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Old-fashioned as it may seem, clipping coupons can be a great way to save money when cash is tight. With some strategic planning, finding and using coupons carefully can save hundreds of dollars.

Plan Your Strategy

A trap of coupon use is that many people end up purchasing items they would not normally use. First of all, plan - decide what items you need to purchase over the next week or month. Write out a menu plan, and then from that plan a shopping list that includes the staples and perishables you might need.

Investigate Your Shopping

With a solid shopping list in hand, get a copy of the local Sunday newspaper or go online. Figure out which stores are having sales, specials, or are offering the best prices. Plan your shopping to build the best combination of prices and travel - if you drive to multiple stores, you might wipe out whatever savings you build up.

Research Available Coupons

Once you know what items you need and have a good idea for where they are on sale, start researching coupons. Newspapers are a good source for coupons, but the internet is one of the best sources. Multiple companies offer email coupons in exchange for signing up for their email newsletters. There are many websites that offer coupon clearinghouse services. Some websites charge between 10 and 50 cents for coupons, while others offer some for free. Be certain to make note of expiration dates and limitations.

Increase your coupon savings by doubling down

Once you have coupons and sales that match your shopping list, start matching them together. Get an even better price on store’s two-for-one sales by using manufacturer’s coupons. If there is a store coupon, you can often match it with another manufacturer’s coupon. Save even more money by matching coupons with one another.

Being flexible is important

There will be times that you truly will find a great deal on an item you may not have on your shopping list. If this happens, think about it and make sure you will actually use the item. Be willing to alter your list to include whatever is on special that you will use. One helpful tactic is to keep a month-long meal plan where you just cross off ingredients as you go.

Go out shopping

Get your coupons and your plan organized, then it’s time to go shopping. While you are out shopping, it’s important to keep your eyes open for unadvertised specials. File away in-store coupons so you can use them to double-down in the future. Importantly, try to keep your impulse purchases to a minimum. It won’t help save any money on your list if you purchase items you don’t need.

Coupon clipping can take additional time and effort - but in the end, the money you could save is worth it. Just be sure to research, plan, and be flexible.

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