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You have probably heard the stories of people saving thousands of dollars on the items they purchase every year. If you are just a casual couponer who would like to step up your savings, Below are top 10 tips on how to save money with discount coupons

1. Look around for discount coupons

Look for coupons that come in the newspaper each week, and make sure you are looking online and signing up for emails that deliver coupons right to your inbox. Coupon websites can save you time and money because they compile discount coupons into one easy to access site. Continually check for new discount coupons!

2. Don't be afraid to ask

You may find additional deals when you ask. Look online for the store or manufacturer's contact information and send them an email or letter requesting coupons. If you forget a discount coupon in the store, ask the cashier if they have the coupon. You can also ask a cashier if they know of any great sales coming up. If an item you wanted to buy is out of stock, ask for a rain check for that item at the customer service desk. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount too! Discounts may be given for items that are about to expire, have a small stain, chip, or tear, or items that are not selling very well. It never hurts to ask!

3. Check store policies

Check around at a few of the stores close to you to find out what their policies are regarding coupons. Ask specifically about their policies for doubling or tripling coupons, how they treat coupons when combined with buy one get one free deal or other deals, how many of one particular coupon you can use in one transaction, if a customer card is needed, and if there are special discounts for seniors, students, or veterans. If you can, get a copy of the store policies. When you are buying online, read the fine print on any offers. Find out how many promotional or coupon codes you can enter for each transaction.

4. Get organized

If you are a casual couponer, saving coupons in a plastic baggie or in your wallet may work well. But as you start to coupon more and more, it may help to use a recipe box or binder to organize coupons. You can organize the coupons by expiration date, what the coupon can be used for (clothes, groceries, toiletries, etc), or even by which item the aisle is found in your local store. Use the method that works the best for you. Go through discount coupons every week to weed out expired coupons and make sure you use the ones you are especially interested in. If there are deals that you especially want to make sure to use, mark the date on a calendar. Bring all coupons with you each time you shop in case you spot a great sale.

5. Add it up

If you are finding multiple deals or discount coupons, pull out a calculator and add up which deals will net you the biggest savings.

6. Do your research

Read weekly ads each week so you can pair coupons with sales. Before you plan to use your coupons, take a trip to the store to see what is on sale and what items have been marked for closeout. This is also a great time to talk with the store employees to see if there are any sales they know of coming up. To save on time and energy, this trip can be combined with another trip. It can also help to have a printout of where everything is located in your local store so you can plan your trip.

7. Make a list

Before you go into the store, make a list of all the items that you would like to buy so you can stay on task and use all the discount coupons you have.

8. Buy ahead

If you see an exceptionally great deal, and know that you will use the item, buy ahead for the future so you can get the best deal possible. If you cannot use everything you buy with a coupon before it expires, donate the items to charity.

9. Stay flexible

If you stay flexible on what brand, size, and type of product you buy, you can find better deals than if you are continually searching for discount coupons for your favorite brand. Who knows, the new product you try may end up being a favorite. Keep in mind the items you have a coupon for when you are planning your menu.

10. Make sure it worked!

As the last step when you are checking out, make sure that your coupon worked. You may need to make sure that you have the right product and size or that it scanned correctly and was up to date. These are two of the most common reasons why a coupon many not have worked. Be sure to read the fine print on the discount coupons before you go into the store so you can make sure you are buying the correct item. If the coupon does not work, politely ask the clerk to make the change. If you notice a mistake after you are done checking out, visit or call customer service and ask them if they can help you.