Coupons Save Money

Eighty percent of all shoppers use coupons …

Clip and sort the coupons according to specific categories: dairy foods, meats, pet food, cleaning products, paper products and any other category that fits your life-style.
Coupons are another way that manufacturers advertise and encourage the use of their products. The average coupon is about 18 cents off, or 15 percent off, the regular price of the product.

A smart shopper can use coupons to save money.

First, look for cents-off coupons. You can find coupons in weekly newspaper supplements, magazines, on product boxes, on labels, displays or tear-off pads on the supermarket shelf or bulletin board. Some may be mailed to you.

One good way to save money is to start a coupon swap club to take advantage of refunds on coupons. A club offers opportunities for members to exchange coupons among themselves. Often what one member doesn't need may be just what another is seeking.

Be a courteous shopper and tell the clerk at the checkout counter that you have coupons to redeem. This gives the checker time to examine the coupons for expiration dates and any other policies regarding the store's acceptance of coupons. Collecting and organizing coupons becomes easier the longer you do it. Here are a few steps to follow: You may want to use-separate envelopes for each category, or sort your coupons in a small box. If your shopping list is organized in a similar fashion, you can find your cents-off coupons quickly before shopping. As you file coupons, put those with the earliest expiration dates in front so you won't forget about them.

Don't forget that you don't save money by buying an item simply because you have a coupon. Check your shopping list carefully and use coupons only for items on the list.

Make sure the brand-name product for which you have a coupon is not more expensive—even with the discount—than similar house brands generics. It doesn't make much sense to buy the brand-name item just to use the coupon.

Using coupons will save you money only if you follow these simple rules for careful shopping:

1. Always shop with a list of what you plan to buy.
2. Avoid impulse buying, and don't buy anything your family will not use.
3. Study papers for store specials before you shop. Look for additional specials advertised in the store.
4. Check prices carefully. Don't be misled by end of the aisle displays. Always read signs near products.
5. If your retailer doubles the face value of your coupons on a certain day, plan to do your major shopping on that day.

For more information on management of your family budget, contact your local county Extension office.