If you’re over 45 no one has to teach you how to use coupons.They do not even have to explain why we should be using coupons.We have done that, only back then we could read the small print on the coupons a little better.

A short refresher on the art of using coupons: stores and brands provide coupons because they create value.

Keep in mind, however, they are only valuable to you if you use the product and if you use it in the quantity the coupon is marketing. After all, coupons are a marketing tool.

First you need to be organized. Keeping coupons in order and up-to-date lets you get the best deal. Before the coupons expire, either file them by category such as cleaning supplies, paper products, or by expiration date. I organize by category and put the earliest expiration date products in front of the pile.That makes it easier to pull one of them quickly when I am on a short shopping run. If I am doing a major shopping I often take the entire coupon organizer with the coupons that are due to expire in front of everything.

A good place to find coupons is in your local Sunday edition of the newspaper. It is usually well worth investment of purchasing a copy for the money you save on coupons. You can also find coupons in junk mail, postcards, product packaging, back of cashier receipts, magazines and bulletin boards. Circulars also come to the house loaded with coupons. COSTCO sends us a mailer full of coupons and I am always using those for our bimonthly shopping at the store.

Some people do not want to bother with coupons. They say it is too time consuming, clipping them and then buying a specific product. What they may not realize is the variety of products offered in the weekly coupons. For sure not every person is going to use every coupon each week, but if the coupons are for products you buy anyway, there is no good reason why you save a few dollars.

Sometimes I forget to bring them when I go shopping or worse yet, take them out at the check out line. I trick myself into remembering. I rubber band the coupon to my wallet which has to come out when paying the bill.

I admit being one of those who has not used coupons for at least 10years. I am using them now. Fiscal responsibility starts everywhere.

Not much has changed these days except for the fact that you can find coupons on the Internet. Here are some helpful hints:

Shop weekly to take advantage of weekly sales.
Stock up when your usual items are on sale.
Watch for double coupon days at stores.
Check if your store honors competitor coupons
Share your coupons with friends for product selection.

Here are some Internet sites that you may find helpful:
www.grocerycouponguide.com
www.Shoplocal.com
www.Coolsavings.com
www.Couponcabin.com
www.hotcoupons.com
www.coupons.com

I was in the Kroger grocery store the other day. Using my Kroger card (a marketing tool which rewards loyalty) my bill showed a savings of .89. I asked the cashier: do you think Kroger would ever just lower the prices on everything and cancel the Kroger card. The kid that puts your stuff in the bags shook his head and said No Way.

I invite you to visit From Retirement to Career Change and learn how you can be productive and make money throughout your life.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

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