can search for coupons from your favorite retail stores. Before you shop online, go to RetailMeNot to see if they have a current coupon.
5. SmartSource- Enter in your zip code and SmartSource will provide you with coupons in your local area.
6. Shopkick- Shopkick is the shopping app that rewards you with FREE gift cards for the shopping you already do, while you still save on your budget money! Join the millions of Shopkickers who have earned over $63.8 million in points that they use to redeem free gift cards to shop at Starbucks, Walmart, Sephora, Walgreens, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, eBay, Groupon and more.
7. SavingStar- No clipping, no printing, no mailing with SavingStar. Earn cash back on your groceries with exclusive freebies, coupons, and big savings on your favorite brands. Link deals to your store loyalty cards or submit a picture of your receipt to earn money in your SavingStar account. There are more than 70,000 locations to shop on SavingStar.
Make sure to check out all of these awesome coupons too.
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