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Are you new to couponing? Are you trying to get back in the groove of couponing after taking a break? Here are 11 common couponing mistakes that can hinder your ability to actually save money on groceries. Scan this list and see if there are any areas where you need to improve!
11 Common Couponing Mistakes
Starting too big
The first mistake can be made before you even get to the store. Don’t start too big! If you’re new to couponing or have been out of practice, you might get a little too excited and try to do too much. This isn’t sustainable and may cause you to lose steam and give up. Stick to one store at first.
Trying to get every deal
Along with starting too big, don’t try to get every deal. While it maybe tempting to take advantage of every BOGO sale at Publix, many of those things will go on sale again (probably in about 6-8 weeks). Don’t let FOMO get the better of you!
Buying things you don’t need
You aren’t saving money if you buy something you won’t use! Even if you can get it for less than a dollar, it’s still unnecessary money spent.
Not having a budget
Just because you saved $2 on a food item, if you ended up spending $100 more overall than you budgeted, you will still be hindered financially. Set a budget and try to stick to it!
Not knowing store policies
Most stores have similar policies, but some of them have tricky exceptions. Don’t spend time planningo nly to get to the store and not be able to get the deals you wanted. See our list of store coupon policies.
Ignoring the unit price
The total price of any one item truly doesn’t matter. What’s important is the unit price—price per ounce, or per item, or whatever unit the product is measured in. In a variety box of chips, see how much each bag is costing. If it’s salad dressing or ice cream or rice, check the price per ounce.
Focusing on name brand items
The Tide detergent might have a coupon that makes it a great price for Tide, but there might be an alternative brand that is much cheaper even without a coupon. Don’t let the manufacturers fool you!
Buying the wrong item
Make sure you read the small print on coupons. Sometimes the coupons are restricted to a certain size or flavor. You want to actually get the savings, so make sure you’ve chosen the right product.
Forgetting to use your coupons
Making a list and noting which items you have coupons for will help you use the coupons you have so they don’t expire before you can use them.
Letting coupons expire
Stores like Kroger will often send great coupons for you each month. The caveat is that they are only good for a month! I was recently kicking myself for forgetting to use a $15/$150 coupon at Kroger. It was only good for one week. Whatever organization works for you, make sure you pay attention to expiration dates!
Not stacking coupons
If you’re going to use coupons, make the most of it! Most stores will let you stack store and manufacturer coupons, letting you multiply the savings.
Not paying attention at checkout
It’s important to make sure the coupons actually go through! Sometimes you might have gotten the wrong item and the coupon won’t work. You might choose not to actually purchase that item. At other times, the coupon just isn’t being matched with the item correctly and the cashier needs to enter it manually. With digital coupons, sometimes there can be glitches with apps. Look at the screen as your items are being rung up. If you see an error after you’ve checked out, don’t hesitate to go to customer service.
Are there any other common couponing mistakes I’ve missed? Let us know in the comments!
