Consumers are often amazed to find out that they can
save as much as 20 percent on weekly shopping expenses
by spending as little as 20 minutes per week clipping
coupons. Over the course of a year, this can add up-and
with $800 or $1,000 extra dollars in your pocket,
you can afford to splurge on a luxury item, a vacation,
or simply feel better knowing you have drastically
reduced your household expenses.
According to the Promotion Marketing Association
Coupon Council, almost 80 percent of Americans use
coupons and together saved more than $3 billion
last year. It just goes to show, anyone can be a
smart shopper-regardless of income or age-as long
as they remember to clip coupons!
What do you need to know to be a smart shopper?
¦Look for coupons in the newspaper, in magazines,
in your mailbox, at the grocery store and with your
cash register receipts.
¦Keep those scissors nearby as you go through
the newspaper, so you can clip as you go.
¦Use coupons everywhere-not just at the grocery
store. Coupons can be redeemed at many types of
stores, including retail mass merchandisers, convenience
stores, drug stores and even dollar stores.
¦Whatever you want, there is probably a coupon
for it. This year saw an increase in coupons available
for discounts on a variety of products and services,
including apparel, accessories and home electronics.
¦Watch for discounts on entertainment, too.
Lots of coupons exist for restaurants (even fast-food),
movies and other entertainment.
¦Watch for Bonus Coupon Days. Many retailers
offer bonus coupon savings, which can mean two or
three times the coupon face value.
¦Keep your coupons organized by category
and expiration date. Many wallet-like coupon organizers
are available for this purpose, and make the job
faster and easier. Keep your organizer with you,
either in your car, briefcase or tote bag.
¦Use coupons in conjunction with loyalty
or frequent shopping cards from your local retailers
to maximize savings.
¦Coupons can cut your grocery bills and feed
the hungry at the same time. Use coupon savings
to purchase products as a charitable donation.
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