There is nothing wrong with saving a few dollars here and there on the necessities that keep you and your family comfortable during these difficult economic times. Couponing has existed for centuries, but recently this money-saving strategy has garnered national attention, driving a large number of individuals to desire to learn more about it. There are numerous books, courses, and websites that teach enthusiastic consumers the fundamentals of couponing.

Discovering where you may obtain coupons and then cutting or printing them may appear to be all there is to couponing at first glance. Manufacturers of your favorite perishable and nonperishable brands provide weekly discounts to entice you into the store to purchase an item at a discount. And at its foundation, couponing is all about saving money. When household budgets are limited, it can be exhilarating to save 30 to 75 percent on the shopping cost.

Extreme couponing-themed television program, books, and seminars have helped feed the present coupon mania. Extreme couponing is for individuals with the time and energy to gather and use Jungle Scout coupon in a way that saves them a substantial amount of money at the register. I'm sure you've heard of shoppers who arrive at the supermarket with a stack of coupons and a shopping list, only to leave with a full cart after paying almost nothing out of pocket.

While this is commendable, the ordinary buyer uses coupons to save a few dollars here and there. You want to save money on your normal shopping trips, but you have no intention of making couponing your lifestyle.

Here are five rules regarding coupon usage:

Rule #1: Only acquire coupons for items you actually use.

Sometimes, because coupon clipping may be so enjoyable, people choose coupons for things they don't regularly use or need. In the long term, getting thrilled because something is on sale will not save you money. Why would you purchase a cereal brand that no one in your family enjoys merely because you have a $1.50 coupon?

Similarly, stocking up on cake mix for six months is excessive and stops you from purchasing other goods that may be more practical. Before you clip that coupon, consider how you'll use the item in question.

Rule No. 2: Use Coupons During Sales

When the identical item is also on sale at the local store, you will save more money by using a coupon. Check the weekly flyers of your store for special sales and then look for a coupon for that item. If so, you are in luck, since you will save twice as much money. Check to discover if your business has a day where coupons are worth twice as much.

Check your retailer's coupon policy

You cannot assume that you will be able to use your coupons in one store the same way as in another one, because stores that accept coupons have different restrictions. Visit the store's website and print off their coupon policy. Bring this with you every time you shop at that store. This manner, if there are any conflicts or queries regarding the use of a specific voucher, you may immediately produce their policy. Familiarize yourself with the rules and determine in advance if there are coupon limits.

Rule #4: Maintain Coupon Order

It is essential to separate and arrange your coupons so that you can easily locate them when needed. There is no point in having a large number of coupons lying around in a pile somewhere. Purchase an index card file or a binder with a label and insert plastic baseball cardholders. Thus, you will be able to see the coupon and its expiration date with clarity. Also acquire a portable pouch for carrying your coupons with you to the store.

Rule #5: Be Alert at the Cash Register

Some cashiers are excellent at processing coupons, while others are not so good. Ensure that you have given the cashier all of your coupons and that each one has been scanned properly. Occasionally, a cashier will refuse to take a particular coupon or all of your coupons on a single purchase. Here, your understanding of the store's policies comes in handy. If you believe that your coupon should be accepted, do not create a scene if the cashier rejects it. Instead, request to talk with the store manager and present them with a printed copy of the store's policies. The management will investigate the correct coupon policy, and hopefully the situation will be rectified to your satisfaction.