Clipping Tips



To get the most out of your coupons, keep the following tips in mind:

*Look for coupons in the Sunday newspaper, in magazines, in your mailbox, at the grocery store shelf, on the Internet and with your cash register receipts.

*Call manufacturers' 800 numbers (often found on the packages of your favorite products) to request coupons. Up to 35% of manufacturers only send coupons to consumers upon request.

*Use a coupon organizer to sort coupons and keep it with you at all times (for those "unplanned" shopping trips).

*Organize your coupons in the order that you shop the store for quicker savings trips.

*Receive coupon savings back in cash, and put the cash away for something special. This process makes coupon savings seem more tangible.

*If you can't use a particular coupon yourself, share it with a friend or co-worker.

*Have your children, nieces and nephews, or grandchildren participate in coupon clipping with you. It can help them learn math skills, and matching the pictures on the coupons with products on the shelf can be fun.

*Coupons can help teach children the value of money: Use coupon savings to pay allowances.

*Use coupons with shorter expiration dates first to stock up on necessary items.

*Use double or triple coupons along with the manufacturers' rebates to realize additional savings.

*Plan your family's menu using coupons.

*Use coupons in conjunction with sale items.

*Know each stores coupon policy before you shop. You can look the coupon policy up on the internet, or by calling the stores main headquarters. You can request this number from the service desk employee.