One of the best ways to save money on groceries and other items is using coupons. But a certain amount of discipline needs to be used when using coupons. We hear from people all the time about the mistakes that they make using coupons that ends up costing them more than if they had shopped without the coupons. So we have compiled a list of some the more common mistakes:

• Don't purchase a product just because you have a coupon for a product - If it isn't a product you will use your not saving money buying it.
• Don't be fooled into paying more for a brand of product just because you have a coupon for that brand - Some times other brands will still be cheaper even without the coupon than the higher priced brands with a coupon.
• Don't buy large quanities of products that you can't use up before they go bad just to use the coupon - If your having to throw out products just so you purchase enough to fulfill the coupon you are usally wasting money in order to use a coupon.
• Always check with your local store to make sure they accept online coupons before filling your cart with items that you plan to use printed online coupons - Not all stores accept online coupons and this can be very flustrating and embarassing at the checkout line.
• Always check the expiration dates on your coupons before you try to use them at the cash register - If you get to the register and a coupon is not valid another brand may have been cheaper.
• Always check the coupon closley for what size, variety, brand the coupon will apply - Most coupons are only good on certain sizes, varieties, or stores purchased.

There are many places to find coupons. We have listed some of the more common ones:

• Online
  • Coupon Surfer - Coupons you print from your computer
  • List of stores with coupons listed on Green Pig - Coupons you print from your computer
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Store Websites
• Product Packages
• Coupon Trading with Friends & Family
• Store Displays

Rebates

are great for getting money back for the items you purchase. Rebates can be instant rebates that are taken off the price when you make the purchase or rebate offers you must fill out and send in. The instore rebates are much quicker and easier to use but often harder to find. Mail in rebates can be very rewarding but require you to put more effort and time into using them. Mail in rebates can be found:
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Store Websites
• Product Packages
• Rebate Trading with Friends & Family
• Store Displays
But no matter where you find the rebate there are a few important details to remember when submitting rebate forms:
• Watch required purchase dates- Most rebates limit the dates you can purchase the product.
• Watch required purchase sizes, models, and exclusions- Most rebates limit the purchase to specific products.
• Submitt the required proof of purchases and receipts required by the rebate- Most rebates require a specific type of proof of purchase and some require the original reciept.
• Becareful addressing the envelope- Most rebates are sent to post office boxes and may require a special wording of the name on the envelope. Often times a company will have more than one offer sent to the same box.