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Guest Post: 4 Steps to Using Coupons Effectively

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Guest post - 4 tips to using coupons effectivelyBefore continuing in our Coupon-ology series, I wanted to allow Mitesh Mandaliya to share his couponing tips.

For clarification, I have added my 2 cents with a link under the third category. 

Though I largely agree with Mitesh, I disagree with point number 4 as I would rather let a coupon expire rather than spend it without a sale or buy one, get one free offer.

These are my thoughts. I’d love to hear your opinion in the comments. Join me there. ~ Tracy

4 Steps To Using Coupons Effectively

Everyone, especially frugal mothers, are always searching for coupons that can get them the maximum benefit, so that they can manage their tight budgets. In fact, searching coupons for grocery items or other products is not a tough task.

The main thing is how to use them effectively and wisely so that you can get the maximum benefit. So, for the people who are interested in couponing, but are not sure how to use them properly, I present 4 steps to using coupons effectively:

1. Ignore any needless shopping.

Some people purchase products just because they have coupons for those items. Avoid this kind of purchasing as you can spend more money rather than saving.

2. Compare different store’s coupon policies.

Different stores have different policies regarding coupon usage. So, always do research on the store’s coupon redeeming value. This is very important, as some stores change the value depending on the price and discounts.

Tracy’s Tip: For an example of this comparison, see the difference between how grocery stores and drugstores handle buy one, get one free coupons.

3. Compare sale prices and the final payable price at each store with your coupons.

If the store doubles a coupon, the final price of the product could be significantly less than a store that doesn’t double. If you shop at multiple stores, then compare the final payable price of the product using your coupons at each store.

4. Use coupons the same day you get them.

If you have coupons with you, then try to use it as soon as possible to get the guarantee savings. This can prevent you from forgetting to use the coupon before the expiration date.

In short, the essence is – don’t be too impatient. With coupons, exercise care to get the maximum benefit.

Mitesh Mandaliya loves to write articles about saving money. He has written articles for couponcodeslady.com and promocodeslady.com and is part of the Using Time Wisely community. 

Comments

  1. Tracy says

    Thank you, Mitesh, for sharing your thoughts. Always nice to see someone else’s perspective because we learn from each other on this journey of saving money while using time wisely.

  2. Jean says

    I think your first tip is super important! I started doing much better with my coupons when I started using them only for things I actually used (although it is fun to use one just once in a while to try something new). I found myself trying to use a $5 off a set amount in the grocery store earlier this week and had to stop myself from spending more than I needed just so I could save that $5.

    • Tracy says

      I agree, Jean! When I was learning the drugstore game, I was purchasing lots of medications that I got for $.50 or less, but we never used them. Though I learned how to save and stack items, it took me awhile to realize that a great deal is only good if our family or someone else I know will use it. I ended up donating those unused items, so all was not lost. Thanks for the comment, Jean!

    • Tracy says

      Appreciate your perspective because we all have to start somewhere. Making mistakes is part of learning. However, learning from other’s mistakes puts us farther ahead of the savings curve. Thanks for the post and the comment, Mitesh!