by Ariel Stephens

Created on: January 21, 2012

Is your grocery spending eating a big portion of your budget? American families are struggling to meet every need and a feeding a family can’t be crossed off the budget. Sacrificing the occasional night out or foregoing the newest movie doesn’t sound entertaining. So what to do?

Coupons provide a great alternative to any family looking to save a few bucks to several hundred dollars. Despite their reputation for helping consumers save on 'junk food', many manufactures provide coupons for personal care, baby items (think diapers and formula!) cosmetics, cleaning products, clothing, organic and natural products, eating out and entertainment.

The main source of coupons comes in the Sunday newspaper, although internet coupons are widely popular. If the Sunday paper does not have the coupons you want, try the Internet.  For example, using a search engine, and typing ‘coupons’ or ‘organic coupons’ produces a wide range of sites where you can electronically ‘clip’ the coupon and print it in your own home.

Companies also distribute coupons for people who ‘Like’ them on Facebook or through the company website. Coupons obtained through Facebook mainly center on grocery and personal items. Writing a certain company and asking for coupons for products you use is also helpful.

Following coupon bloggers in your area is another resource and keeps your shopping local. Most provide the 411 on couponing, provide budgeting information, coupon databases, deal scenarios and occasionally how to score free products. Bloggers create lists from the weekly local grocery store circular and pair sale items with coupons from previous newspapers papers. Some educate you on saving at national high dollar drugstores.

The Entertainment book is filled with hundreds of coupons for consumers to save on eating out, entertainment and even local grocery stores. Entertainment books are normally priced between 30-35 dollars depending on location. Occasionally online promotions occur making the Entertainment book cheaper. Coupon bloggers are crazy about the Entertainment book so if you choose to follow a blog, they will most likely post a deal sometime.

Groupon is an online company offering daily deals at a high percentage off. The deals work like gift certificates (fittingly called Groupons.) only you pay a fraction of the price. For example, a daily Groupon may be a trip to a hair salon, valued at $40 dollars. However you only pay $20 and get the certificate valued at $40. The deals can include local restaurants, major clothing and retail stores, online shopping sites and more. Sign up to receive an e-mail alerting you of the daily Groupon. If you own a Smartphone, Groupon has an application where you can purchase and store the certificate, making it redemption convenient.

The truth is it takes time to save money. It may take several hours a week to get started clipping and researching. Even if you have limited time to devote to couponing, saving a little on one outing is better than nothing. With TLC’s new show Extreme Couponing on the rise, (featuring consumers saving up to 90% or more in one trip using coupons and store promotions.) it’s tempting and easy to lose focus. Remember, the goal is not to carry bragging rights on some astronomical amount saved, but learning to use money wisely and continue providing for your family the way that works for you.

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