With some planning and strategies, like coupon stacking and stockpiling, you can save big on many items at the store. For beginners, it can be overwhelming to dive in without having a plan. Even those who’ve used coupons for a while can benefit from a more organized approach to snag the best meal deals. Let’s dive into it all!
Table of Contents
Overview of How to Coupon
Before embarking on your couponing journey, it’s essential to grasp the basics. This knowledge will set the foundation for successful couponing. Let’s take a look!
Different Types of Coupons
Coupons offer specific discounts on the total purchase. For example, a 20% off coupon allows customers to save 20% on their entire order. Now, coupons come in different forms.
They are:
- Supplier coupons: They are issued by the company that produces the product.
- Store coupons: These are specific to that retailer and can usually only be used at that retailer and any of its partners.
- Digital coupons: These are online coupons that you can typically “clip” and apply at checkout or find through a mobile app.
Finding Coupons
Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to start collecting coupons. Here are some great places to find them:
- Sunday newspaper inserts: Many weekly newspapers have a coupon section or inserts that offer a variety of manufacturer and store coupons.
- Online: Many websites offer printable coupons for both groceries and retail items. A tip is to check to see if there are any physical coupons available. Sometimes, you can combine them with online coupons for extra money savings.
- Store flyers and ads: Check your local stores’ weekly ads for sale items and accompanying coupons. You can often request them digitally or by mail.
- Online trading groups: Connect with other couponers to trade unwanted coupons for the ones you need.
- Mobile apps: Download apps like Ibotta, Checkout51, and RetailMeNot for digital coupons and cashback offers.
- Food packaging: Keep an eye out for product packaging coupons while shopping.
- Social media: Follow brands and retailers you like for exclusive offers and promotions.
Planning Your Meals Around Coupons
Meal planning and couponing are both excellent skills to learn! Look in your freezer, fridge, and pantry while making your meal plan and see what you already have to use. No one needs a frozen food museum. If you have some frozen chicken, use that as the base for one of your meals. Once your weekly meal plan has been made, determine what ingredients you must buy to complete those meals. Then, look in your store’s app for additional savings on those items or other items that are required that specific week. Taking advantage of meal deals is an excellent way to stretch your budget further.
Combining Coupons for Maximum Savings
Coupon stacking, or “deal stacking,” sometimes combines coupons, promotional codes, and discounts to save as much as possible on a single purchase. You might use a combination of manufacturer coupons, store coupons, loyalty program discounts, and promotional codes. When combined with store promotions and meal deals, you can maximize your savings on groceries.
Navigating Store Layouts and Strategies
Knowing Your Store’s Layout
Most grocery stores follow a similar layout: produce and flowers near the entrance, dairy and cold items near the back, and all processed stuff in the middle aisles.
Have you ever heard that grocery stores put milk in the back of the store to get you to walk through other products? This happens! But it’s also easier for vendors and employees to load those items into fridges near the store’s rear. Grocery stores do have a method to their madness.
Using a Shopping List
Once you find the best deals, plan shopping lists for each store and organize your coupons accordingly. As you do, read each coupon’s fine print to understand how it works and when it expires.
Overcoming Common Couponing Challenges
Dealing with Expired Coupons
Coupons are excellent for saving money, but expired coupons are useless. Right? On that date, most stores will not accept the coupon anymore. Here are some tips and tricks for dealing with expired coupons:
- Don’t cut off the expiration date.
- Check if the coupon has a grace period.
- Ask if the store has a grace period.
- Ask for a coupon exchange.
Managing Time Effectively
Understanding expiration dates is crucial. Some coupons may have flexible expiration dates, allowing users to redeem them after the expiration date. Set up reminders or notifications to avoid missing valuable deals.
Avoiding Overbuying and Waste
Extreme couponing can lead to stockpiling, which increases waste. Serve only what your family needs and store food properly to prevent it from spoiling.
For example:
- Keep your fridge at 36-38°F and your freezer at 0°F.
- Wrap food properly to preserve freshness, especially if you’re freezing sale items like meat.
Proper meal planning and taking advantage of meal deals can prevent overbuying, ensure your food stays fresh, and help you make the most of your savings.
Conclusion
Learning how to coupon effectively is a great way to save on groceries and meal planning. By using a combination of couponing strategies, meal deals, and proper organization, you can stretch your grocery budget and provide for your family without sacrificing quality.
Here is to eating nutritious foods without breaking the bank!
