Couponing is an efficient and exciting way to find deals. But if you’re new to couponing, you may wonder where to begin. Fortunately, there are a few strategies that can help make couponing easy, enjoyable and cost-effective.
Let’s discuss some coupon tips for beginners that can help get you started.
Be on the lookout
Traditionally, savvy shoppers have looked for coupons in their daily or weekly newspapers – and that’s still a great option, but there are other places to look for coupons. Some brick-and-mortar retailers also offer coupons on their receipts. You might even get coupon books or pamphlets in the mail.
Nowadays, many retailers also offer customers digital coupons they can use online or in-store. There are plenty of different places to find coupons, so keep on the lookout.
Add an extension for your browser
Adding a free extension like Citi ShopSM to your browser is another user-friendly tool for finding coupons. The Citi Shop browser extension will automatically scan for available coupons at checkout while you’re shopping online. It also searches for offers you can activate to receive automatic statement credits to your enrolled Citi® credit card. If you’re an eligible Citi credit cardmember, you can add the Citi Shop extension to your desktop and iOS devices. Then, all you have to do is shop at your favorite online stores as usual and let the browser extension do the searching for you!
Combine coupons with a budget
Couponing and budgeting naturally go together – a budget is a spending plan for all your everyday expenses, and coupons can help you save on those everyday expenses. Using coupons can help you stay within your budget or save even more.
Whether you’re saving up for a big trip or purchase, have a fixed income or just want the biggest bang for your buck, coupons can help you make sure you stay on budget. You can even set aside weekly time to review your savings and budget together.
Know your store’s coupon policy
Knowing a retailer or store’s coupon policy can help save you time and effort. Policies can vary by store, but you can usually find them online or by contacting customer service.
Make sure your coupons are current, as most stores won’t accept expired ones. Also, be aware of any other guidelines or restrictions the retailer might have in place. For example, some stores won’t allow you to combine other discounts or offers with your coupons, while other stores will. Many stores only allow you to use 1 manufacturer’s coupon per item. You may be able to stack 1 or more store coupons.
Keep in mind that while many of these rules are non-negotiable, you shouldn’t be discouraged if you can’t use all your coupons as you anticipated. The more you learn about couponing, the better you’ll get at organizing and streamlining your process.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
