Printable Coupons Help Shoppers Save Big

With the still sluggish economy limiting the amount that consumers have to spend on everything from groceries to clothing, most customers are looking for ways to save a few dollars.  For those who are willing to spend a few minutes online, printable coupons offer the perfect opportunity to save at any number of local retailers.  Not convinced that you can find printable coupons for the stores you normally shop?  The experts think otherwise- "There are hundreds, if not thousands, of coupon sites out there offering the exact same thing," says Edgar Dworsky, who is the owner of a consumer protection site called Consumer World.

The best way to find printable coupons that you can use at the stores you love is to check your favorite coupon sites regularly.  Also, when you find a coupon you want, be sure to print it out right away as many discounts are pulled within days or even hours of being posted although the coupon is good for several weeks.

Printable coupons can be divided broadly into three categories- grocery coupons, retail coupons and restaurant coupons.  When it comes to printable grocery coupons, there are many sites that offer you the same discounts as those found in the Sunday newspaper.  While most grocers and discount stores will accept printable coupons, you will want to check with the store to find out what their specific policy is.  Some stores will only accept a limited number of printed coupons, while others restrict the use of free or nearly-free product coupons.

Another grocery store purchase that many people forget to use coupons on is pharmacy products, both over the counter and prescription.  If you take a prescription medication, check the manufacturer’s site, as many of them offer discounts that will reduce or cover your co-pay, which can be a major money saver for families that purchase numerous prescription medications.  You will also want to look for printable coupons for over the counter medications- these coupons can often be used in conjunction with sales or your employers’ medical spending account card to maximize savings.

When it comes to retail store coupons, such as those for apparel, electronics, home goods and toy stores, there are many options for printable coupons.  By signing up for a store’s loyalty program or email newsletter list, you may find that coupons are sent directly to you and can printed and used right away.  If you don’t receive coupons in your email, check for coupons before you go shopping.  If you frequent certain stores, print out extras of any coupons you find and keep them in your car or purse so you’ll always have them handy.

Restaurant savings are another area that even regular coupon users forget about.  Restaurants have felt the pinch of the economic slump more acutely than other retailers, and they are looking for ways to draw customers back to their establishments. Printable coupons for restaurants can range from a discount on your meal to a free item like an appetizer or dessert, or even buy-one-get-one deals on meals.  Printable restaurant coupons are easy to find, and like retail coupons, you will often receive them right in your email if you sign up on the restaurant’s site.

Coupons are the simplest way to help you stretch your budget, and printable coupons make it easy to keep the discounts you need in easy reach.  CNN’s article “Never Pay Retail Again” (http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/28/pf/goodbye_retail/) points out that consumers are feeling the effects of the slow economy and are turning to coupons as a way to save money.  The article goes on point out how easy it is to find those money saving printable coupons online.  Shopping smarter is easier than ever with printable coupons for everything from the items you want to the things you need.