Here are a few great couponing tips that will help you save a lot of money and become a savvy shopper.

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Online Deals & Coupons

A lot of stores offer certain coupons that can only be accessed by visiting their site. Whether it be printable coupons or coupon codes, it is worth checking out a stores site first to see what kind of deals they have.

Some stores will offer free shipping which might not seem like a big deal, but when you factor in the cost of gas and time then it might be worth to shop online and have the item shipped to your house.

Loyalty Program

Loyalty programs are a great way to rack up points and get exclusive deals. Most stores have some sort of loyalty program and they are usually free. It is just a way that stores create an incentive for shoppers to shop at their stores. Next time you visit your favorite store ask if there is any kind of loyalty program available and if there is sign up. You will probably be surprised at how much you can save in the long run.

“Good Deal”

A “good deal” is a relative term. A lot of times when there is an amazing deal out there people end up buying something they didn’t even really want or need. A good deal is only a good deal if it is something you want or need. You should also be aware of hidden restrictions that could end up costing you more.

Check out this video from Howcast on saving money by clipping coupons.

Shop Around

Some stores have better deals than others and that is just the way it is. If you want to save money then you WILL have to shop around and check out other stores and see what they offer. Also, a lot of stores will compete with others, so if store A has a better deal than store B then store B might be willing to match or even beat their competitors offer. It never hurts to ask.

Sunday Paper Savings

You can find some of the best deals in the Sunday paper, so consider subscribing to several different Sunday papers and magazines. Clipping coupons can be time consuming but it could also save you a lot of money if you take the time.

Tip: Be aware of the cost of subscriptions. Most papers and magazines will start out by giving you a free 6 month or 1 year free trial subscription but then start charging you. Do the math and figure out if the cost of the subscription is worth what you are saving with the coupons.

Expiration Dates

People always miss out on great deals because they didn’t read the fine print and forget to check the expiration date. Always make note of the expiration date and make sure you use it before it expires. There is nothing worse than being caught in the awkward situation of checking out at the cash register only to find that you have to pay full-price. Pay full-price or don’t purchase? It’s a situation that can be easily avoided.

Follow these simple couponing tips and watch your savings rack up. It takes time and energy but it is worth the extra money.

Henry Hernandez is a father of two and lives on a ranch in Texas. Henry is a financial planner and also a writer for www.cheapchecksplus.com. Henry is on Google+.