Save More with Coupons

Using coupons: the basics

Here are a few things to remember when looking for and using coupons:

1. Is the coupon for a product you would normally buy? If not, don’t be tempted to keep the coupon and buy something you don’t really need. If the groceries you purchase are not going to be eaten by your family or they are not healthy options, then it is not worth spending your money, even if you use a coupon.
2. Try to keep track of the price you usually pay for things. Staples like toilet paper or paper towels are a good place to start because most people buy the same brand repeatedly. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it is a good price or that you won’t find it cheaper somewhere else.
3. Buy things that you use all the time when they are at a low price – not just when you run out. Products like toothpaste, deodorant, canned foods like pasta sauce, and boxed pasta are all good examples of products to look for and buy when they are on sale.
4. Even using a coupon, a name brand item still might be more expensive than the store brand.