GET ORGANIZED.
If you want to be a successful couponer, getting organized is your very first step. This makes the process of couponing much easier and simple, and at the same time this will give you the opportunity to save a lot of money. Once you are well organized, you will be able to easily identify which coupons to use when and for what, this way you can use it to your own benefit.
Organize your coupons in three categories, namely add, remove and store. There are many different methods in which you can organize your coupons, but the key is to find a technique that works for you.
Select a specific storage method that works best for you. With so many options available like coupon boxes, storage files and notebook binders, you will surely find something that works for you.
Decide on your cutting technique. Will you be cutting your coupons as you get them, or when you need them?
Determine how you will file your coupons. I find that it is best to file them according to their different categories, for example cereals, canned vegetables, canned meats, etc.; if you are shopping at one specific place you may find that filing by aisle is also a good solution. You can even file your coupons according to the date they were issued, or the day they will expire.
Lastly, create a set routine for removing all expired coupons.
GET IN A SET ROUTINE
Most daily activities are part of a routine. It doesn’t matter if it is watching television, taking a bath or going to work, we do not have to give these activities any thought because it has become part of our daily routine. For anyone to become a successful couponer, you have to make it a part of your daily routine just like all other daily activities. This requires you to have to practice doing it so that you become an expert at some point. If you do not integrate companion in your life, it will surely lead to failure and you will end up spending more money than required.
MAKE USE OF ONLINE COUPON SITES
When you browse the internet you will find that there are different websites that gives advice on couponing and there are even websites which allows you to print online coupons.I will advise you to use these websites to your own advantage.
- Websites for general coupon advice
There are a number of websites that offer great advice on how you can become a successful couponer. Review as many as you possibly can. If you select even just a small piece of information from each one, you will be on your way to becoming a successful couponer.There are some websites that convey their information in a better way than others and you will find that some sites information is more informative than others. The key is to find websites which you enjoy and find useful and refer to them whenever you like. These websites are there to broaden your knowledge and at the same time inspire and motivate you!
- Websites for particular store coupon information
There is a majority of websites that leave you with no guessing when it comes to how to use coupons to your own benefit. These websites review all the advertised sales prices and sometimes the unadvertised prices at that particular store and it also provide you with the information on whether there are a manufacturer / store coupon which can be used for a specific product. If you happen to be a store loyal customer, you will find that these types of websites is a definite must to visit. Look for the ones for your favorite store and use those coupons on a weekly basis.
- FREE Online printable coupon websites
If you are looking for coupons for a certain product, you will find that there are many different online sites which can be useful. There are many websites that have manufacturer’s coupons especially for that specific website. Among those websites are smartsource.com,redplum.com and coupons.com.If you find that the website is indeed free to use, bookmark it immediately so that you may use it on a regular basis.
COMBINE COUPONS WITH SALES
Any person is allowed to use coupons at a store. A successful couponer knows to use their coupons when a product is on sale. When you combine your coupons with a sale it will result in maximum savings. To take advantage of this opportunity, you need to get educated on your store sales cycles or find a great informative site where someone else knows about these things. There are many websites that are dedicated to certain stores and they will be able to tell you when exactly a certain product will be on sale. This is time for you to use those coupons and combine them with a sale and stack up on those products.
PLAN MENUS AROUND SALES
Plan your menu according to the items on sale to save on your food budget. More savings results in greater satisfaction and this will also then lead to couponing becoming part of your way of living.
As previously mentioned, the best way to save money is by combing your coupons with a sale. When you have stumbled upon a product that are on sale at its lowest price (do research on the websites) you should buy as many of this product to last you until this product hits the lowest price again(products usually hits their lowest price over a 12 week period).Nothing in the world of couponing brings you more satisfaction than knowing that the groceries you have stockpiled was bought on a 70%-100% discount. Yes,you can get as many products for free if you combine your coupons with the items that are on their lowest sales price!
DON’T GET DISCOURAGE
Becoming a successful couponer takes patience and time. Do not set for yourself unrealistic goals. Once you have established a set routine you will see a difference within a month or two in your food bill. After you are in your routine and have stockpiled on your products,you will see massive savings of at least 50%-65%.