How To Use Coupons to Shop Smarter
From June 2021 to June 2022, consumer prices have risen by 9.1%.
There’s no denying that this has made it hard for many people to get the supplies they need to live. If you’re worried about the price of groceries and household goods going up, you aren’t alone. Many Americans are wondering how they are going to afford necessities.
We are here to help. This article will give you some tips and tricks on how to shop smarter. Keep reading to learn how you can save your hard-earned money with coupons.
Paper Coupons
You’ve probably seen the tv shows where people spend hours and hours clipping coupons to get all their groceries for free. While it is possible to do that, you may not have the time, patience, or energy. You can still use paper coupons and it doesn’t have an overwhelming task.
Check Your Receipts
First, you’ll want to start checking your receipts for deals. Many drug stores will put discounts at the bottom or on the back of your receipts for your next visit. If there’s a product that is on sale be sure, to save your receipt and bring it back the next time you shop.
Weekly Coupon Ads
It may seem like an out-of-date idea, but you can still check your local paper for sales. You don’t have to spend hours cutting them up. Just take a minute to flip through the coupons. If you see a food item or product that you need or want then you can cut it out.
In the Mail
Many retailers send coupons in their magazines and in the mail. Before throwing them away, take the time to look for cards with a Saks Fifth Avenue coupon code that you can use online or in-store.
In-Store Coupons
There are some grocery stores and markets that will have coupons available at the customer service desk. You should also ask if they have a loyal card that you can sign up for and get discounts with.
Online Coupons
Since technology has advanced so much, you have the option to collect coupons online. It may seem difficult to use, but it’s pretty simple; it just takes some time to get used to.
Check the Manufacturers’ Sites
Before going to the store, check the manufacturer’s website. They will likely be running deals.
If you buy online, they have a discount code for free shipping as well. Oftentimes, if you’re a first-time buyer, you can get a simple offer, too.
Download Coupon Apps
Of the easiest ways to find coupons is through smartphone apps. Many stores have their own apps such as Target, Walmart, and CVS. You can “Clip” in the app and all you have to do is scan your app once and the discounts will apply.
It’s so simple and it takes very little time. There will be a search bar so you can look up a specific product to see if they are on sale. You don’t have to scroll through hundreds of products only to find out the one you’re looking for isn’t discounted.
There are third-party apps that you can download that will give you cashback. All you have to do is upload your receipt.
It takes less than 30 seconds. A few popular ones are Fetch and Ibotta; you’ll often get bonus points when you sign up and share with a friend.
Reading Coupons
Before you can shop smarter with coupons, you must know how to read them. Most of the time there are limits to how many you can use at one time. There can also be date restrictions.
One of the best ways to save money is to coupon stack and use them on items that are already marked down. However, this can be tricky.
If you have a coupon for a dollar off a tube of toothpaste and then another coupon that is $5 off $20, you can combine them with other products for more savings. You can then upload to your app and get points or cash back that you can redeem or gift cards.
Stay Organized
Staying organized is one of the hardest parts of couponing. If you’re using an app, it’s a little easier, but it can take some practice.
When you’re using physical coupons, you’ll want to be sure to keep the stores’ clippings separate. You don’t want to go to the CVS checkout line; using Walgreens coupons.
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t have extra money to spend, being organized will be a game changer. If you lose or leave a coupon at home, it could throw off your whole transaction, and you could end up spending more money than expected.
You may want to keep track of how much you’re saving. Often times it will be at the bottom of your receipt.
Coupon Tips
Only buy what you need. It can be tempting to purchase an item that you don’t need because it’s on sale. However, this will only lead to you spending more money and then you’ll have items cluttering your house that you won’t ever use.
If there’s a certain brand or product that you love, let them know. You can send them an email or shoot them a DM on social media, and many companies will send you coupons as a “thank you” gift.
Shop Smarter Today
The prices of products fluctuate all the time and while it can be frustrating if you don’t know to shop smarter with coupons, you won’t be affected as much. Your bank account will thank you for taking the time to clip a few coupons.
We hope you found this article helpful and that you get lots of savings! Our site is full of lifestyle tips and tricks so keep browsing for more.