7 Money-Saving Tips For Shopping With Coupons As A Parent
Starting a family and raising children can get really expensive.
According to a recent Brookings Institution analysis of statistics from the U.S. Agriculture Department, from the day a child is born to the day they reach the age of 18, a family will spend around USD$17,000 a year or about USD$310,605.
With this shocking statistic in mind, it’s only natural for parents to think of ways and tricks to save money while raising their kids.
Some parents have learned to maximize their credit card uses and perks, while others sign up for shopping newsletters to stay updated on discounts and sale events.
But for sure, you’re also aware of another trick that most (if not all) parents use these days to save money—shopping with coupons.
Tips and tricks for shopping with coupons
Couponing is a great way to keep your family’s budget manageable and in check. If you take a quick look at DontPayFull.com, you’ll find online promo codes and coupons you can use in almost all stores.
You can choose which deals to take advantage of, whether from the clothing, home, garden, health, or electronics categories.
Need more tips? Here are seven money-saving ideas you can use when shopping with coupons as a parent:
- Know the major kinds of coupons for stacking
Before you begin, you need to be aware of the two main categories of coupons. Store coupons are only valid at the places where the particular retailer issues them.
You may find these in the newspaper, typically the Sunday edition, on retailer websites, or on mail-order flyers. All you need to do is find the key phrase “store coupon” in the paper.
Manufacturer’s coupons, on the other hand, are created by certain companies to entice consumers to purchase their goods and are typically accepted at most retailers.
Most parents and couponers combine a manufacturer’s coupon with a retail coupon to receive an even bigger discount. This practice is called ‘coupon stacking‘ and can result in significant savings at the register.
- Clip and save paper coupons
If you’re determined to save money as a parent, you must exhaust all options and chances when it comes to couponing.
So, don’t hesitate to go beyond digital coupons and discount codes because you can still count on old-school paper coupons to stretch your family budget.
If you look hard enough, you may even stumble upon coupons for different holidays and occasions, such as Father’s Day and Mother’s Day Deals, Thanksgiving discounts, and Labor Day promo codes.
You can typically find paper coupons in print newspapers, store mailers and circulars, store aisles, and at the bottom or back of store receipts.
When you’re done clipping and collecting paper coupons for the day or week, the next step is to organize them so you can easily take them with you during your shopping day.
Some couponers use binders and folders with tabs to quickly locate the coupons they need. You can create a spreadsheet for online coupons to organize everything in one place.
- Use your coupons for clearance items
Another smart way to save money when shopping with coupons is by using discounts on clearance items. Although not all stores allow this tactic, it won’t hurt to ask. It’s beneficial to know your store’s sales and clearance cycle to help you plan your trips strategically.
While seeing a $1 coupon off an item can be tempting, you can lose out on a greater bargain if you aren’t bundling sales. Waiting for the right time to use your coupons is key to scoring an epic deal.
- Stick to your budget
Remember that your goal is to save money as a parent, so even if you find tempting deals online or in stores, try your best to stick to your budget.
Know which essentials to spend on and track everything you’re buying. Spending your hard-earned money on things you don’t need defeats the purpose of couponing.
It’s a good-enough deal if you actually need the item and if the coupon makes it less expensive than the store brand. Never purchase something only because you have a coupon.
- Verify the store’s coupon rules ahead of time
Imagine how disappointing it is to wait in line after shopping only to find out that you can’t use all your coupons all at once —you surely don’t want to experience that, do you? So, it’s best to know the store’s coupon policy before shopping to be prepared.
Some stores implement a limit on the number of coupons used in a single purchase, while other establishments and websites allow unlimited codes and coupons upon checkout.
- Join the supermarket’s loyalty program
Being part of your go-to store’s loyalty program can go a long way in saving you money as a parent. Supermarket chains typically entice new members by giving them free items, discount codes, and coupons for their next visit.
This trick can also keep you in the loop when a sale event or clearance is happening in-store and through their website.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for coupons
Sometimes, you don’t always need to find coupons online and in the fine print. You also have the option to ask stores and retailers if they have any ongoing promotions. Contact the business via its website or helpline if there is a product you are interested in, and it will frequently send you a coupon for a free product.
Final words
There’s no doubt that budgeting is a constant challenge, especially with the inflation happening in today’s economic state.
According to the 12-month percentage change in the United States consumer price index, prices were 6.5% higher in December 2022 than in December 2021. As a parent, you must take all the help you can get for your family’s day-to-day needs.
Using your couponing skills can help make ends meet, especially when you’re on a tight budget. So, take note of the tips above and be a wiser parent when shopping with coupons.