I gave a lot of thought as to what the biggest coupon mistakes are, based off the mistakes I have made and mistakes I’ve seen a lot of people make. There is no specific order to this list, to me they are all critical if you want to save money!
1. Stop Trying to Catch Every Sale & Deal
You are going to burn out! Couponing is supposed to be fun, (at least for me it is!) I love walking out of a store knowing I got an awesome deal and I took the time to save money, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to run to every store to get one free bottle of shampoo. If you try to catch every good deal, not only are you wasting gas (which is pointless if you’re trying to save money) you will also give up because it will be too much work.
2. Having Unrealistic Expectations
It will NEVER ever be what you saw on TLC’s Extreme Couponing, that was a TV show made for TV, and there is a reason it’s off the air. Not all, but most of the people on the show were using fraudulent coupons which can land you in jail (and I do not condone doing anything illegal). Enough of a reason?! Also on top of fraudulent coupons being used a lot of the store managers were bending the rules for the customers so they could all be on TV, so unless you plan on winding up on TV don’t expect the stores to bend their rules!
3. Don’t Spend Money if You Won’t Use It
This almost seems like the obvious but it really isn’t, so many times I have seen this being done, buying everything just because it costs pennies. If you’re trying to save money (I’m assuming you’re reading this because you want too!) why go and buy a bottle of shampoo for $.25 if you won’t use it. Sure that may seem like a great deal, but ONLY if you will use it. I do have brand preferences so there are times I refuse to spend the $.25 if I know I won’t use it and I don’t like it. Let’s be honest $.25 is not a lot to waste but when you’re trying to save, every penny counts so don’t waste the money if you know you won’t use it.
4. Not Reading the Fine Print
Always read the fine print, most coupons do have size restrictions that will not be allowed to be used on trial size items, before you purchase the item make sure it’s for the size stated. Also, always check the expiration date.
5. Not Being Organized
Organization is key when you coupon, you need to have a system on how to organize your coupons, whether it’s the binder method or the filing method. For more on organizing coupons read here:
Also, before I head out I always write out my entire list with the size of the product and the sale price, this makes it much easier to locate the product. After I’m done writing my list I make sure all the coupons are in order and I put everything into a white envelope, I have different envelopes for different stores, again making things easier for me in the stores.
6. Not Sticking to Your List
I have definitely been guilty of this more times than I would like to admit! I’m a strayer, am impulse buyer and get caught up in the moment. Have your list out, know where everything in the store is and be disciplined! Do not stray! Another great tip: Target’s App gives you a map of the store and also lets you know which aisle every item is in! For example, if you need q tips, type q tips in the search bar and its in aisle F11. Another great incentive to shop at Target!
7. Cannot Be Brand Loyal
This is sometimes the ultimate deal breaker for people! Yes, we all have our preferences but you cannot settle for one brand, most sales and coupon cycles are 3-4 months, so knowing this and checking here on Friday, (Sunday Coupon Preview) you can plan in advance to see if you want to purchase extra papers on Sunday so you can get the extra manufacturer coupons you want. Also, it’s nice to able to try new things, there were products I never tried in the past because I thought it was too expensive or I just didn’t need it, and now I love it!
8. Not Knowing the Stores Coupon Policy
This is a definite must to know! I have Targets, CVS & Shoprites policies below, just click on the link to be redirected. If the stores that you want the policies for are not listed here just go on the stores website and print the policies. Always carry the stores coupon policy with you because there will be times you know the coupon policy better than the cashier!
9. Using a Coupon Just Because You Have it
Do not use a coupon just because you have it, always wait for the item to go on sale, that way you can really maximize your savings and even then that might not be the best price. My rule of thumb is if it is 50% off then it’s an ok deal, if it’s more than 70% then it’s a really good deal and that’s when you need to stock up! The only time I will ever say to use a coupon when you have it if it’s about to expire and it’s a product you use all the time.
10. Have Fun!
Remember when I said above there is no order to this list? Well….I lied! This is by far the most important! You have to love what you are doing in order for you to succeed, that’s just life and the same applies in the Couponing world! If you’re not having fun saving money and walking out of the store with that euphoric feeling, maybe it’s not for you and that’s fine, it’s not for everyone, but give it a chance.
For more on how to coupon, read here: How To Coupon
Related: Where To Get Coupons
As usual, if you guys have any questions or comments please feel free to email me or comment in the box below and I will get back to you as soon as possible! Happy Couponing!
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