Coupon Your Way To Savings!

Couponing seems to be the new craze..but when is saving money NOT the thing to do?!

I live my life trying to find the best possible deals. That doesn't always mean the lowest price, but rather the most “bang for your buck.” You don’t have to  quit your favorite brands, you just have to learn where to look for the savings! 

Couponing has opened up new doors for me personally. Before paying too much attention, I was saving money at grocery stores and drugstores, just not to the extent I am now! And, I do have my favorite grocery stores (just as we have our favorite clothing or home stores, too). Once you get to know your stores and the kind people who work there, couponing becomes a more personal experience.

Most stores have coupon policies, which you can find on their websites or posted inside the store. If in doubt, ask customer service for a rundown. In addition to their coupon-specific policies, you can also ask about their store sale rules. For example, if they have a buy one get one free offer, do you really have to buy two to get the deal?

People always ask “What is the one thing I can start doing today?” My simple answer is to get organized with your coupon strategy. There are many different ways to do that, just think about what will work for YOU! Do you want to keep a small organizer in your purse, handy at all times, or do you prefer a large binder to keep in the car or at home?

Organization and pre-planning can really make or break this game of saving money. In addition to being organized, sit down and plan before stepping foot inside the store. When you want to save money, make a list (with sale items and what coupons you have) as well as your coupons for that shopping trip pulled out separately from your others. This will make your trips much quicker and you won’t lose things in the shuffle.

As with anything, you will get out of couponing what you put into it. So, if you want to save $5 each week then great, that is very easy. If you want to save $50+ that's great too and very attainable. It helps to have some goals in mind and a strategy!

Leigh Ann Garrett is the co-founder of ''Lowcountry Couponers'' a group in the Charleston, SC area helping people slash their grocery bills! We are an open forum for everyone interested in saving money and learning from each other. Lowcountry Couponers also offers 'Couponing 101' classes in the area. To find out more info, email lowcountrycouponers@gmail.com for a class schedule.