Secrets to Saving Big: Coupon Tips Anyone Can Use

Most people don’t have hours to spend searching for coupon deals. But, you can get better at using coupons—even if you’re short on time. And, let’s be real: Grocery prices are wild these days. There’s never been a better time to learn this money-saving strategy.

Food prices, including grocery costs and eating in restaurants, increased 2.4% between November 2023 and November 2024, according to the Consumer Price Index. Americans spent more of their disposable income on food in 2022 (11.3%) than they have during any year since 1991. 

You don’t need a binder full of coupons or spreadsheets to save money. Extreme couponing simply means looking through coupon aggregator websites, newsletters, and grocery store apps to find the best deals—and familiarizing yourself with the couponing system. It doesn’t have to be a tedious process. Plus, it’s worth it to get a discount on the foods you enjoy. 

Key Takeaways

• You can find coupons by downloading grocery store apps, signing up for newsletters, and joining loyalty programs.
• Cash-back apps, such as Ibotta, Upside, and Fetch Rewards, can offer additional rewards similar to coupons.
• Don’t fall for “deals” you don’t need–focus on the products and services you already buy to avoid paying for unnecessary extras.

How To Save Big at the Grocery Store With Coupons: The Basics 

Here are some practical ways to save that don’t require turning couponing into a full-time job.

1. Research Coupon Types

There are two main types of coupons:

• Store coupons from stores (e.g., Target or Walmart) 
• Manufacturer coupons from brands (e.g., Tide or General Mills) 

Manufacturer coupons can be used wherever the products are sold. While Target may issue a coupon that can only be used at Target, Tide might offer a coupon for laundry detergent that can be used at any store where you can buy Tide products. 

The real magic happens when you can use both types together on something that’s already on sale. It’s like triple-dipping on savings.

2. Where To Find Coupons (Without Spending Hours Looking)

You don’t need to buy five Sunday papers or spend your evenings cutting out tiny squares. Here are some of the easiest places to find coupons:

• Grocery store apps: Grocery store apps and websites often feature weekly ads that include a collection of coupons. 
• Loyalty programs: They’re actually worth joining! Some stores offer special discounts if you join.
• Websites: Coupon aggregators—such as Coupons.com, The Krazy Coupon Lady, and Coupon Cabin—curate and share coupons.
• Newsletters: Grocery stores and manufacturers have newsletters that may include coupons.
• The back of your receipts: Look before you crumple them up.
• Product packaging: Check the packaging on products you buy. Sometimes you’ll find coupons that can help you save the next time you buy the product.

3. An Easy Way To Save: Cash Back Apps

If searching for coupons isn’t your thing, try cash-back apps—including Ibotta, Upside, and Fetch Rewards. These apps can be super simple. For example, you can receive cash back from Ibotta just by selecting certain offers and scanning your receipt after shopping. No scissors required.

Tip

You don’t need to practice “extreme couponing” to save money. Even saving $10-20 per week can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. 

What To Avoid

Don’t go overboard buying things just because they’re on sale. That 12-pack of mustard might be practically free, but do you really need it?

It’s a good idea to focus on items you normally buy. Getting 50 cents off something that will just sit in your pantry forever isn’t saving money. Make sure you have space to store everything you buy—and that you’ll actually eat it before it goes bad. 

Don’t forget to research a store’s coupon policy. You might find that certain grocery stores have more generous redemption rules; policies vary on how many coupons you can use per day and if you can use more than one coupon at a time. But, you want to avoid searching for and saving coupons, only to get to the register and find out the discounts aren’t valid.

The Bottom Line

The goal isn’t to become a coupon master; it’s to keep more money in your wallet, while still getting the groceries you need. Start with these basics, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can save.