Do you know all the golden rules on how to use coupons?
When it comes to saving money while shopping for groceries, planning and having a list of all the things you want to buy is crucial. But besides that, you can also stockpile coupons that will help you get some pretty awesome discounts.
And don’t be afraid because the rules on how to use coupons aren’t going to require you to spend your precious time cutting newspapers into tiny pieces; it’s more than that, and it’s also easier!
In this article, we will take a further look at all the rules on how to use coupons that are destined for beginners and not only. Take a pen, and let’s start!
1. Learn your store’s coupon policy
One of the first rules on how to use coupons is to learn more about your favorite store’s coupon policy. These rules may vary from one grocery store to another, so it’s important to keep in mind every little detail about their rules.
Try to focus on two important details. For example, a specific number of stores will offer a double coupon. Thus, the retailer will deduct $1 from your purchase if you have a coupon for 50 cents off. Second, you may need to join their loyalty program and create an account for it, and then just use the QR code on your rewards card to get some coupons.
You may find that you are more conscious of your store’s sales cycles after you become familiar with its policies and begin making frequent purchases there. This will enable you to stock up on items while they are on sale, as you know they won’t likely go on sale again until next month. An example would be your favorite cereal or any other product you consume daily.
2. Always try to make a shopping list matching those expiring coupons
Even if, let’s say, ketchup might not be on your shopping list, you do have a coupon for $2 off your favorite brand that runs out this week. It would be a shame to pass up the chance to get it for a discount. Additionally, it’s smart to have it on hand in case you run out of the one you already have if you want to use it.
3. Find a coupon database
The third of the best rules on how to use coupons is to look for coupons in various places. For instance, it’s frequently difficult to discover the ones that appear in your local newspaper. Additionally, to obtain one, you will also need to pay a monthly membership fee. The majority of the available coupons are free, which is wonderful news! Yes, you’ve heard me well, and they are just a click away from you.
To save the hassle of showing a stack of paper coupons at the cashier, you may “clip” digital coupons onto your phone by downloading the applications from your favorite shops. In addition to retail applications, there are additional areas where you may obtain coupons. Websites compiling coupons into one location are called coupon databases, making discovering discounts simple. All you need to do is do a simple web search for a reliable and appealing keyword coupon database.
In this database, you can search for the type of coupon that you like (mobile coupon or printable).
4. Make sure you can keep an eye out for hidden conditions
A terrific offer not being valid or redeemable when you go to the register is definitely the most annoying thing that can happen. Verify the conditions for redemption (such as the bottle size of orange juice required to use the coupon). For each item you purchase, you will need a different coupon if you locate a fantastic bargain and wish to use more than one. You might only be able to utilize a certain number of each coupon in a single purchase.
5. Don’t forget to make a shopping list and follow it
One of the most important rules on how to use coupons is to make sure you have a list of all the stuff you want to buy. Besides helping you out with getting the most out of the coupons, you will also make sure you won’t overspend while shopping.
You can either make it on a piece of paper or you can download a shopping list app that will help you keep everything in one place without the possibility of losing it.
With the use of free coupon applications, you may sign in and electronically clip coupons for the items on your shopping list. Some companies offer cash back when you scan receipts. Yes, this task might need a little more preparation and planning, but as your savings mount, it might be worthwhile.
For us, the first rule on how to use coupons was to look for a good app (we prefer Fetch) that allows you to upload all the receipts that you get from all the stores and get points as rewards, points that you can later use to buy certain products.
Are you looking for a coupon holder to have them super organized in one place? Check out this amazing coupon holder that includes 24 plastic holders for only $12.99. Hurry up with such a price it might be sold out very soon!
6. Don’t pay more than you have to
One of the golden rules on how to use coupons is to be wise with your money and never spend more than necessary. For example, you intend to use a coupon that you have clipped for $1 off a pack of butter from a well-known brand. The price of the butter deal, however, is $4.99 when you arrive at the store. Your typical store brand costs $3.69. If you use the coupon, your out-of-pocket expense is 30 cents.
7. Combine coupons with cash-back apps
The seventh of the best rules on how to use coupons is to combine them with cash-back apps whenever it’s possible. You’re about to go on a shopping trip; you have everything in order—the list and the coupons. But you may have forgotten about one thing: cashback rewards apps. How do they work? By purchasing specific items, you may earn refunds using these applications.
Some of the best apps for cash-back rewards are Checkout 51 and Fetch Rewards. These two are the most popularly used by a large percentage of people, so besides being useful, they are also trustworthy.
Of course, there is still nothing wrong if you want to use paper coupons and you have the time to physically cut them from the newspaper. But we’d also recommend trying out cash-back apps too!
8. Don’t panic! Start the couponing process slowly
There are so many rules on how to use coupons, and this might be a tad overwhelming for you, but that’s okay. This is why we advise you to take everything slowly, especially if you are a beginner in all this couponing.
For your first few shopping visits, concentrate on the highest-value coupons that you are confident about using. Bring three coupons with a 50% discount or your greatest dollar-valued coupon as an example.
Until you feel confident utilizing the coupons and calculating them appropriately, we also suggest you avoid as much as possible to be let’s say, inventive. After all, nobody is rushing you! Take all the time that you need.
Are you trying to become more frugal, but it seems like nothing is working anymore? No worries, because you’re not alone in the boat. Here at Frugal Americans, we’re actively trying to help our readers get back on track after a failed budget or a bad strategy. We’ve all been there, so there is no need to worry.
If you enjoy reading about the golden rules on how to use coupons, you may also be interested in this article 8 Tried and Tested Ways to Kick Overspending.
