So you want to learn to coupon. Well, first you need to understand the basics of coupons!
First. What is a coupon?
"A coupon is a voucher entitling the holder to a discount off a particular product." (Thank you Google.)
BUT to me the definition is different.
To me a coupon = cash.
It's cash that stays in my pocket. It's cash that I can use for something else. It's MY cash and that coupon allows me to be able to keep it!
Do stores lose money when people use coupons?
Nope! After you hand your coupon over to the cashier the store collects them and mails them in where they are sorted and added up. Then the store is issued a check for the amounts of the coupons turned in, plus a handling fee.
Coupon Myths:
1. It's cheaper to buy generics.
FALSE! While generics might be cheaper prior to using a coupon they often are not cheaper afterwards! Want an example? A while ago I stocked up on Nesquik chocolate milk. I got them for free! Can you get generics for free? Nope. Fluke? No, not at all! I purchased Axe hair gels for about 50 cents each. Store brands are more!
2. Only poor people use coupons.
This has been proven to be false. Actually, you might be surprised to know that people who earn $100,000 or more are TWICE as likely to use coupons as those who make $35,000. And those with college degrees are more likely to use coupons as those with just high school diplomas.
3. Coupons are only on junk.
Nope. Get coupons for frozen fruit and veggies, canned veggies, whole wheat pasta, orange juice, cheese, yogurt and sometimes even fresh produce, meat and milk! Even if you only use coupons to purchase your household and personal care items you will save tons of money!
(We use Coupons)
4. There aren't coupons for the items I use.
Well, I hope you wash your clothes, brush your teeth and clean your toilet. And if "your brands" don't offer coupons - write/e-mail the manufacture and request a coupon. I bet you will get one!
5. Coupons are a waste of time.
Well figure this. I spend about an hour maybe hour and a half clipping, sorting and planning. I save $50-$75 a week. That means I am saving about $33 an hour! Coupons will be useless if you don't know how to use them. If you don't know how to use them then yes, it will be a waste of time. But that's why you are here. To make sure that you aren't wasting your time and to learn how to maximize the effectiveness of coupons!
Make sure to check out our entire Couponing 101 Series here.
No comments:
Post a Comment