Using Coupons is like Using Your Credit Card in Reverse

I started using coupons seriously only about 6 months ago. I have always enjoyed saving money if possible, but I never took the time in the past to get very serious about it. In fact, without really meaning to, I had done the reverse. I had built up credit card debt while I was going through college.

When using a credit card, it seems like every little purchase is permissible. As long as what you buy costs less than $5.00, it should not be a problem to buy. Unfortunately, this is not true. Those little $5.00 costs mount up, and the next thing you know, you're dealing with $5,000.00.

Well, coupons work in the reverse way. Most people don't want to take the time to bother with them, because they think a dollar savings here and there is not going to mount up to much money. In fact, many people believe that you will spend more money if you're using coupons than you will if you don't since you are exposed to all of the sales, and you may be buying items that you don't even need just because you can get a good deal on it.

I say this is hogwash . If you're interested changing your financial outlook, what you need to do is to cut costs on the essential items that you buy everyday. This can easily be done with coupons.

All you need to do is learn about 2 things:

1.) This week's coupons.

2.) This week's sales.

If you have a coupon and you use it on a sale item, you get the most value from your coupon.

I am so passionate about this because when you use these coupons right, you can frequently get the items you need for free, and in rare cases even receive money back from the purchase. If you pay attention to the opportunities, you will quickly see a difference, and it will be like you got a big raise on your paycheck.

It has made a tremendous difference for me, because I now no longer owe a big debt on my credit card. Cutting corners with coupons has also sharpened my skills with other matters involving finances. It helped me to recognize options, and how to do better comparison shopping on anything I am paying for. But coupons built the habit, and they are still fun to play with.

As far as the internet and coupons go, I really recommend it for 3 important reasons:

1.) Many coupons from websites are printable, and they can be used along with manufacturer's coupons IN THE SAME PURCHASE, to further discount an item. This has added up to some unbelievable deals for me.

2.) Online stores, including many big-name stores provide coupon codes to give you discounts for online purchases.

3.) There are some very helpful sites to look at which will help you to get a real handle on organization. Many of these sites give great tips, or even point out a deals I didn't notice before. A site called thecouponclippers.com has a calendar feature that is very helpful, and another very excellent resource is at http://deals.families.com. You can read helpful comments from others, or even pitch in to the discussion to brainstorm the best deals to get each week.

(Note: Places like Ebay.com list many people who will send you coupons they've already cut for a small shipping fee. Before considering these services, consult this F.A.Q. provided on The Coupon Information Corporation website.)

Take some time to look into coupons. While .50 cents may not seem like enough money to make much of a difference, watch how quickly the change will add up where it really makes a difference: at the cash register.