Coupons: Beat Fake Coupons and Save on Groceries

Don't be surprised if the cashier rejects your online grocery coupons. Coupons.com is one of several legitimate printable coupon sites benefiting from a stressful economy, yet, not all coupons are worth the cost of ink. This due in part to the surge of fake coupons. Even merchants may not be equipped to spot a fake coupon, subsequently, stores increasingly reject printable coupons for groceries and other goods. Yet, considerable savings are possible with a little pre-planning and knowledge of reputable online coupon websites.

Coupons.com and Verifying Legitimate Coupons

Good Morning America recently reported on the increase in coupon fraud, a serious crime, and the subsequent millions of dollars in losses to vendors as well as honest shoppers who fail to save. If you decide to use online coupons, especially from an unproven source, check with The Coupon Information Corporation. This non-profit site lists fraudulent coupons propagating on the Internet.

Best Coupons, Safe Coupons, Best Savings

Comparison shopping for printable coupons is essential to get the best deal. Leading trustworthy online coupon sites include Coupons.com, ShopLocal.com and CoolSavings.com.

Kiplinger highlights additional alternatives such as TheCouponClippers, a paid clipping service, and Retailmenot.com, a community of money-saving pros that share coupons, budget tips and coupon codes. Generally, however, patron free coupon sites unless you are both pressed for time and have a sizable grocery bill. Further investigate paid coupon sites at RipOffReport.com for mention of any scams or negative reviews.

Save More With Grocery Coupons

Visit the manufacturer sites directly for your favorite coupons and member-only savings. Registration should be both free and simple and allow consumers to easily opt out of mailings.

Develop a routine for obtaining coupons, especially if the practice is foreign territory. Learn more about local grocer deals, such as double coupon days, and limitations for online coupons.

Compare generic foods with brand names by unit price, ingredients and nutritional information. Read reviews on unfamiliar and unpopular generic foods to minimize waste. Investigate deep discount grocery stores in your area, such as Aldi's, as grocery bill savings may exceed 30 percent on a regular basis --without coupons.

Final Tips on Printable Coupons

Websites like Coupons.com are only as useful as the shopper is disciplined. Many shoppers sabotage their grocery savings by shopping on an empty stomach, lacking a weekly meal plan, over-purchasing discount or bulk foods, or shopping too frequently. Such domestic habits are simply that and can be changed. The good news is that coupon clipping becomes easier and more productive with practice.

Sources:

Good Morning America, ABCNews
(http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/story?id=5335397&page=1)
Beat High Prices, Kiplnger
(http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2008/08/family-savings-household-management3.html?kipad_id=33)
The Coupon Information Corporation
(http://www.cents-off.com/body_coupon_counterfeiters.htm)
Saving Money: Top 10 Foods Not to Buy Generic
(http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/184265/saving_money_top_10_foods_not_to_buy.html)