Good Coupon Habits

Forming good habits leads to good results- and this is particularly true when it comes to successful money management.

Couponing is a great money-saving tool, but it is not one to be taken on by the faint of heart or the time pressed.

If you’ve got the time and the inclination, then here are some tips to successful couponing (and savings).

Do the research

You need a comprehensive plan. You need to determine a few things: Where do you get these coupons from (i.e. online, mail-ins, clipping from flyers etc.)?

Invest a little research time every week to do a full search of potential savings to make sure that you are getting the most for your money.

Be flexible

When you are using couponing as a guide, you’ve got to use the coupons to build your shopping list, and not the other way around.

It’s helpful to become acquainted with a few recipes and food items that you can swap ingredients in and out. You’ve got to be flexible and creative if something is on sale.

This also means that you’ve got to be flexible where you shop, as dictated by the coupons.

Be organized

Don’t clip your coupons and stuff them in your wallet, trying to fish them out when you reach the cash.

Invest in a filing system, a storage box or something else that makes sense for your needs. Couponing can be time consuming, and it is essential that you be efficient to make it work.

Read the fine print

There is nothing worse than loading your cart up with a specific item and then realizing your coupon is invalid at the cash. Make sure you read all the fine print on the coupon, and are fully familiar with specific retailers handling of coupons.

What are the limitations? What is the expiry? Are you allowed multiple purchases? Do you need to purchase some items in tandem with others?