Coupons Are Back! Where to find and How to use them.

It does sound a little silly and basic, but coupons can actually save quite a little bit of money. Here are some great examples of places to be on the lookout for coupons that might save you a little bit.

The first rule of coupons is that you should not change your spending behavior based on a coupon. that is, if you have a two-for-one coupon for item X, but you never would have bought one item X to begin with, then buying two is certainly not a value.

The second rule is checking the fine print. There is nothing like preparing to use a coupon and giving it with your payment, only to find out that it has expired or is not good for your purchase. Check with a sales clerk or with your waiter/waitress first. This will avoid any ugly situations later during shopping or dining when you find out that the coupon is not valid.

This is especially important to consider when you are shopping in conjunction with specials and other offers. Oftentimes, coupons and sales are a means for owners to get more customers in to purchase items. But these are frequently couched in the caveat that only one discount is available per purchase.

Where To Get Coupons

* Store Mailing Lists

Often times, getting your name onto a store mailing list can be a great way to get offers sent to your home including coupons. These will often come for free without any work on your part. Be aware when signing up though to make sure your personal information is not going to be shared with any other organization.

* Val-Pak Type Mailings

Most people get regular packages of coupons and mini-flyers sent to their homes in the form of val-pak coupons. Local businesses pay to have small 1/3 sheet type coupons included in an envelope that is distributed to all local homes. Often these sheets are a waste, but sometimes, they can contain nice deals and coupons for local businesses that you frequent anyway.

* Papers

Tried and True, but this one still applies. Store coupons are somewhat going away in favor of customer cards, but occasionally, there are still coupons to be had here.

* In-Store Flyers and Dispensers

Most stores now have in-store dispensers and flyers where coupons are readily accessible. If you plan to do a decent amount of shopping there, check the flyer on your way in. It may save you a couple of bucks in the form of coupons OR allowing you to see deals you might have otherwise missed.

* Receipts

At the end of many purchases now, there are receipts that include coupons, either on the back of register tape OR separately in dispensers. Don’t miss out on these coupons as they might be a great way to save some money.

* The Internet

A simple search on google for coupons will yield you various sites that give you places to get coupons for free, or free samples, and some sites even boast subscription-based games like the grocery game that are designed to help you make the most of your coupons.