Keep Your Money Friday

Couponing 101


Week 6: Make Sure Your Getting The Best Deal

As a couponer you will have some situations that will try to keep you from getting the best deal, but if your are prepared you will be able to get through them.

Watch the Cashier

Occasionally, you will have a situation where the cashier forgot to scan a coupon. Say something, I know that some people are embarrassed at times when using coupons but its your money.

"One Coupon Per Purchase" Line

I've had this happen to me at CVS once, the cashier told me I can only use one coupon per transaction. One coupon per purchase does not mean one coupon per transaction. Each item is considered a purchase, many coupons actually say "one coupon per item purchased", which is a much better way to phrase it.

The Store Coupon Policy

Always keep the stores coupon policy with you. Some stores have it located on their websites and other you might have to email. Be sure to print the complete policy including the url, customer service name, and date.

Have All Your Coupons

In order to get the best deal you always have to check and see whats on clearance. Since you can use a coupon on clearance items it best to keep you coupons with you at all time, even if they are just in the car. You can still just walk out side grab you binder, box or coupon and get some free or cheap items.

Buy The Smaller Size

Everyone thinks bigger is better but not in every situation. When buying products with coupons you can almost always get the best deal by buying smaller. Say you have a $1/1 Mahatma Rice coupon, the 5lb bag is $3.59 and the 1lb bag is $1.04. That makes the small bag 4 cent. I'd rather buy 5-1lb bags for $0.20 rather than 1-5lb bag for $2.59.