Money Saving Mondays - Is it really worth clipping coupons?

Continuing series of Money Saving Mondays! I love to save money, post deals, and just in general make my dollar stretch a little further so keep up with me on Mondays for some easy ways to save money!

Today’s question? Is it really worth clipping coupons?

One of the most recommended ways for consumers to save money is to clip coupons – coupons for groceries, restaurants, electronics, craft supplies and almost anything else that comes with a coupon (and if you haven’t noticed there are more and more coupons all the time). Typically, consumers often pose the valid question; is coupon clipping worth my time? After all doesn’t time equal money?

Okay so when is it just not worth the effort you put forward?

Don’t use coupons for stuff you don’t want or need – Coupons are used to market products, don’t forget that when you are deciding if you need something or not! If you buy something your family does not need or regularly use just because you have a coupon – then you're throwing away your money. It is money lost if you aren’t really going to use something anyway! Now granted, if you are getting something for free or nearly free to donate to others that need it more than you, then it is probably worthwhile!

Don’t drive across town just because you have a coupon – If you have to fight traffic and drive 45 minutes to the only store in your town where you can redeem your coupon, than it better be for a really big ticket item and the coupon better save you a significant amount of money. Otherwise the cost of gas and travel time will likely be more than the amount you're saving with your coupon.

What are some tips for getting the high-dollar coupons?

Go digital when it comes to couponing - See my earlier post on e-coupons here Then just file away your sunday paper coupon inserts by date so that you can find something easily if you find a great deal (see my earlier post on paper coupons here)!

Become a loyalty member – If you use one company's services on a regular basis, see if they offer a membership for loyal patrons. Many companies have this type of service, and will continually send you some very nice coupons or give you an annual discount. For example, we have bugs, lots of them, especially ants, that tend to like our house when Spring rolls around every year. We pay a monthly fee to a pest control company that does quarterly treatments and on-call treatments anytime the little things show up. Sure it costs a little more than buying the spray bottle at Lowe’s or Home Depot, but they also stand behind the end result and show up just in time to rid the house of ants that show up the morning of your son's 1st birthday party!

Search manufacturer websites or sign up for their mailing lists – If there is a big ticket item you're in the market for or a brand you buy on a regular basis – take a few minutes to search the company website. Manufacturer coupons offer some of the largest discounts of all coupons. If you have a baby or young children, be sure to check out the diaper and formula manufacturer’s sites and sign up for their mailing lists!

Want to join in on Money Saving Mondays? Copy my button, post it on your blog, and leave me a comment with a link to your post (I will figure out the Mr. Linky thing soon)!