Everyone has a favorite supermarket. I have a favorite too. But to be a favorite, it has to meet at least some basic criteria. First, I prefer a market that offers DOUBLE COUPONS. Double Coupons began sometime in the 1970’s, and the phenomenon doubled the face value of the coupon. For example, a $.50 coupon would net you a $1.00 off the cost of the product. Its purpose was to encourage more customers and to increase consumer spending. And it worked. People bought more because they saved more. And least that was their hope. The savvy consumer could boast increased savings.

To make sure you really save, use the double coupons:

Not everyone uses the same products. That is evident by the fact that there are over 27,000 different products in the average supermarket. To make grocery items stand-out coupons are used to attract attention. But with over 250 billion coupons issued only a small percentage are ever redeemed.

To maximize coupon use, trading is a wonderful pastime. I traded at work when I was a teacher and also at my local bowling alley when I was in a league. It was great fun, and helps make new friends. This concept has expanded. Libraries have set up trading bins, some supermarkets, worker’s lunchrooms, children’s play groups, and the most famous of all: The Koffee Klatch-be creative, find some people and set up your own bin. You can double your savings with the extra coupons.

Finding Coupons. Coupons are a way of life for 89% of Americans. They are available in many sources. Some of the most common places to locate already printed coupons are: Sunday inserts that are part of most newspapers. Home mailers that not only contain coupons but also local specials at various retailers. Magazine are another source of coupons. Printable Web coupons are a newer phenomenon. Many manufacturers offer coupons on their web sites, and there are sites devoted to printable coupons. Check sites often and bookmark your favorites. Some of my favorites are: coupons.com, and selectcouponprogram.com.

Printable coupons require a computer and printer. If you don’t own a computer, most libraries have them for public use. My father learned all about computers from our local library, and you can print your coupons at the library’s facility. Happy coupon hunting.

Place your earliest expiration dates to the front of each category and alphabetize the coupons in each category to insure the most efficient coupon use. Match up coupons to store sales to insure your best savings. However, never buy a product just because you have a coupon. I often let a coupon expire if the item is not on sale. I place all my coupons in a 3” x 8” coupon file (with my name, address and phone number in case of lose). Included in my file is a small scissors and all my store loyalty cards. Store Loyalty Cards allow us to take advantage of store sales and in some cases reward the shopper with other benefits.

Store Loyalty Cards are a great bonus. In some cases combined purchases around the holidays get us a free turkey. But these loyalty cards have expanded well beyond the supermarket. At office supply stores (i.e. Staples), hardware (Ace and TruValue) and major drug chains (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) we can earn store credit toward future purchases. These loyalty cards also track our purchases and help the participating chains keep inventory. So these cards have multiple benefits for all concerned. Many cards also come with a key chain counterpart for ease of use.

Coupons began in 1893 when C.W. Post put a $.01 coupon on his box of Post Grape Nut Flakes, in the hopes that the consumer would cut out that coupon and buy another box of his cereal. From that modest beginning, coupons have grown into a big business with almost 250 billion coupons being offered this year. For the coupon savvy consumer those coupons can turn into big savings, 89% of us use them. Coupon use is fun and easy and just requires a bit of a routine to get started. Here’s what I do.

Organize your coupons. I like the category method because it matches the aisles in the supermarket as well as the supermarket sales flyers. I have about 20 categories starting with: Baking, Beverages, Cereals, Condiments, Dairy and so on. As I check the flyer for sales, which is also by category, I can easily match up a coupon to the sale. And the same goes for the supermarket. Each aisle is devoted to different categories. So shopping is made easier and more time effective.