How To Find and Stockpile Coupons

My daughter in law loves to collect coupons.  She loves coupons so much that she even gives them away.  She always feels great about helping someone say a few bucks on a popular item.  Recently, I sat down with her to get her inside take on finding and stockpiling coupons.  This article will provide you with some fresh ideas in the world of coupons.

1.  Buying Strategy;  Before even considering which coupons to use, you need a buying strategy.  You do not want to spend a lot of money on a stockpile of items if you won't use them that much.  However, if you can set a target number on your items, you could be ahead of the game.  An example would be purchase 4 packs of hot dogs and get the fifth one free with a coupon.  You can always freeze those hot dogs.  You need to budget and think wisely about what you really need.  Set an item agenda for yourself and stick to it.

2.  Check the expiration date;  Many items go on sale that have short term expiration dates on them.  Some items will last longer and others need to be used right away.  Bread products tend to dry out quickly.  Many individuals will toss bread in the freezer for another day.  Hey! Dry bread is always dry bread.  Meat is another issue.  Check it carefully.  If it is turning brown, cook it up first and then consider freezing it.

3.  Finding Those Coupons;  Besides newspapers, they can be located in magazines.  If you are sitting in the doctors office waiting your turn, check those updated magazines.  Do not be afraid to tear them out.  That is what they are there for.  Ask friends and relatives to check their papers for you.  Check out the store flyer's at the market.  they are located right inside the door as you enter.

4,  Always check the products that you buy.  Many times coupons on are inside or on the label of the product.  Ask the merchant if special coupons will be upcoming.  Many will know ahead of time.

5.  Try new things.  You can often find coupons on new products that hit the market for the first time.  Keep an eye out for these things.

6.  Trade with friends;  My daughter in law meets with several friends once every two weeks.  They trade off with each other.  This is a great idea, because having 3 or more looking for coupons is highly successful.  I have even seen her sell a $2 off coupon for a quarter.  She is considering starting a coupon club with up to twelve individuals.  Party and deal coupons.  What a good way to spend an evening.

7.  Another good idea she has is for each person to bring an several stockpiled items for the local food pantry.  After all, how many boxes of macaroni do you really need?

8.  Buying coupons on line;  Be careful here.  There are some scam artists out there.  One of the experts in this field is a web site called The Krazy Coupon Lady. I suggest checking out her site first.  It is one of the best that I have come across.

9.  Stockpile Organization;  The thing about most coupons is that they will expire.  She uses a a box with folders in it.  The first folder is strictly for coupons that will expire during the present month.  The back folder is basically a multi pocket picture album.  She labels each page and places the coupons in the picture holder.  She can easily take it out and view what she needs.  Once a week, she gets rid of the expired coupons.

10.  Don't Get Lost in the Fifties;  Couponing is fun to do.  However, don't lose it, if you forget to take advantage of a coupon before you need the item or the coupon expires.

Now, if I could only find a coupon for gasoline.

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