When talking to “newbies” about couponing, I notice that they get overwhelmed quickly with all the information that is out there and end up making many costly mistakes.
Here are 6 mistakes to avoid while using coupons:
- Take your time. It takes a while to begin saving substantial money. Try not to go to every store you know of when you are starting out. Focus on one store and learn the ropes there before branching out to other stores.
- Get used to couponing before building a stockpile. This will allow you time to compare prices to determine what the lowest prices are.
- Don’t let couponing consume you! There are other things that need tending to. Determine a set amount of time per week to devote to couponing and then move on to other things.
- Keep an eye on your stockpile. Sometimes couponers continue buying items even though they have enough to feed the entire neighborhood. Rotate and use what you already have to reduce your current grocery trip and to make sure the food gets eaten before it expires.
- Only use a coupon when you really need to. I used to use a coupon just because I had it…even if the generic brand was cheaper! It’s ok to bring a coupon and not use it if you find something else cheaper.
- Clip coupons only for items you know you will use. This is a trick the manufacturers use to get you to buy their product. You will end up spending more money instead of saving money if you buy items you don’t need or will never use.
Do you have any tips for those new to couponing? Share them with us in the comments!
Happy Couponing! 🙂
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I’m one of those people that will clip coupons and buy the stuff, even if I know it’s not something we need, or that we really use much of. I used to do it ALL THE TIME! Then we’d end up never even using it. This time around, i’m much more selective of what coupons I use!
I used to do the same thing! I seriously have to stop and ask myself if I’m going to use the coupon before I clip it. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
I’ll admit, I am still a newbie when it come to coupons, and I agree that it is easier to stick to one store when you are starting this venture. Though I would add, see if that one store has a coupon newsletter that you can sign up for, whether it be electronic so you can print the store coupons, an app for mobile devices or via USP where you clip your coupons. This way you are not only getting a good value from your stores brand, you’re also getting a discount for buying your stores brand.
That’s a really good tip! Thanks for sharing. 🙂