Studies have found if you spend just 20 minutes a week gathering coupons,
you can save $800 to $1,000 a year.
Even if you generally buy generic items, many of the Coupons for brand-name items are so good
they "work out" in your favor.
There are many places to find coupons.
Try looking in your mail, newspaper, and on the Internet.
Coupons.com and Smart source.com are two popular sites that offer printable coupons.
Using coupons can really s-t-r-e-t-c-h your shopping $$$.
Are you a " couponer" or have any other recommendations? 🤔
Hi Jase!
Thank you for yet another awesome and helpful thread!
I've often said that there are members in my family that treat saving money like an Olympic sport. However, I agree that it can be a big pain in the patooey, especially when the coupons these days are something like "25 cents off 2 boxes of crackers," and the crackers are like $4 each.
I also get annoyed by those supposed rewards sites where you rack up "points" -- and then need 10 jillion points just to earn a dime off something.
The best thing I've found that works for me is to try to find places with regular built-in rewards. For example, some of the store chains here offer points for purchases that can be taken off your fuel bill, then run specials such as, 4 times the points for gift cards.
So if I buy a $25 gift card for someone's birthday, which I would do normally, I'll be credited 100 points, which equals $1 off per gallon for one time when I fill up my car.
Other helpful deals, if you have a no annual fee credit card and pay the balance off each month:
* I've taken advantage of introductory offers of 5% cash back in certain categories, and the regular card I use has 2% cash back.
* Target offers a 5% discount if you buy gift cards with their credit card.
* Many grocery chains here offer specials like Buy One Get One Free or things such as, Buy 3, Get 2 Free, Mix and Match. I tend to plan my entire grocery trip around trying to buy mostly things on sale if I can.
And the best thing is to stack the rewards if possible.
For instance, getting a Buy One, Get One Free, with a coupon, then buying a gift card during a 4 times the points special, getting enough points for $1 off per gallon for my gas, and putting every purchase on a credit card that earns an additional 2% cash back.
Just for kicks, I kept track of my rewards/redeemed points, etc. last year and it was about $1000 for the year.