How to Use Coupons to Maximize Your Savings

How to Use Coupons to Maximize Your Savings

Many people use coupons and save a few dollars here and a few dollars there. But, want to kno whow to REALLY save using coupons? Hold onto them! I save my coupons until a great sale happens and then buy the items at rock bottom prices. One key element to couponing well is stockpiling.

When you stockpile, you stock up on items when you get rock bottom prices and have enough supply to last until the next good sale. Shopping this way means you never have to pay full retail price again.

Some people consider this hoarding but to me a true stockpiler see themselves as stewards of their family’s finances and is committed to making their budget stretch as far as they can go. Not unlike a professional athlete who tries to run a bit faster, score more points, or throw a bit further the next time he plays. There is a big difference between hoarding and being frugal.

Using coupons has also enabled me to help others by providing them with food and toiletries. My friends and family know that when they come to my house, they don’t have to worry if they forget any basics because I have a stockpile of them. I am also able to donate more to my church’s food pantry that serves about 500 families a month which is awesome. I also love to help people by leaving my extra coupons near products in stores and sharing deals on Become a Coupon Queen.

So, here’s how to use coupons to maximize your savings:

MATCH COUPONS WITH SALES: To maximize your savings you use coupons on items that are on sale — sometimes even getting free products!

I no longer share a weekly matchups, but I do share deals as I come across them for Walmart, Meijer, Kroger, Target and Sam’s Club.

COUPON STACKING: Stacking is when you use two or more coupons together to save even more. This is allowed when you have both a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon. Target is a great example of this. You can use Target Circle offers in the app as well as printable manufacturer coupons.

You can also use coupons on the same products that you will be submitting offers for in rebate apps.

PRESENT YOUR COUPONS IN THE RIGHT ORDER: If you have a total purchase coupon (ie: $5 off a $25 purchase) — always hand that one to the cashier first. Then, give the cashier store and manufacturer coupons. If you were to give your individual item coupons first, you could fall below the required purchase amount and not be able to use your total purchase coupon.

For example, if your purchase total is $28 and you have $4 in manufacturer or store coupons along with a $5 off $25 purchase, you would want the $5 to come off first. Then, your other coupons would reduce your purchase by an additional $4 making your final amount due $19. However, if you give the $4 in coupons first, then your total is now $24 and the $5 off $25 purchase is no longer applicable.

The only caution with this is to read the lingo on the $5 off $25 coupon – it may state that this coupon can be used only after all coupons are deducted. But, I would say that is rare wording. Just be sure to read the fine print of all coupons.

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE STORE SALE + COUPONS: When a store runs a Buy 1, Get 1 FREE (B1G1 or BOGO FREE) promotion, you can purchase two items and sometimes use a coupon on each item. So, if the item you are purchasing as B1G1 FREE retails for $4, and you have two coupons for $1/1, you will actually get two items for only $2 ($4 total minus $2 in coupons = $2 for both items). Just be sure to double check your store’s coupon policy to see if this is allowed.

Using a B1G1 sale and a B1G1 FREE manufacturer’s coupon should equal both items free, but it really depends on the store. You will need to review the store’s policy to see what they allow.

Option 1 – Both items will be free. The store gives you one free (which is considered to be the one you paid for) and the coupon gives you the other one for free.

Option 2 – You would need to purchase four items. Two of them would be free due to the store’s promotion, one would be free as a result of your coupon and you would pay for the last item. So, this is like getting four products for the price of one.

It can be tricky to learn how to use your coupons. You will make some mistakes that might result in you paying a little more than you should have. However, with time and patience, you will learn exactly how to play the crazy coupon game like a professional coupon queen!

Find more Couponing Tips and Tricks on Become a Coupon Queen!