Couponing can be an excellent way to save money. It helps you make lots of small savings that can add up to bigger ones. Many people use coupons in their weekly grocery shop, as well as for a variety of other purchases.
The idea of collecting and using coupons may seem simple. However, there is more to it than you might assume at first. If you don’t take a methodical approach to it, you could end up wasting your time. You might even spend more money than usual because you aren’t choosing your coupons correctly. If you want to get started with couponing, follow these rules.
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Use Online and Offline Sources
Not too long ago, couponing was all about cutting out coupons from newspapers and magazines. You can still find plenty of those, but make sure you don’t stick to offline sources alone. You can find lots of great deals online too. You can get coupons you can print out and take to the store with you when you shop. Or you can find coupon codes that you can use for online shopping. Make sure that you don’t limit yourself to cutting out coupons from print publications. Online ones can help you be more organized because you don’t have to print them until you need them.
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Make Your Coupons Mobile
Does the thought of having a folder full of coupons frighten you? A lot of people may see it as a waste of paper. The Fortunate Investor recommends that you use mobile apps for couponing too. For example, you can use the Groupon app to help you find great deals. With some Groupon offers, there’s no need to have a printed-out coupon because you can use it online. You can also keep the coupon on your phone to show a vendor when you redeem your offer. The app gives you a map of where to redeem your offers too.
Be Sensible and Organized
When you see lots of great deals, it’s easy to get a bit too enthusiastic. You immediately want to start buying things at a lower price. But don’t take couponing as an excuse to buy things you don’t need. You’re not saving money if you’re purchasing something you weren’t already going to buy. For example, maybe you have a coupon for a discount on chocolate. But if you weren’t intending to buy chocolate, you’re just spending more money than you meant to, even if the product costs less. Make sure you’re organized too. Use your coupons before they expire, especially if you’ve pre-purchased a deal.
Know the Rules
It’s important to know how and when you can use your coupons. If you get it wrong, you could end up paying full price. Or you might get in trouble with a store. You should check the terms and conditions of each coupon, so you know what you’re doing. The expiration date is important, but don’t forget to check other details. There could be an age limit, price restrictions, or other limitations you need to be aware of.
Couponing is a great way to save money, but only if you approach it in the right way. Don’t use it as an excuse to buy things you don’t need.