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Couponing can be a fantastic way to save money. Collecting coupons every week can see your shopping bill cut dramatically. It can also save you money on large expenses, get you cash back or help to pay your utility bills. But, it can be hard work, especially now it’s no longer simply a case of cutting coupons out of a newspaper, and there are many online sources to check. Many people are put off because it seems like it takes more time than it’s really worth. However, if you coupon right, you can save a massive amount of money and make the couponers lifestyle work for you.
Stick to a Schedule
With so many coupons, online and in magazines and newspapers, it can be easy to find yourself constantly checking for new offers and vouchers. This can become obsessive, and while couponing is great, it’s not worth sacrificing other things for. Find out when you’re favorite sites release new offers, and stick to a schedule. Couponing can be a great way to boost your debt management plan, so it’s definitely worth your time, just not all of your time.
Find the Best Sources
Not all coupons are equal. You’ll find some websites that only ever offer coupons and discounts for things that you will never need or want. Ignore these. Find sites, apps, magazines and newspapers that offer the best deals and stick with them. Supermarket magazines can be an excellent source as they tend to offer good discounts on everyday items or new products. You may even be able to get some freebies.
Don’t Buy What You Don’t Need
Buying something just because you’ve got a coupon isn’t a good idea. If you wouldn’t normally buy it at all, it’s still more expensive. Be strict with yourself and only buy things that you need or want. Don’t get carried away.
Use an App
There are now plenty of apps out there to help you find the best coupons. Some offer their own discounts, whereas others collect the best offers from around the internet and send you the ones you want. You can even set up alerts, wish lists and notifications. With so many on offer, it’s a good idea to check out a few different apps to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Keep Them Separate and In Order|
If you get coupons from magazines or directly from shops when you make a purchase, they can quickly get mixed up in your purse, and you get up missing a great offer because you don’t notice them until it’s expired. Instead of just keeping them, look through and only keep the ones that you need, then, keep them in order and note the dates in your phone so that you don’t miss out on the best offers.
Use QR Codes
Instead of printing out every voucher you see online, use QR codes where possible, or save the vouchers in a file on your phone. You don’t always need physical printouts anymore.
Check the Savings
Sometimes, savings aren’t really savings. Occasionally you could be offered a deal on a small bottle of detergent, only to find it works out cheaper to buy a larger bottle. Double check that the saving is worth it.
