Couponing 101

Thanks to TLC’s new show Extreme Couponing, an old money-saving idea has come back into style. Here are some easy ways to get started. Your budget will thank you.

TRADITIONAL CUT AND CLIP Some of the best coupons are found the traditional way. Purchase or subscribe to the Sunday newspaper (buy multiple copies for multiple coupons) and start clipping and filing. Manufacturers’ coupons can be used at multiple stores, and can be used when stores offer promotions such as Double Coupon Days.

ONLINE COUPONS Sites such as couponmom.com and redplum.com provide free, printable grocery coupons. Try Kroger’s Web site to upload coupons straight onto your Kroger Plus card. The discount will automatically apply during checkout.

BE LOYAL Stores reward loyalty. So if you do most of your shopping at Kroger, Walgreens, or CVS, for example, consider signing up for their rewards program. In addition to groceries, you may receive discounts for items such as prescriptions or fuel.

SUBSCRIBE TO E-MAIL LISTS AND MAILINGS While you might receive some junk, you can also receive valuable sale information e-mailed only to the store’s subscribed users.

For more financial help and advice download the 2011 Kentucky Living Financial Planning Guide.