Couponing Secrets

Clip Your Way to the Cash

By Jill Eggleton Brett

Everyone loves a good deal, but it takes a little effort on the consumer's part to make using coupons work. The three secrets to saving a lot of money at the supermarket with coupons are doubling, volume and organization. Want to save $20, $100, $200 or more on your grocery bill? Let's examine the secrets and start adding up the savings.

It is essential to find a supermarket that has fair prices, but also doubles the face value of coupons. Most supermarkets that double will indeed double the face value of a coupon up to $1. If a $1 coupon is used, the store will double it to $2 off a specified product; however, if a $1.50 coupon is used, the supermarket will typically only "double" the coupon to $2.50 instead of $3. Check with local supermarkets regarding their policy on doubling.

Some markets will also take other supermarket's in-store coupons. For example, if one store runs an in-store coupon for $2 off 10 jars of baby food, some other markets besides the one that ran the coupon will honor it. Bonus savings come into play by using another store's in-store coupons at a market that doubles coupons. There are even a few stores that will triple coupons!

The quickest and easiest way to obtain coupons is through the Sunday newspaper. But only using the two Sunday inserts as a sole source of coupons doesn't add up to much savings. Start by making coupon connections with family and friends. Ask friends, neighbors and relatives to save their Sunday paper coupon inserts for you – even if they cut out a few coupons for themselves. This is a great way to stockpile coupons because it's free. Don't forget about out-of-state contacts: Their coupons are oftentimes different than those run locally. Ask out-of-state friends and family to save inserts and mail them to you. Supply them with postage-paid envelopes if necessary. And don't be shy! Remember, people who don't use coupons simply throw them away. Make the most of an opportunity to turn trash into cash!

Want to see more?

• One Less Car: Tales of an Auto-free Family
• Cash, Not Clutter! How to Make Coupons Work for You
• 10 Ways to Reduce Your Spending on Children's Clothing
• Talk about it!