Times are tough, and saving money is something that concerns many people. Coupons have long provided excess value to consumers. However, not everyone knows how to use them. The article below will explain the virtues of using coupons.

TIP! Use competition between stores to your advantage. Coupons for one store can often be used at the competition’s store.

When you take a coupon in to buy a product, look to see if the coupon gives you the top deal. While the coupon you have may be a decent deal, it is often still better to shop for the off-brand equivalent. Always compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Bring all the coupons you have when you shop, even for stuff you do not intend to buy. You never know, you might need that coupon and it would be great if you have it with you.

TIP! Inquire with the newspaper about their couponer’s discount in order to avoid buying lots of extra papers just to get the inserts. Lots of papers offer discounts to Sunday edition subscribers who order multiple copies.

Make sure you know when your coupons expire. There are coupons that expire in only one day. Others may be honored for an entire month or more. Look at your coupons at least once a week to make sure nothing has expired. Check for those nearing their expiration date. This allows you to properly use your coupons.

Inquire with the newspaper about their couponer’s discount in order to avoid buying lots of extra papers just to get the inserts. Some offer them for about a buck a pop if you order at least five copies of the Sunday edition.

TIP! When you get to the checkout area, ensure that the coupons you use will properly scan. Many times coupons aren’t scanned correctly at the checkout counter, and it’s either an error with the store or the coupon.

Check out local store flyers to find sale items on which you can use your coupons. You might see that you can visit a few different stores and save big instead of just going to one place at a time.

When checking out, make sure your coupons are properly scanning. Frequently, coupons fail to scan in properly because of a problem with the coupon or the register. Watch the display as each coupon is scanned to be sure you are getting all your discounts.

TIP! Make sure you use coupons in conjunction with store sales. This will allow you to get the most savings.

Spend some time in clipping and printing coupons. This isn’t the easiest thing to do. You are going to have to put in some time, like it or not. However, if you really want to save some money at the store, you will make the time to make it all work. Allot at least 30 minutes per day to look for and cut out coupons.

You should never allow clipping coupons to rule your life. Looking over circulars and cutting those coupons out may end up being a full time job for you. Measure the amount of money you save for each hour of work to see if you are using your time effectively.

TIP! Try shopping at Dollar stores for some big savings. You can often find brands that match coupons with dollar stores.

Keep in mind that coupons you get at checkout are not able to be doubled. If you have a different coupon for the same item, use that one rather than the one you got when you checked out.

Familiarize yourself with coupon acronyms. “BOGO” is an acronym used to indicate that if you buy one, you will get one free. Or did you know that mail-in rebates are shortened to MIR? These acronyms are a great way to remember sales or discounts for specific stores. If you aren’t aware of them, you may be missing out on increasing the coupon’s power or even on the deal itself.

TIP! Make sure that you’re always searching for an accompanying coupon before you purchase any type of item. In the search engine box, type in the store you are shopping at and add the word “coupon”.

If you are loyal to particular brand or company, like it on Facebook. Many companies offer coupons for free items or a certain percentage off through their Facebook page. The companies often reward their most loyal fans, and you want to make sure that you are one of them.

Don’t be ashamed if you’re using a lot of coupons when you’re checking out at the store. If your goal is to save a ton of money by using coupons, then ignore the other people in line. As long as you are properly prepared and have your coupons ready, checking out should not take too long.

TIP! Don’t buy an item just because you’re holding a coupon for it. People tend to overspend when they buy things solely because there is a coupon available.

Listed above are some great ways in which you can save big bucks on the next shopping trip you take. You should now see their value. Be sure to utilize all the helpful hints from above before heading out on your shopping adventures. Not only can you save a lot of money, but you can also have some fun in the process.