The Pitfalls and Worth of Coupon Clipping (Plus Some Tips)

One of the most recommended ways for consumers to save money is to clip coupons – coupons for groceries, restaurants, big – ticket items and almost anything else that comes with a coupon. Alternately, consumers often pose the valid question; is coupon clipping worth my time? After all doesn’t time equal money?

Whether or not coupon clipping is worth your time is impossible to answer in a generic manner. If you're a hotshot executive who earns over six figures each year, then you're much better off working to earn more money. However, if you've just been laid off and are living off savings or credit, and you have a few extra hours a day that are not dedicated to job hunting, then yea – you had better be clipping coupons.

However, what if you fall somewhere in the middle, like most of us? You're the average American, who earns a moderate living. Well chances are that selective coupon clipping is the best bet for your finances. What exactly is selective coupon clipping? It's clipping coupons efficiently and avoiding the common coupon pitfalls.

Coupon Pitfalls

Using Coupons for Stuff You Don't Want or Need – Let's not forget that coupons are part of the marketing strategy of manufacturers and retailers. If you buy something your family does not need or regularly use just because you have a coupon – then you're throwing away your money. It does not make sense to go out and buy a disposable mop and mop cloths with the coupon you have, when you have been happily using your old mop and bucket of water for years. It really is money lost.

Don’t Drive Across Town Just Because you Have a Coupon – If you have to fight traffic and drive 45 minutes to the only store in your town where you can redeem your coupon, than it better be for a really big ticket item. Otherwise the cost of gas and travel time will likely be more than the amount you're saving with your coupon.

Don't Clip for Processed Foods – If you have not noticed, most coupons redeemable at grocers are for processed foods. This is because these foods contain very little nutrients for their incredibly high price tag. Rest assured that even with the savings from the coupon the manufacturer is banking. Resist – you do not need these processed snacks by any stretch of the imagination. Buy fresh vegetables, meats and breads and cook at home…it's also much healthier for you!

Coupon Clipping Tips

Go Digital – Scanning the Sunday paper and cutting out the coupons you intend to use is time consuming.  Just Google "coupons" and hundreds of sites will come up that allow you to search by category, brand or product. This cuts down on the search time significantly. Download the ones you want and then hit the print button.

Become a Member – If you use one company's services on a regular basis, see if they offer a membership for loyal patrons. Many companies have this type of service, and will continually send you some very nice coupons.

Search Manufacturer Websites – If there is a big ticket item you're in the market for or a brand you buy on a regular basis – take a few minutes to search the company website. Manufacturer coupons offer some of the largest discounts of all coupons.