Tips and Tricks!

Using coupons can seem overwhelming at first.  Use these tips to help you get started!

Bigger isn't always better
Before using coupons, to get the most bang for you buck, you'd buy the bigger size or in bulk, right?  Look for size restrictions on the coupon, and buy the smallest size allowed, since the smaller one is cheaper, use multiple coupons!


Look at the travel aisle
If you have a coupon that doesn't state that you have to buy a certain size or doesn't have "excludes trial/travel size" on it, then head over to the travel size section for free, nearly free, or in some cases, better than free items!


Learn your stores coupon policies
Sometimes store policies are not known by everybody at the store.  You can always print them out and take them with you to avoid confusion, or score some great deals!  Look through the policy to see if they allow coupon overages, some stores state that if the coupon discount exceeds the purchase price of the item, the balance can be applied to the basket.  


Find a store that doubles coupons
There are some stores that double coupons, just make sure you aren't using coupons that state they cannot be doubled.


Don't have a store that doubles coupons? Use Target!
Target allows you to use one of their Target Web Coupons and a manufacturer's coupon for the SAME ITEM! Score!


Don't be afraid to sign up for emails from your favorite stores/brands
Major brands and stores are not going to spam you or sell your email address.  If you ever get tired of their emails, you can always unsubscribe, or use a email address that is different than the one you use for personal or business correspondence.  Sign up with stores, brands, and restaurants to get periodic emails of coupons, discounts, or early notification of sales.


Check the restrictions
Some say you have to buy a certain sized item.  Some say "Do Not Double" or "Excludes Trial Size."  Some say you cannot use more than 4 (or some such number) like coupons in the same transaction.  And, don't forget to check the expiration date.


Have expired coupons?
If you cut coupons out of the newspaper (not internet coupons) and forgot to use them in time, don't throw them away! Military families overseas can use them for up to six months after the expiration date on base! Consider donating them!


and finally
Buy a newspaper (or 2!) every week.  Still get that Sunday paper for the coupons.  Yes, there are a lot of coupons online now, but there will still be a lot in the paper that aren't online, and if they are, then you have multiple copies!