One great advertisement vehicle is coupons. It’s a fancy piece of paper (or online page with a code on it) that entices one to purchase something with a small discount. Sounds great, right? Well, not necessarily. Companies create coupons so that they can get more buyers for their products. And a lot of times when people see a coupon that offers something at a reasonable price, or lower price than they would normally be willing to pay, it can be what persuades them to buy the product. It’s not something that is needed. But it seems too good to pass up!
Don’t fall into this trap!
Grocery stores are particularly well known for coupons, and some even include display boards filled with coupons. Now, if the customer is already at the store, what sense does it make for the store to display and give away coupons? Aren’t the people already going to buy? Well, coupons are there so that people can see what things are discounted and therefore entice them to buy these things, even when they wouldn’t normally do so. Especially then! And that is what must be avoided.
It is no good to even search for coupons if there is not a specific product in mind ahead of time. It wastes time. And then one can fall for the trap that the advertisement has laid. So, a great budgeting tip is to start with a plan.
The Coupon Shopping Plan
It’s simple, really. Whenever a shopping trip is planned, make a list. The list includes only those items that are needed. Nothing else. And it is the bible for that trip! Before going on the shopping trip, flip through fliers, newspapers, or online for coupons related only to items on the list. Yes, even online! One can be influenced online to buy things that aren’t needed, too. Never get a coupon for anything that isn’t on the list. It isn’t needed, therefore buying it (even with a coupon) isn’t saving money!
Tips to Maximize Coupon Savings
Plan the trip at a time when everybody going is well fed. Being hungry on a shopping trip only makes resisting the specials and coupon advertisements harder. And stick very strictly to the list! Never buy anything that isn’t on the list and then shopping will become easier and waste will become much less. If items aren’t bought, then they can’t be thrown away. And some American households throw away as much as 50% of the groceries they buy. Ouch! That is another reason that the list is so useful.
Of course if the grocery store offers a coupon for something that is on the list, or is a similar product, but less expensive, then use that coupon. And cross the item off the list!
Johanus Haidner - Johanus Haidner (BA, BEd, MBA) is a martial artist, writer, craftsman, artist and life coach in Edmonton, Alberta.
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