Ways to Save in Hard Times Part 1 - Coupons

We are all feeling the stress of money these days with gas prices and a not so stable economy, what can we do to save some extra money? Make some extra money? Do we have to get a second job?

I have become a lot more frugal over the past few years and it really isn't that difficult. I actually kick myself for not starting sooner. In no way do I deprive myself but every little step counts and after a while you don't even remember your old ways or think to yourself "why did I buy that or do that?" The easiest way to save money is to cut coupons! I know what you're thinking but believe me it saves me a ton of money. At first I admit I was a little embarrassed to use coupons but now I hardly buy anything without a coupon. Check your stores coupon policies, a lot of supermarkets will double coupons up to $.99 cents so a $ .75 cent coupon will become $1.50. I have gotten stuff free like this. Invest in the Sunday paper delivery, get in when they have a deal and save over 50% off the cover price. I got in and every time I renew I get the same deal so it works out and I save a ton with the coupons that are in it and also get to look at all the sales so I can plan my trips ahead of time and don't have to drive around.

Plan your trips. Start with your Sunday paper. Look at all the ads and figure out what stores you have on your daily route whether it is to work, picking up the kids or other daily activities. Cut your coupons ahead of time and clip them to your shopping list that way you don't have to dig for them when you need them. This will save you time and money on gas.

A lot of times when I tell people to cut coupons they say "I don't have time", and that is just not true. If you get the paper delivered all you have to do is walk to your front door and pick it up. Take out the circulars and just clip out all the coupons and put them in a coupon holder. One with sections is best so you can divide your food, your beauty products and household items into sections for easier sorting later. After a while it becomes second nature, the key is staying organized with a coupon binder. All this can be done while drinking your morning coffee or watching TV. I am very busy but I always find time to cut coupons because it saves me a lot of money and is better than having to get a second job! Yes you can save that much so Start clipping!

There are many sources for coupons such as your Sunday paper but there are also many websites that have printable coupons. Below are some of the best sites that I use:

www.coupons.com

www.couponbug.com