When you watch shows about extreme couponing, it can be awe-inspiring to see how some people can save money through the simple act of using coupons. Though the money saved is certainly exciting, it is also important to remember that extreme couponing is as much a lifestyle as it is anything else, and that it calls for a lot of time and effort. If you would love to save a bit of cash, but don’t want couponing to take over your life, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Save Only on What You Need
Perhaps you have preferences regarding what kind of bread you buy, or maybe you are only interested in purchasing from certain brands. While there is nothing wrong with allowing coupon savings to steer you towards new and interesting foods, you will find that you should not allow it to force you to buy things you don't need. Stick with the savings on the items that you know you love, and let other deals go by.
Limit Your Coupon Search
People who are deeply interested in couponing spend long hours searching for the best ones. While you can save some real cash by going through a thick handful of sales flyers, you will discover that what you make in money, you lose in time. Stick with just checking a few of your favorite store flyers every week. There is no reason to hunt for coupons every day. Hunt once or twice a week, and simply doing that on a regular basis will help you figure out where the great deals are.
Examine the Sizes
Extreme coupon professionals are often divided on whether to buy in bulk or whether to buy in small amounts. Instead of spending your time trying to decide between the two camps, simply remember that you should buy the amount that is right for you. If you have a large family, you should buy in bulk and get your savings that way. If you are short on storage space, it is far better for you to purchase small sizes where the proportion of money saved is higher. This is something that can make a big difference, so find the best strategy for you and stick with it.
Shop Cheap
At the end of the day, you cannot beat the prices at a cheaper store. Goods from discount stores tend to be far less expensive than items at regular stores, even after you use coupons. Unless you are looking for a treat, do your shopping at places where the prices are low.
You don’t have to be an extreme couponer to save money. Simply saving a little everyday is acceptable if it works best with your lifestyle. Find a type of coupon usage that feels comfortable to you.
