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Coupons - Ways to Find More Cash for Groceries Using Coupons

Last Updated: May 20, 2010

Coupons are a great way to save money at the grocery store. Finding and using coupons is easy once you master all the ins and outs of coupon cutting.

Finding and using food coupons to save money at the grocery store does not have to be complicated, but it may take some planning, patience, and perserverence. According to CouponInfoNow.com, coupon distribution has increased 5.0% to 317 billion coupons and saavy shoppers redeemed 3.3 billion coupons - a 27% increase from 2008 to 2009. With prices on everything from produce to dairy products to meat on the rise, shoppers are expected to clip even more this year, says Sue Perry, deputy editor of Consumer Reports' ShopSmart magazine.

Pare down your food and staples expenses with any number of strategies. The following tips should be helpful for learning quick ways to find, organize and use coupons. Use the ones that will work for you. All of these ideas will save you money, some more than others.

Finding Coupons

• Look for coupons in the Sunday newspaper, value-packs in the mail, on the Internet, and even on your cash register receipts.
• Call manufacturers' 800 numbers to request coupons.
• Register on rewards and coupon program web sites to access exclusive “members-only” coupons (be careful some just want to spam you). Some to try include Coupon Mom, SmartSource.com, and coupons.com.
• Check the product packaging as sometimes coupons are included inside or adhered to the packages.
• Make sure you check for manufacturer's rebates: many stores have a rebate center you can browse or a monthly circular with this information.
• Browse the store shelf for coupons. Some stores have them available right next to the product.
• Trade coupons with friends or family; ask them to save particular products in trade for others, etc.
• A web site from AOL called shortcuts offers a great service: it lets consumers load manufacturers' coupons onto their store loyalty card and use them at checkout. Kroger's (and its affiliated brands) currently offer the service.
• Look for an in-store "coupon kiosk": Shoppers at CVS, Marsh Supermarkets and Giant Eagle stores can swipe their loyalty card at an in-store kiosk and receive coupons based on purchase history and current store specials.

Organizing Coupons

• Buy or make a coupon organizer; use envelopes, folders with labels, or a virtual coupon organizer.
• File and store them in your coupon organizer by expiration date, product, or alphabetical order.
• Keep your coupons with you in your purse or car so that they are available during those "unplanned" errands.
• Make an effort to use those with shorter expirations periods more quickly.

Using Coupons

• Use coupons in conjunction with loyalty/frequent shopper cards from your local retailers.
• Shop on double or triple coupon days and use manufacturers' rebates to realize additional savings.
• Get a rain check:if you get to the store they are out of the advertised item, but that doesn't mean you should leave empty-handed.
• Combine sales and "loss leaders" with coupons. "Loss leaders" are items in a store (typically items like soda, that are advertised at rock-bottom prices.
• Use price tracking web sites. This involves monitoring the prices of products you do buy. Check out Price Booking and The Grocery Game for more information.
• Buy in bulk for those items that are heavily discounted, and store in your cabinet, as long as it's an item you will use!
• Find the best deal on the products you regularly use through "price tracking" web sites: examples are Price Booking and The Grocery Game.
• Always check the price of the equivalent store or generic product; if this is cheaper than using your coupon on a name brand, buy generic.

Of course, doing all these things sounds great in theory, but the efficient use of coupons and finding the best bargains on food/staples each week takes time. And, for each of us, the "time value of money" is different. If you have to go to 5 different stores to get the best deals, you have to factor in your time and gas costs, which without a doubt can make or break a good deal. So it is up to you to find your happy balance. Good Luck!