Saving in 2012: Coupons + Sales

All week I will be sharing ways to save money and cut your budget in 2012. Today, I will be sharing how to 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 by 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: