Family-life
How to Shop on a Budget

It’s always a good idea to save money, whether you’re a working parent or not. For work-at-home moms, it is just as import to shop smart as it is for anyone else. It’s all about making the most out of your budget. if you save more now, you will have more to treat yourself and your family with later. To work within a budget and save money, you have to be smart about what, when, and where you shop.

A few tips to start:

Shop at stores that allow you to double coupon so you can get extra savings.

Use your coupons when the store is already having a small so you get the cheapest price possible.

Don’t use a coupon just because you have it. Use coupons only when you need them.

Always bring your coupons with you. You never know when a good deal might come up.

That said, always plan ahead. Know what you’re going to buy and how to most effectively use your coupons.

Where to find coupons:

Newspapers and Magazines: It’s the old fashioned way, but it’s trustworthy.

Online: You might have to do some digging, but it’s worth it. Try coupons.com or smartsource.com.

Store mailings: Sign up at your most frequented store for both mailings and email coupons.

Direct from manufacturer: Visit the manufactures or contact companies directly to request coupons.

In store: Look for coupon booklets or on the backs of products in stores. They often come with coupons.

Organizing your coupons:

Coupons are of no use if you don’t know what you have, when they expire, and where to find them. Create a filing system that works for you. File by store, by product, and by date.

find a good place to store your coupons where they will be readily available. Try a coupon binder, pin, or pouch. For online coupons, create a folder and organize within.

Get in the habit of organizing as you go. Don’t wait until things build up. When you get a coupon, file it. And check for coupon storage regularly to throw out expired coupons.


Image by sdc2027 on Flickr Creative Commons.

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