COUPON 101

Getting loads of soaps, body wash, toothpaste to cereals and energy drinks paying nothing is long gone. Don’t start using coupons for the sake of just getting free stuff. Later, you would know that you are just collecting lots of junk! I've been there and I enjoyed it a lot, not the junk of course (who does not like getting tons of free stuff right?!). But with the reality show showing in national television, let me say worldwide! A lot of people would want to join the craze! Even considering using coupons for deodorants with nasty odors! And cereals that tastes like carton. Eww!

Grocery stores and supermarkets had to revamp and start a new policy. Damn it!

Which I later on thought was fair:

First, coupons not for the specific product would ring up even though it’s not for the specific item.

Second, too much empty shelves! Coupon haulers would usually empty all the shelves and nothing will be left for an individual who would only want to buy one tube of toothpaste! Poor guy!

Lastly, a lot have been committing coupon fraud. A lot of fake coupons came out and if stores have accidentally accepted it, they won’t get reimbursed.

I have been following store rules to the point of printing their own “coupon policy” just to avoid confrontations with a manager. It came to my senses that the party is over but there’s no losing hope in saving money.

For those of you who would still want to start and save using coupons, here are some of my pointers in case you are not aware:

1.) One coupon per purchase means 1 coupon for 1 toothpaste. It is not true that if you have 2 tubes of toothpaste, you can only use 1 coupon in a transaction. My trick, ask the associate “How many toothpaste did I purchase?” If let’s say you have 2, then tell her “Here’s 2 coupons for each of my purchase”. This always works like a charm. Sometimes, clerks and cashiers are not familiar with their own coupon policy. So sometimes we need to educate them ourselves. Just be nice and friendly and they will value everything that you said. (This scenario depends, some stores would only accept up to 4 like coupons per transaction. So there’s really no harm in asking).

2.) Before going grocery shopping, make a list! A LIST THAT YOU WILL FOLLOW, A list of the things that you ONLY need. Then match them with coupons that you have in hand. NEVER buy something just because you have a coupon for it.

Generic or store brand is NOT ALWAYS CHEAPER than the popular brands. Popular brands which are sometimes a little better are cheaper when you add a coupon when buying them.

When making a grocery list always have the store circular for the week side by side with your shopping list so as not to miss a great deal.

If you are not into clipping coupons, you can load them straight to your rewards card. No pain at all!

3.) If you love Target like I do, be aware that they accept multiple coupons even for just one particular item.

Here’s an example:

Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream, pint $3.00

Use $1.00 off (target.com)>>>PRINTABLE STORE COUPON

USE $1.00 off (newspaper coupon)>>MANUFACTURERS COUPON

USE .50 off >>TARGET MOBILE COUPON APP

USE 5% off>>TARGET CARTWHEEL COUPON (can be used up to 4 times)

TOTAL PRICE YOU PAY: .48 cents

So you can use 4 DIFFERENT TYPES of coupon for a single item!

That’s why I love Target!

Also be on the lookout for their CLEARANCE aisle section. You can definitely score plenty of cheap or free stuff from clothing, sandals, baby stuff, food etc.

4.) Lastly, RESEARCH! There’s a lot of websites out there who are matching the coupons for you. All you need to do is take note of them. They are very easy to understand and categorized by store and paired with the coupon that you need to provide in order to get the deal.

Enjoy and don’t get frustrated if you only saved a few bucks. Remember, “Money doesn't grow on trees”