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When you’re faced with the challenges of balancing a budget often it’s the food budget that can break the bank and has you wondering how you’ll put food on the table.
I was introduced to a woman who learned how to get a whole lot of stuff for absolutely nothing, and she started sharing her knowledge years ago via her blog How To Shop For Free. Kathy showed me the ins and outs of using coupons and how if you are diligent you can get almost anything for free.
So, I applied her methods when I was attempting to be super frugal, and you know what, her methods worked.
Today I still use what Kathy taught me to make cuts to my food and household budgets and save money all month long. Here’s some of what I learned from Kathy about the habits of smart coupon users!
Table of Contents
7 Habits of Smart Coupon Users
They Have A Plan
The smart couponer knows there are coupons to be had for almost anything out there. So before they leave the house, whether it be to do the weekly food shopping or eating out or getting the car fixed they look to see what’s out there that will make the deal that much better. Before they buy or do anything, they check and recheck for the best deal.
Related: Find THE Best Price When Shopping Online Guaranteed
They Are Not Brand Loyal
Unless an individual brand causes harm or another issue factors into the decision-making process, smart couponers are not brand loyal. They will buy whatever is the best value for the money to save a buck. This includes everything from the mayo they make their tuna salad with to the laundry detergent they wash the clothes in.
They Use Digital
Digital and mobile coupons are everywhere increasing both the savings and the ease of saving. Our mobile devices provide coupons at our fingertips making coupon use on the fly that much easier. No matter whether it’s a planned or unplanned purchase finding coupons digitally and using them has never been easier.
Not only can use coupons at the grocery store but apps like Honey let you shop online and then find a coupon that matches for additional savings. And the best part of Honey, it works on Amazon.com!
They Find The Help They Need
Wise coupon users don’t have the time to figure out all the deals out there and hunt down every available coupon and savings code. Instead, they use sites like How To Shop For Free, RetailMeNot.com, Honey and other sites to find the deals for them.
They Bring Them With Them
Every hardcore couponer I know never leaves home without their coupons. They keep them with them at all times so that whether they find themselves at the grocery store or their favorite restaurant they have the coupons they need with them.
If you have a hard time remembering, develop a trick or habit, so you don’t forget your coupons. Maybe keep them with your payment method this way when you go to pay the coupons are right there.
Related; Don’t Waste Your Money On These 15 Things
They Take Advantage of Every Opportunity
Coupon users don’t wait until they need something. Instead, they follow the typical sales cycles for grocery stores and shop for other goods by season. This way they are maximizing the amount of savings that will occur and instead of buying when needed and paying higher than they want, they get the best deal possible. This ensures they avoid paying retail, never run out of necessities and spread out the financial burden of replacing or replenishing items.
Related: 101 Creative Ways To Cut Costs When You’re Desperate To Save Money
The Love Savings Big or Small
It’s a rarity anymore to see the big scores that once were the norm. Now instead couponers realize and celebrate the small savings that occur reguarly. These little savings add up over time and help to stabilize their budgets and maybe even fund their emergency account. Noncouponers fail to see how saving a few bucks here, and there is worth the time and effort over time. They can’t see the big picture.
If you’re skeptical this works, I encourage you to try these methods for a few weeks or even months and see if you don’t start seeing a dip in your spending and overall ability to save more money. I know you won’t be disappointed!
