Once you get the hang of using coupons, you can save money left, right and center without a single thought. But how do you start? Well, Kimberly of Retire With Coupons can help! Here’s the Extreme Couponer herself:
As an avid couponer, I am grateful to have the skills to pay a fraction of what the national average is 
for groceries. But, when our economy tanked, I had never been as thankful as I am today. Many people use coupons to help with their budgets, but not as many are considered the extreme couponer – a title I appreciate, not only as a benefit to my family, but because I’m able to share my experience with others to help individual and family budgets, as well as food pantries, and other social service agencies!
How do we begin? These are my top five tips on utilizing coupons to keep your out of pocket expense low, while purchasing as much as possible!
1. Know your local store policies and legalities. Each store has specific rules for coupon use. Some stores double the value of coupons, but others don’t. Some stores will allow you to bring in coupons after your purchase (if you’ve forgotten them), but others won’t. Some stores will price match, and other stores will accept a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on one item! By knowing the policies of the stores you shop at the most often, you’re able to save more money.
2. Ask your family, friends, and co-workers for extra coupons. A lot of people never use coupons. This means there are a lot of available coupons for your use. Ask! You’ll be surprised at how many people toss the inserts of their paper, and how many people would be more than happy to share them with you!
3. Get organized! Once you understand store policies, and you have a great supply of incoming coupons, you need to get organize. You’ll need a system for organizing your coupons, as well as a system for organizing your shopping lists, and the best deals at each store!
4. Don’t be brand loyal. Many people believe buying the generic brand will always cost less than if you buy name brand. This isn’t true. By combining sales, coupons, and promotions, you’ll often be able to buy the item that is normally more expensive at a price that is lower than the generic! And, if you’re partial to one particular brand, and just can’t live without it, find other items you aren’t brand loyal with, and save money on that purchase to cover the items you truly love!
5. Get Rain checks. If a store has a great deal, and they are out of the product, ask for a rain check! You normally have at least 30 days to redeem that rain check, and you won’t miss out on something you really wanted!
Kimberly McCormick is the owner of Retire With Coupons. She may be contacted via email at kimberly@retirewithcoupons.com, or via her site http://www.retirewithcoupons.com.
Filed under: Frugal Tips, Guest Posts
