I stopped clipping coupons a few years ago when I left New York. In New York, where most people's housing expenses topped half of their income, coupons were a necessity. Stores catered to coupon shoppers with double coupons and no cap on the amount. This meant that you could have a coupon of $1.50 and save $3.00 on the item when it only cost $2.97. Yes, you could make money at the grocery store!
However, when I moved south, where housing was much more reasonable, I found that the grocery stores were less accommodating to coupon shoppers. Few stores offer double coupons and most put a $1.00 cap on savings.
However, considering the condition of the current housing market, it may be time for me to break out some of that brightly colored money in the form of coupons.
That's what coupons are really... brightly colored money.
They are not just junk mail or inserts in your Sunday paper. You can spend them at the grocery store. You can use them as money, as long as you are buying the particular item on the coupon.
Before you get too excited, there are some things that you need to know before you grab your coupons and head to the grocery store.
#1 Only use coupons for items you normally buy. Do not buy an item just because the coupon made it cheap, unless you are also filling the local food pantry. If your family will not eat it or use it, you are throwing away money.
#2 Compare the with coupon price of the discounted item with the store brand price. It might be cheaper.
#3 Don't neglect to purchase fresh foods because you don't have coupons for them. Fresh fruits and vegetables in season may very well be cheaper than the frozen item even with a coupon discount.
- RV Toilet Repair - How To Fix That Problem Toilet
- Country Coach's New Veranda Coach Has A Slideout Balcony
- Cypress Siding: Naturally The Best Choice For This Victorian Home
- How to Make Your Own Solar Powered Lantern for Under $10
- Hurricane Recovery - What To Do After A Hurricane Has Blown Through Your Town
- How To Keep Your Dog Safe During Storms Including Hurricanes, Tornadoes & Evacuations
- How To Find A Good Dog Breeder
- Prevent Identity Theft By Shredding - What To Shred, What To Keep & How To Choose A Shredder
- Fun Ways To Come Up With Creative Scrapbook Journaling
- Gulf Stream RVs, Travel Trailers & Motorhomes
Leave a comment