How to Save Money with Coupons

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Learn from those crazed coupon clippers who've figured out how to buy $500 worth of groceries for 50 cents.

Step 1: Search the Sunday papers
Don't limit yourself to one edition of the Sunday paper. Serious savers carefully go through the coupon inserts in several editions, because different papers carry different coupons. The money you save will more than offset the cost of the papers.

Step 2: Print out coupons
Print coupons from internet sites like "coolsavings.com":, "smartsource.com,":http:// "hotcouponworld.com":, "coupons.com":, "couponsurfer.com":, and "ppgazette.com":.

Tip
Into green living? Check the internet for organic coupon websites like "organiccoupons.com":.

Step 3: Check brand websites
If you can't find coupons for your favorite foods, check the brands' websites; they sometimes offer printable coupons.

Step 4: Get organized
Organize your coupons in an accordion folder by food type -- frozen foods, cereal, beverages, etc. -- and arrange them by expiration date.

Step 5: Know supermarket policy
Check your local supermarkets to determine which has the most generous coupon policy. Some won't accept coupons printed off the internet; others never offer "double coupons," or days when coupons count twice their value. Ask if you can "stack" coupons, or use both a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon on the same item.

Tip
Some stores have a little-known policy of giving you an item free if the advertised price doesn't match the price at the register, so keep your eyes peeled!

Step 6: Scrutinize your store circular
Scrutinize your weekly store circular for sale items -- especially those for which you have coupons. See if you can plan menus around discounted foods.

Tip
Grocery items go on sale in rotation, usually every 12 weeks, and are often on sale in several stores.

Step 7: Get extra coupons
Get extra coupons for the items you buy all the time simply by writing to the manufacturer and asking for them (it helps to praise the product first!).

Step 8: Set up a coupon swap
Organize a coupon swap with friends and neighbors, so they can take advantage of coupons you don't use and vice versa.

Did You Know?
People who use coupons and supermarket loyalty cards save an average of $678 a year, according to a survey.