There are lots of mistakes that can be made when couponing. I put together a list of some ways to avoid these mistakes below. The next few weeks I plan to expound on some of them so stay tuned!
3. Small Transactions-Especially if you are brand new to couponing, take it slow and break up your trip into transactions. This will help you not miss any coupons and or problems that may arise.
4. Plan Ahead- I can get in, get out, keep my budget, and maximize my savings when I have a shopping list. By planning meals ahead you can also eat what’s on sale and eliminate unnecessary items.
5. Budget- Yes couponing saves lots of money, but budgeting can help you SAVE even more! How much are you spending right now? Keep track for a month or two and slowly try to lower your monthly spending-you might be surprised at where you end up!
6. Shop Without Kids. I find that I can take one child and be okay, but when I take more than that it costs me a mistake or dollar or two.
7. Don’t Shop Hungry. Everything looks so much better when your tummy growling at you!
8. Time is Money. Every store, Every deal, Every week might not be in your family’s best interest. Pick a few sales and stores you want to shop at each week.
9. Watch the Register. So many times I have missed an item priced wrong, or a coupon doesn’t come off the right way. Watch every move at the register to be sure you get the deal! Some stores (Schnucks, Kroger) give you FREE products if it rings up wrong.
10. Void Please. If you do get up to the register and something is not priced like you thought ask the cashier to void it off for you.
11. Get a Raincheck. If the store is out of an item get a raincheck!
12. Know Your Store. It’s very helpful to know the store’s policy and even print to take it with you!
13. Use Your Coupon at the Right Time! This is the difference between a couponer and coupon user-read more here.
14. Set Target Prices. Set your target price on items so when it comes to deciding what to buy that week you’ll know. For example, my target price for toothpaste FREE!
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Meet Natasha, founder of Saving a Bundle and mother of four rambunctious boys, and LeaDawn writer and new mother of one boy. Raised in a frugal lifestyle we continue the family tradition by cooking from scratch, using money-smart techniques,
living simply, hunting for good deals, have fun with frugal crafts, and use coupons. Join us on our journey as we, two sisters, learn & share ways to live a more frugal lifestyle to reach our common goal to save our families money.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips for beginners! Thanks for linking up!
I would add, make sure you get the full price of the coupon off. I have had problems with both meijers and target not taking the full value of the coupon off. Most clerks will catch this, but I noticed yesterday when I went to target, they didn't.