Coupon Clipping

Photo by: leelefever

According to CouponInfoNow.com over $317 billion in coupons were distributed in 2008, while only $2.6 billion were redeemed. Aside from the fact that an overwhelming majority of coupons aren't redeemed, falling into the manufacturer's intended coupon trap may not save you much. Psychologically, you are more inclined to over spend when buying with coupons. Seasoned couponers know that to get the most for your clippings, you'll have to put in a bit more elbow grease.

1. Limiting Limits
Ever notice that the fine print limits the number of items you can buy with each coupon? What you may not know is that this only applies to the exact same barcoded product. If your limit on Betty Crocker frosting is four per coupon, you can still buy more than four as long as they aren't the same flavor. And don't forget the rain check if they run out of an offer prematurely.

2. Score a Double or Triple
Coupon Queens never use an offer conventionally. They wait for their coupon item to go on sale and stock up to the limit. This may mean making a meal plan after shopping rather than before, like most of us do. The best time to shop is during a double coupon or triple coupon event (usually held 3-4 days over a weekend) and while catching your item on sale at the same time. This is how the pros pay next to nothing for their deeply discounted grocery items.

3. Make a Master List
It's next to impossible to discern what's a good deal if you have no frame of reference. While prices fluctuate more than the weather, make a general list of the items you buy most frequently and how much they cost per ounce at regular price. Double-check it at two or more stores to get a solid average.

4. Store Shopping Card
Grocery stores don't just want to issue freebies out of benevolence. Merchants want to keep an eye on your purchases and stock their shelves accordingly, so they sweeten the pot with discounts on food prices "exclusive" to members. Most of us surrender our personal information without a second thought to get buy-one-get-one free mandarin oranges. However another upside to giving out digits is mail-out coupons tailored to your specific purchases. Kroger sends offers based on your particular shopping habits—I received $1.00 off Lactaid milk (my preferred calcium source) and the same amount off a Jello pudding 6-pack. Coupons are sent to me for the products I need and buy frequently.

5. Look Outside the Sunday Paper
Most of the offers in the Sunday massive delivery are for new products or convenience foods. To keep your purchases focused on buying what you need, consider purchasing coupons on eBay--especially for big-ticket items like diapers and razors. Just know that when you "buy" coupons, you actually purchase the service required to clip and ship. Technically coupons lose their value if money has been exchanged for them.

6. Comb Recycling Bins
If you don't know where to find them, start one up at work. Be the green office advocate, but don't forget to skim a bit off the top. Literally. Forget saving the cost of one paper, with a recycling program you can collect more than one coupon to use then send the rest off for reincarnation.

7. Coupon Worthy Newspapers
Rather than buying a daily subscription for your local paper (which you won't read anyway) buy only the papers that include coupons from major manufacturer's Red Plum, Smart Source, Proctor & Gamble, and General Mills. The Grocery Coupon Guide lists a publication schedule for these manufacturers—just ask your newspaper which publications they carry.

8. New Product Coupons
For manufacturers to get a product on your weekly shopping list, they are more than willing to offer a huge promotional discount. This is all fine and well unless the product offered is either one of convenience (chopped apple "fries") or void of nutrition (mega-sized cheesy puffs). A coupon is only worthy of use if you need the product being promoted.

In our techno-savvy age, don't be afraid to look beyond the traditional paper coupons. Many online sites and mobile apps make it inexcusably easy to save some green:

• Coupon Sherpa Mobile Coupons
  No clipping necessary with these coupons scanned directly from your device. CouponSherpa.com is also a great resource to find free coupon codes and printable coupons for thousands of stores.
• Grocery IQ
  Allows users to create lists and compare prices at several local stores--even search coupons online for items on your list. At $.99 it's a total bargain.
• ShopSavvy
  This app scans barcodes and compares local prices, at the low price of free. Make sure to read the directions on how to properly scan items to get an accurate reading.

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