Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
How to coupon
Some people put off using coupons because they worry they’ll be disappointed in their results, or worse, embarrassed at the register. Relax, I'm here to help. Coupons aren’t as complicated as they first appear. But you will need to spend a little time to save a lot of money. Learning a whole new way of shopping takes time. Do not become discouraged. Getting used to a system, getting situated for coupon printing, organizing your newspaper coupons, making a well-planned shopping list… all are necessary to saving big. But once organized, preparing to shop speeds up tremendously.
First of all, move away from buying based on need. When your list is constantly ‘need-based' items, it’s difficult to save. You're forced to buy regardless of price. Change your mind set to stocking up and deal-watching. When something is cheap, don’t pass on it just because you don’t need it “this week”. If you’ll ever use it, grab it. Then, when you do need it – it’s already there, at a fraction of the cost.
Next, get started with coupons by learning how to read them for important details…
– Coupons have expiration dates – so they have to be used on or before the date printed. After they’ve expired, the store can’t take them.
– Coupons have specifications – check the size, variety, and quantity needed for purchase. Sometimes you need to buy more than one item to use the coupon.
– Make sure you note any limitations. Example: if you can only use 4 of these coupons in a single shopping trip.
Third, matchup your coupons to a good sale.
If you absolutely have to have something, using a coupon even on regular retail is better than not saving at all. But, of course, pairing with a sale is the main objective.
Now, see if you can combine any coupons with other offers…
Coupons state on them that they “cannot be combined”. So this is where people get the most confused and miss the biggest savings. But if you can master this, the magic really happens. The truth is, coupons often actually can be combined, you just have to do it right. The main difference is who backs the coupon. What I mean is who pays for the discount you’re getting…
– If the coupon says it is a store coupon, you can also use a manufacturer’s coupon on that same purchase. That's because the store is paying for the additional discount. This is called Coupon Stacking.
– You can also use a manufacturer’s coupon with a store incentive or offer. This might be an offer where you receive money off at the register when purchasing a specific amount – like $5 off instantly when you purchase 5 participating products.
– Another way to combine coupons with store offers is when you can get money back at the register – in the form of a special coupon – good, like cash, on your next shopping order. One of the easiest places, and where I recommend learning how to do this, is CVS Pharmacies. Through their Extra Care Bucks program, they offer store coupons and special “money back” offers (called Extra Care Bucks) every week. Plus, it’s not uncommon to be able to combine a store sale with a manufacturer’s coupon, AND a CVS store coupon, AND get Extra Care Bucks back after your purchase.
When you can combine together multiple ways to save – all backed by different sources (the manufacturer, the store, the special incentive), you'll score the most magical and biggest savings.
Last but perhaps most importantly, never give up!
Resetting your shopping mindset is not easy. What is easy is to make no permanent changes. Easy – but financial death. Shopping with coupons, buying the deals, stocking up – works week-in-week-out to save big by month end. Rejoice in small victories – and know it is a process. Once you’ve gotten the basics of reading and using coupons down – you’ll find your savings increase as you get better and better at couponing. Just like no one would expect to drop 50 pounds in one week, don’t quit if you do not save huge the first time out. It will work for you. And if you'd like some help, SavingsAngel.com is always here for you.
