Clues from a Coupon Clipping Queen

How would you like to pay less for everything you buy? All you need is a pair of flashing scissors and a desire for slashing bills. How low do you dare to go?

Anyone can become a champion coupon cutter, from a penniless college student to a senior on a fixed income. Most of us have more time than money, so coupon clipping is right up our alley. Even people who are well off financially use coupons to further their finances.

You might be wondering what all the fuss is about over a few cents off an item you may not even use. I kept all my grocery bill receipts for one year, shopping for a family of four. I saved over $1,240 by using coupons! This year I am hoping to beat that. It’s September and I’ve saved $934 so far.

Coupons are everywhere. The most reliable place to find them is in your local newspaper. Sunday’s edition usually offers an insert of up to 50 manufacturers’ coupons for various products. Other sources are magazines, free flyers or mailers.

Once you’ve collected a few coupons, organize them for easy retrieval. You can find pre-made coupon organizers at discount stores like Wal-mart, K-mart or Target. You can also order them through specialty catalogs through the mail. Any checkbook-size will do: simply divide it into compartments with stiff cardboard. Categorize each section according to your needs.

For example, my coupon organizer has the following categories: beverages, canned goods & frozen vegetables, dairy & meats, baking products, toiletries, prepared foods & pastas & rice, sauces & condiments, snacks, miscellaneous and pet needs. I put each coupon in the appropriate section. The easier it is to locate your coupons, the more you will use them.

While you are clipping coupons, note the expiration dates. Coupons for newer products may expire more quickly, so use those first. You can also check expiration dates periodically so you don’t forget to use a valuable coupon.

Grocery stores often double or even triple the face value of your coupons to get you to shop there. So suddenly that $.50 off coupon is worth $1.50, money that is in your wallet or purse instead of the store’s cash register. Add up enough savings by using coupons and you could have a free night on the town, go see a movie or have some unexpected spending money.

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