Last week, I shared how I use sales cycles to save money. To stretch my hard earned dollars even farther, I use coupons with sale items! The biggest mistake shoppers make is not taking advantage of timing. It’s important to hold on to your coupons until there is a sale and combine them for huge savings!
Coupon + Sale = $$$
For example, I purchased dish washing detergent almost free ($.41 a box) by combining a sale with a coupon. I had several $2 off coupons that I had collected and I waited about 3 weeks to use them until the item went on sale for $2.41. If I had used my coupon right away I would have paid $1.41 instead of just $.41. By timing my coupons, I was able to stock up on dish washing detergent for my family at a rock bottom price.
Generally, store sales and promotions on certain items occur a couple of weeks after coupons for those items are issued. It pays to be patient. Timing is key when slashing the grocery budget.
I also use this strategy when I buy clothes, school supplies, gifts and even on travel and entertainment! For example, I purchased over $50 worth of items from Bath & Body Works for only $10 by timing a $10 off $20 coupon. I was able to save $40 but just waiting to use my coupon until they had a big sale.
If you are new to coupons and need help getting started make sure to check out these helpful resources:
Printable Coupons 101
Cellfire 101
Upromise 101
Understanding Coupon Acronyms 101
Virtual Filing System 101
Coupon Clipping Services a Great Way to Get MORE Coupons!
Ethics of coupons
Organic Printable Coupon Roundup
What to do with your expired coupons
Sources for Collecting Coupons
