Then and Now: Bargains Galore!

Coupon Clipping is Contagious
If you’ve ever watched a show on coupon madness where a family of 11 goes to a store and comes out with enough food and health and beauty items to last until the apocalypse and it costs them less than $100.00, you’ve experienced coupon mania at its finest hour. While the times have definitely changed, one thing remains the same: everyone loves a bargain. From deep discounts, clearances and end of season sales at retail stores to “buy one get one free” items at the grocery store, to getting that special one day only deal, the key ways to save is with coupons. Nothing is as nostalgic as sipping coffee while pouring over the Sunday morning newspaper clipping coupons. There’s a certain thrill to finding those special items, going to the store and getting a great deal. (and if the store accepts double coupons, as in the case of many grocery stores, you get even more savings!)

Coupons Coupons Everywhere
What’s even better is not only do we continue to find coupons in our favorite hard copy printed materials such as newspapers, coupon clippers and magazines, the internet also provides a wealth of savings with digital coupons for traditional brick and mortar stores as well as online shops and stores. Sites like Groupon, ChameleonJohn and hundreds of other places offer daily online coupons on everything from coffee to meals to clothing, home décor and accessories. Almost every online store offers some sort of online coupon deal.

Smart Phones Equal Smart Savings
While some people still relish the art of traditional coupon clipping, preferring to carry their “hard copy coupons” with them in either plastic baggies or plastic accordion type containers sealed with elastic string, the convenience of the digital age where everyone has a smart phone of some sort allows you to search what you’re looking for via your favorite search engine, an online coupon site or the product’s website. Then you just click and download the app for easy, one step access. Then, when you head to the stores, instead of digging in your purse or worse, trying to present a coupon where you accidentally snipped off the UPC code which makes it unusable, the only thing you have to do is show your phone and let the cashier scan the coupon’s code, giving you instant savings without a hassle. For those of you who don’t have a smart phone or just prefer the feel of a paper coupon in your hand, there are plenty of online coupons that can be printed.

A Treasure Trove of Savings
Not only can you find coupons for just about any item, you’ll find a variety of percentages of savings and deep discounts. Online and digital coupons are a great way to save on just about everything you want or need. Whether you’re a traditional coupon clipper or a novice to finding the best bargains, coupons offer a treasure trove of savings.

Photo: flickr.com