Be Frugal During National Coupon Monthby Nicole Humphrey | More from this Blogger 05 Sep 2006 01:00 PM The month of September is National Coupon Month, which makes it the perfect month to learn how cutting coupons can get you savings all year long. Did you know that 76% of the US uses coupons? Last year alone nearly $3 billion was saved using coupons. More than likely you already realize how beneficial using coupons can be. If you spent twenty minutes per week clipping coupons and organizing them you can save 20% off your grocery bill. Over the course of the year that can add up to more than $1000 saved. Just think that if you spent even more than the recommended twenty minutes - you'd probably save thousands of dollars a year on everything from groceries to expensive luxury items. Here are a few tips for clipping, organizing and using your coupons: Keep a pair of scissors handy at all times. Even having one in your purse is a great idea so if you are out and about and find a coupon, you can snip it easily. Stay alert and on the lookout for coupons anywhere you go. The most common places the coupon hunter finds coupons are:
Feel free to call the 1-800 number on products or for local establishments you frequent. Give them compliments or constructive criticism. Also feel free to actually request coupons. Some of these manufacturers only send coupons out to those that request them. Get the whole family involved in your coupon clipping adventure. You never know what great coupons they might find. Plus it's fun to sit around and talk about the different meals you might plan together. Stay organized. Keep your coupons in a binder or a coupon organizer and sort them as soon as you cut them. This helps to keep them all in once place and finding them so much easier. Try to store your coupon organizer in your car or purse so they are always with you for those last minute or spur of the moment shopping trips. You might also keep restaurant coupons in a separate envelope in your glove box or center console of your car. This way they are always with you. Try to use your coupons on double coupon days, and triple coupon days if your store has them. Also be sure to check out what manufacturers rebates you can find, often there are tons of savings to be had there. Frequent website that promote coupons and help you find great deals on certain products. My favorites are:
Just remember that living frugal is a state of mind. You can do it, but always start with baby steps. ****For more great couponing advice and some awesome deals, check out our deals forum here at families.com. Plus you can find some awesome coupons and great new ways to save!! Learn more about Nicole Humphrey  Nicole Humphrey is a freelance writer, consultant for CTMH and a Sr. Blogger for families.com. She resides in St. Charles, Missouri with Mike and their five children and two furbabies. Relevantfrugal tags User Comments Andrea M (2525) 12 Sep 2006 07:11 AMGreat ways to utilize the coupons for the entire family! I would love to be able to get my husband more involved in helping me with clipping the coupons!  Nicole Humphrey (15757) 19 Sep 2006 05:51 AMThank you! Glad you enjoyed the article! There are loads of ways to use coupons - just check out the deals blog and the deals tab up on the top of the screen! Community Tags Coupons, deals, national coupon month, savings, ways to save money Discuss this article
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