If 90% percent of Americans have used coupons once at least, it’s pretty evident how coupons are a good way to save some money on regular purchases. It's not necessary to be an expert to begin reaping the rewards, even beginners, can start saving money at the checkout by learning the ropes and being organized with a little patience.

Thus, if you are all set to be a couponer, this guide will walk you through the fundamentals of couponing and help you save money on your next shopping trip. Get ready to say goodbye to full prices and hello to your savings!

Understanding Coupons: What You Need to Know?

There are a few basic things you should know before using coupons.

Coupon Types                                                                  

• Manufacturer coupons: These are provided by the business that manufactures the goods.
• Store coupons: These can only be used at a particular store or one of its affiliates.
• Digital coupons: Approximately 50% of American consumers use brand emails or internet searches to find coupons. These can be found online or in apps.

Coupon Expiration Date

Just like your milk carton or any other item, the coupons have an expiration date too! Thus, make sure they're still in good condition before rushing off to the store carrying your coupons in hand.

Limitations on Coupons

Always check the coupon's fine print before becoming overly excited about possible savings. They might only apply to specific products, sizes, or quantities, for example.

Where to Find Coupons?

Coupons are actually everywhere; you just need to look for them. Here are a few simple methods for finding coupons nearby so you can start saving money:

• Store Flyers: To find coupons, look through the weekly store flyers. Along with the sales, coupons are frequently tucked inside.
• In-store coupon booklets: Coupon booklets are often available for anyone to take from the area near the checkout.
• Mail: Without even realizing it, you may already be receiving coupons in your mailbox. As per research, 27% mentioned using the mail to find coupons
• Store Aisles: A lot of stores post coupons in prominent places for particular products.
• In-store coupon printers: There are coupon printers inside select stores, such as CVS. Simply scan your loyalty card to see coupons for the best offers right now. For additional savings, combine these store coupons with manufacturer coupons and sales.
• Food Packaging: Remember to look for coupons on the packaging of your food. While some businesses conceal their peel-off coupons inside the can or box, others place them right on it. Cut them out, then store them in your coupon collection for later use.
• Local Newspapers: You can find a tonne of manufacturer coupons in the Sunday Newspapers.

Online

No coupons in the area? Check out the web! American consumers spend 13 million hours per week searching for online coupons. All you have to do is look up the product name + "coupon."

• Store Apps: Discount-oriented apps are available for stores like Kroger and Target. Keep in mind that you cannot combine two manufacturer coupons when searching for store and manufacturer coupons.
• Manufacturer Websites: For coupons on brands you love, like Bounty and Crest, visit websites like P&G Everyday.
• Coupon Websites: Pages such as Coupons.com compile printable coupons for a range of brands.

How to Do Couponing for Beginners?

For beginner couponers, the process can seem like a maze, but do not worry! You can save a significant amount of money and simplify the couponing process with this easy guide.

Step 1: Gather Your Coupons

Coupons can be found at a variety of places, including newspapers, the internet, stores, friends, and apps. So, now that we have shared pretty much in detail about all the ways you can collect your coupons, make sure to keep an eye out for all kinds of deals, wherever you go! 

Step 2: Organize Coupons

• Envelopes: To start, cut coupons and put them in a cheque file or envelope. Your collection may require a larger storage solution as it expands.
• Organize by Insert: Using this method, coupon inserts are arranged in a box according to the date. It requires little upkeep, but you might pass up deals that aren't promoted.
• Coupon Binder: Using baseball card holders, clip and store coupons inside a three-ring binder. This gives you the convenience of carrying all of your coupons with you when you shop.

Step 3: Read the Fine Print

How frustrating would it be, if you reached the counter and the cashier told you that your coupon was not valid or redeemable? A lot right? This is why it is always advised to read the fine print beforehand.

Therefore, to learn the requirements of a coupon, carefully read its fine print. Verify information such as eligibility for product sizes and usage restrictions for coupons. Recall that there might be a limit on the number of coupons you can use in a single transaction if you're purchasing multiple items, and you'll probably need separate coupons.

Step 4: Know Your Store’s Coupon Policy

Learn the policies of your store before you start couponing:

• Loyalty Programs: 81% of consumers are all ready to join a loyalty program to use a coupon. So, why not you?
• Double- or tripling coupon: Certain stores automatically increase your savings by double or triple the value of your coupons.
• Coupon stacking: For greater savings, combine manufacturer and store coupons.
• Acceptance of coupons: Verify whether the retailer takes competitor, printable, or expired coupons.
• Digital Discount Codes: Seek for digital coupons that can be used in-store by clipping them online.

Step 5: Plan Your Shopping Trip

• Weekly Advertisements: For the best deals and to identify sales, look through the store's weekly ads. Nearly 50% of the customers react favorably to coupons found in advertisements.
• Matchups with coupons: To save even more money, try to match coupons with sale items.
• Comparable Prices: Walmart is one retailer that offers price matching. Bring the advertisement to Walmart if you discover a better price elsewhere to receive the same offer.
• Create a List: To maintain focus and prevent impulsive purchases, always go shopping with a list.
• Checks for rain: Request a rain check if an item on sale is out of stock at the store. This entitles you to the discounted price when the item—which is typically within 30 days—goes back into stock. For even greater savings, you can still combine coupons with a rain check.

Step 6: Grow Your Stockpile

Take it slow and set aside a weekly portion of your grocery budget. When things are on sale, buy more, but not too much. For instance, aim for roughly 12 weeks' worth of supplies.

Moreover, make sure to donate extra stuff to food banks or shelters to assist those in need and monitor your use to prevent waste.

Best Couponing Tips for Beginners

1. Take it slow: Use the coupons with the highest value first, and only on sale items. Spend some time learning how to recognize a good deal and be among that 80% of consumers who are prepared to go above and beyond to utilize coupons at the register with assurance.
2. Check your coupons: Even if it's not on your list, you might consider purchasing something if you have a coupon for something you use, like salad dressing, and it's about to expire.
3. Buy what you need: Make sure it's something you'll actually use if you find a good deal on an item, like olives, that you don't usually buy.
4. Check Expiry: Though 59% of respondents said that digital coupons influence them most to purchase, keep in mind that your digital coupons tend to expire sooner than paper ones, so be sure to keep an eye on their expiration dates.
5. New Brands: To optimize your savings with fantastic offers and coupons, check out new brands and stores.
6. Compare prices: In certain cases, purchasing a name-brand product with a coupon may not be the best value if the store-brand equivalent is still less expensive.
7. Combine Coupon: Although two manufacturer coupons cannot be used on the same item, you occasionally can combine a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon to save even more money. 58% of Millennials combine coupons with other offers for maximum savings.
8. Coupon Lingo: You will learn more along the way, but having a basic understanding of the coupon language will help you make the most of your savings opportunities.
9. Correct Order: Give out coupons in the right order to get the biggest savings. To make sure the discount applies appropriately, start with those that have a minimum purchase requirement, such as $5 off $20. Although some stores automatically handle this, it's advisable to be cautious and give the price-minimum coupon before anything else.
10. Online Coupon Community: Join a Facebook community dedicated to coupons. You can obtain additional advice and local discounts by joining groups that you might not otherwise be aware of.

Best Couponing Hacks: The Don’ts You Must Know

1. Don't Shop Without a Meal Plan

Before going shopping, make a meal plan to ensure you don't buy unnecessary items. You may find yourself with extra food that is wasted if you don't have a plan.

2. Don't Use a Coupon on a Full-Price Product

You lose out on possible savings when you use coupons on non-sale items. To take advantage of the greatest discounts and save the most money, wait until products go on sale before using coupons.

3. Don't Buy Something Just Because It's on Sale

Even though it may be tempting to buy things just because they are on sale, resist the urge to buy things you won't use. Almost, 67% of consumers make an impulsive purchase due to a coupon or discount. So, stick to your shopping list.

4. Don't Be Brand-Loyal

You may lose out on better offers if you have brand loyalty. Today, 70% of shoppers would switch brands if they could find a discount, so be willing to experiment with different brands, particularly if they provide larger discounts via promos or sales.

5. Don't Use Every Coupon

Not every coupon offers substantial savings. When using coupons, give priority to items that offer the best value and avoid those that only offer small discounts or are for items you don't need.

6. Don't Print Coupons You Don't Use

Coupon printing increases costs and uses resources. To cut waste and save money on printing, print coupons only for products you plan to use right away and save the rest digitally.

Couponing Roadblocks: Challenges You Might Face

• Using "Fillers": You may need to purchase more items to make up the difference if your coupons cause an overage and the retailer does not offer cash back. Gum or other cheap goods can be used as "fillers" to make up the difference.
• 10/$10 Promotions: Unless otherwise noted in the advertisement, you typically don't need to purchase 10 items to receive the $1 price. Make sensible use of these offers.
• Look for Sales: 93% of shoppers always consider ‘discounts and offers’ as their priority. Thus, to optimize savings, hold off on using coupons until there are sales. Better discounts may result when sales are combined with coupons.
• Size vs. Price: While larger packages might appear more affordable, smaller ones might save you more money when paired with discounts and coupon books.
• Watch the Cashier: During checkout, keep an eye on the price screen to make sure that the coupons are being scanned and the pricing is correct.
• Learning "One Per Purchase": You are not limited to using one coupon per transaction; you can use one coupon for each item you purchase. For example, 3 out of 10 customers opt for product substitutes due to coupon codes, taking full benefit of multiple purchases. Make sure cashiers understand this rule correctly.

Conclusion

Now, that we have shared this amazing guide you’ll go from beginner to expert in no time! You'll discover how to get the best prices on all of your necessities by using these suggestions.

So grab your pen and copy and make sure to note down all the important stuff you have read above for a successful saving this month!