If you’re looking to save a little money and have some extra cash for spending, couponing is a great way to do so! This beginner's guide to couponing is a great way to learn more about this fun way to save money! If you've tried couponing & it just isn't your thing, make sure you check out these ways to save money without coupons!
Couponing can be a little complicated and overwhelming when you first start, but once you get into a good swing and get the hang of things, it is extremely rewarding! This guide to couponing is designed to help you start couponing if you’re a beginner and might even have some tips for seasoned couponers!
Beginner's Guide To Couponing
How to Use Coupons to Save Money
Use Couponing Apps
There are so many couponing apps out there, but they’re definitely a huge help when it comes to finding coupons and sales. If you have a local Kroger store, they (and all of their associates) have apps that allow you to view sales, add coupons to your store card, and see if you have any rewards points on your card! It’s really nice to be able to add store coupons to your card because it eliminates the need for coupon clipping and you can just swipe your card and reap the rewards.
Additionally, there are quite a few apps that show manufacturer’s coupons like SmartSource and a few named “Coupons”. Another great app to look into is the new Walmart Savings Catcher. It essentially price matches for you! Just scan your coupon, it compares prices to competitors, and if you paid more than the competitor price, you get your money back!
Stack Coupons with Sales
To get the best bang for your buck, match coupons with store sales. You can even use store coupons with manufacturer coupons too!
Use Rebate & Reward Apps
If you haven’t heard of it yet, Ibotta is a great app that provides rebates and can help you rack up money for products that you’re already purchasing in stores. They offer rewards like $0.25 for buying any gallon of milk, $0.50 for a loaf of bread, and you can cash out on PayPal or in the form of gift cards!
How to Get Coupons
Buy the Sunday Newspaper
Buying the Sunday paper will give you the coupon inserts, and you can even buy more than one copy to stack coupons and have more than one! Not all stores allow stacking of coupons or using it on multiple items, so it’s a good idea to read up on your local store’s coupon policy or ask around in couponing groups local to your area. Often times, you can find a local couponing group on Facebook and share and learn tips from other couponers!
Print Coupons Online
Coupons.com is one of the best sources for printing coupons. Another way to get coupons online is to sign up for specials and deals from your favourite brands. Many often have coupons you can print or that they will mail out.
If your favourite brand doesn't have printable coupons easily found on their website, try emailing them. Not only have I received coupons in the mail this way, but I've also even been sent some full-size products.
Have Practical Expectations
If you’ve ever watched shows like Extreme Couponing, you’ll notice that they sometimes buy tons of things that they don’t necessarily use. To save money with couponing, that’s not totally necessary. If you want to build a stockpile, you definitely can, but you don’t have to.
Couponing can be beneficial for even just the items you use, and if you’re trying to stick to a budget and not spend anything extra, it might help to just buy the items you need. If I find coupons that I know will pair with a deal for free items or a moneymaker (for stores that offer overage), I'll often save them & then donate those items to my local food pantry.
Ultimately, couponing just takes a little time and attention and pays out a pretty hefty reward! Make sure to know the policies for your store, have all your bases covered with the apps and coupon inserts, and have fun! This guide to couponing is a great way to get started in the fun savings game!
More Savings Tips:
- How To Save Money Without Couponing
- 7 Tips To Save Money While Eating Out
- 7 Ways To Save At Your Hobby Lobby Store
- Save Even More Money At Aldi
- 10 Ways To Save $500 This Month
- Coupon Organization
Jane @ Modern Housewives
Thanks for the guide, it’s very useful! I recently thought that there are so many discounts I don’t take advantage of simply because I haven’t looked for them. I won’t make that mistake again!
Savanah
Thanks! It’s easy to overlook ways to save, especially if you are new to couponing. I really love I Heart the Mart for great deals at Walmart & MyLitter.com for online deals!