Coupons are not created equal. So you really need to pay attention how much of a discount that you’re actually receiving.
Examples of good coupon offers include
- Free (if none or very little strings are attached).
- Provides a discount of 15% or greater.
- Buy one get one free.
- A coupon that will allow you to combine it with other coupons and offers.
- A coupon of a product or service that you were planning on obtaining anyway.
Less desirable coupon offers will require you to spend a lot of money while yielding you a comparatively small discount.
So, do the match on how much money that you are actually saving.
I have found myfrugaladventures.com to be very helpful with coupons. There are some general rules for couponing: 1) Buy when the item is on sale 2) Use a coupon(s) for each item that you buy that is on sale 3) Join grocery store clubs to get their extra discount so when the item is on sale already, you get the lower price automatically 4) If you are in a state where the grocery stores will double or triple the coupon value, shop there when their items come on sale – you will be amazed at the savings. 5) Sign up at shortcuts.com, cellfire.com and pgesaver.com to have coupons loaded to your club card.
If you use a club card and the coupons are loaded to the club card, when the item is on sale, purchase it and use a printed coupon from the internet or a coupon from the newspaper as well. You will be effectively doubling the coupon value.
Happy Couponing!