The Checkout Chicks

I have to admit when the coupon trend started I didn’t have much faith until I tried it. My experience with coupons included offerings for $.50 off high priced brand named grocery items in the Sunday newspaper, since generic brands always gave me the same item at a lower cost even after coupons, I was never that thrilled.

But after watching features on the Today Show and Good Morning America, curiosity got the best of me, and I found that coupons have taken a whole new form in the digital age. Now you can find coupons and coupon codes online for a wide range of items at great savings. Like the $25 off Olay Pro-X coupon at Drugstore.com we ran at CheapToday.com in March. This coupon has now expired, but new deals keep popping up every day.

Here’s what I do to get the biggest bang for my coupon buck when I am deal hunting:

• The old saying “don’t put all you eggs in one basket” still applies. Coupons are an excellent tool for budgeting, but if you rely on them exclusively, you could miss other chances to save.
• Make sure the coupon price is truly a bargain. If you’re uncertain what a good price for an item is, use a comparative shopping tool like Nextag. If you enter in an item such as Nicoderm, you can quickly see that the price for this item usually runs around $49.00, so the coupon Nicoderm CQ is offering for $7.00 off plus a free sample is a pretty good deal
• One of the most effective uses for coupons is to get the brand name items you simply can’t live without at a discount price. Let’s face it, sometimes the discount store version is just not going to cut it. Sure you can always get shampoo for a $1.00 at the Dollar Store, but you hair will look like a broomstick. Check your local newspaper, deal sites, the manufacturer’s website, and your local stores frequently to stay on top of coupons and offers for your favorites. Then stock up!
• Go to the websites of your favorite brands, stores and restaurants. Many times if you sign up for their newsletters you will get coupons and offers not available to the general public. I have done this with ProFlowers.com and OmahaSteaks.com. Even though both sites have good deals on their sites, the coupons I am getting for signing up are even better. Red Robin even sent me a free burger coupon on my birthday!
• Staying consistent is a big part of getting the most out of coupons. Find four or five coupon sites or clubs and check them regularly to get the hottest deals when they are available. Shop ahead and stock up on items when they are sale priced.

Include other deal sites in your frugal shopping strategy they will help you stay on top of all the bargains, and can help you find coupons and codes that might not show up in strictly coupon focused sites.
Is it worth the effort to track coupons? Try coupons for a month and see how much you save, you might be surprised. I know I was.

This money saving tip was provided by Renee LaVoie, a deal hunter and writer for www.cheaptoday.com.

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