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You and Your Coupons by Nikki Willhite Clipping coupons, keeping them organized, and finding them when you need them can take a lot of time and organization. However, after your grocery items have been scanned, and you hand over the coupons and see the deduction from your bill, it is all worth it. Coupons can save you money, but they can also cost you money if you are not careful. HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN USING COUPONS - Sometimes with a coupon you can fall into the trap of buying things you don't need - just because they are on sale. You aren't saving any money when you add things to your cart that you don't really need. - Think carefully about using a coupon for a brand that is new to you. For instance, you may have a brand of frozen pizza that your family will eat. If you spend the money to try a new brand, and your family does not like it (usually with comments of "I'd rather eat the box")  you've wasted your money. - Coupons are more plentiful for items that have a high price. A lot of times these are items you don't usually buy, such as mixes and convenience foods. It may be tempting to buy these items, especially if you are tired when you are clipping them or shopping. However, these high priced items  will quickly run up your food bill. - Coupons also abound for items like cereal, cookies and chips. Buying these nutritionally depleted items will just make your food bill go up and add to your recreational eating and your waistline. The last thing you need is to try a new cookie, love it, and then have one more item tempting you each week when you go shopping. - Remember that store brands can still be less expensive than name brands, even with a coupon. Always do a price comparison. In summary, the way to make the most of your coupons is to use them for items that you planned to buy, or that you store in your pantry and know you will rotate and use.   I like to shop at Costco. Every month they send out a coupon book. I wait until I get it, go through it, and clip all the coupons for the items I use with regularity. Then I plan my trip to Costco, and stock up on the sale items. Use your coupons wisely...don't let them use you! About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!

 

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