September is National Coupon Month!

TIME TO SAVE!

Since 1998, September has been National Coupon Month. There are a few interesting facts about the use of coupons. The first coupon was handwritten in 1886 by Coca-Cola.

Now, 91 percent of Americans would walk away from the "perfect sweater" if it wasn't on sale or they didn't have a coupon for it. And, 92 percent of shoppers have changed their grocery shopping behavior in the last two years. That means clipping coupons. According to www.Nationalcouponmonth.com, 20 minutes a week clipping and clicking could save you over $1000 annually. So, let's get started.

One great site to begin is actually a blog that has less to do with coupons and more to do with mindset. It has great resources for free budgeting software to suggestions on growing your wealth. The site is www.budgetsaresexy.com. Crazy name but a great site.

When you go to coupon sites, you will find two types, paid and free or a mixture of the two. Paid coupons usually are focused on restaurants where you buy a coupon for say $10 but you get a $20 discount. Not a bad deal but not fit for everyone's taste. Free coupons are just what they say, you download coupons from various stores at no cost but you will have to endure a few offers. What sites do we recommend? Here are a few of the best ones:

1. www.couponsonline.com- This site covers all types of coupons that you can choose in categories. It includes both paid and free coupons and is well worth signing up. Could be a little easier to navigate but not bad.

2. www.couponpages.com- This site is dedicated to your local stores. You can select a category such as groceries or home entertainment and get the local coupons available at most of your local stores.

3. www.groupon.com- This is one of the best known websites and even has sister sites to help you locate more specific item coupons.

4. www.dealcatcher.com- This site is geared toward electronics. You will find new and used bargains. The site will direct you toward the best deals which often will be eBay and other similar sites.

The old days of waiting for coupons to come in the mail are over! A few important things to remember that will help you in your savings quest. First, organize! Use a coupon book that puts your coupons in categories. Second, don't buy what you don't need just because you have a coupon. Be a smart shopper if you truly want to save money!