Saving money with coupons can be incredibly effective if you plan and use them strategically. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you maximize savings with coupons:

1. Get Organized with a Coupon System

• Use a Coupon Organizer: Keep all your coupons organized by category (e.g., groceries, household items, beauty) in a binder, folder, or envelope system. This makes it easy to find and use them when shopping.
• Track Expiration Dates: Make a habit of regularly checking expiration dates so you don’t miss out on valuable deals. Some organizers come with pockets for different months, which can help you prioritize which coupons to use first.

2. Stack Coupons with Sales for Maximum Discounts

• Match Coupons with Store Sales: Check weekly ads from your favorite stores and try to use coupons on items that are already on sale. Stacking coupons with store sales maximizes savings and can even result in free or heavily discounted items.
• Use Store Coupons with Manufacturer Coupons: Many stores allow you to use a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item. This “double stacking” can lead to big discounts, so look for both types of coupons when shopping.

3. Use Digital Coupons and Apps

• Download Store Apps: Many stores, like Target and Kroger, have their own apps with exclusive coupons. Load these digital coupons onto your account and apply them at checkout.
• Use Cashback Apps: Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, Fetch Rewards, and Checkout 51 offer cashback on items after purchase. You can use these in addition to regular coupons, resulting in even more savings.
• Join Loyalty Programs: Many grocery and retail stores offer loyalty programs that come with exclusive coupons and special discounts. Sign up and scan your loyalty card at checkout to get the best prices.

4. Double or Triple Coupon Savings at Participating Stores

• Look for Double or Triple Coupon Days: Some stores offer double or triple coupon days, where the value of your coupons is multiplied. This can lead to huge savings, so check with your local stores or grocery chains to see if they offer these days.
• Know Store Policies: Each store has different coupon policies, so check their guidelines to see how they handle doubling or tripling coupons and how many coupons can be used per item or per transaction.

5. Use Coupons for High-Discount Categories

• Focus on Grocery Staples and Household Essentials: Use coupons for commonly bought items, such as canned goods, paper products, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. These items often have regular coupons and can be stored for a long time.
• Stock Up on Non-Perishable Goods: When you find a great deal with coupons, buy in bulk, especially for non-perishable items. Stocking up prevents you from paying full price later and keeps essentials on hand.

6. Check for Rebates and Rewards

• Look for Rebates: Some products offer mail-in or online rebates, which give you a partial refund after purchase. Use coupons for these items to reduce the upfront cost, and submit the rebate for additional savings.
• Earn Store Rewards: Many stores have rewards programs that offer points or money back based on your spending. Use coupons to lower your out-of-pocket costs but still earn rewards on the full purchase amount.

7. Print Coupons Online

• Use Coupon Websites: Sites like Coupons.com, SmartSource, and RedPlum offer printable coupons. Check these sites regularly, print what you need, and bring them along to the store.
• Sign Up for Newsletters: Many brands and stores offer printable coupons through their newsletters. Sign up for your favorite brands’ email lists to receive exclusive coupons and deals.

8. Plan Your Shopping Trips with Coupons

• Create a Shopping List Based on Coupons: Plan your shopping list around the coupons you have. This ensures that you’re using your coupons strategically and reduces the temptation to buy items you don’t need.
• Go to Multiple Stores: Different stores may have varying prices and promotions, so plan to shop at a few places if possible to get the best deals on specific items.

9. Use Coupons for Seasonal and Holiday Sales

• Look for Holiday-Themed Coupons: During holidays, many brands offer special coupons. Stock up on items that go on sale during these times (like canned goods around Thanksgiving) to maximize savings.
• Take Advantage of Seasonal Clearances: As each season ends, stores often discount seasonal products heavily. Combine these clearance prices with coupons to get items at a fraction of the original price.

10. Follow Couponing Websites and Communities

• Use Coupon Blogs and Forums: Websites like The Krazy Coupon Lady, Hip2Save, and various Facebook couponing groups share deals, coupon matchups, and tips. Following these resources can help you stay on top of the best deals.
• Join Local Couponing Groups: Many communities have local couponing groups where people share deals and occasionally trade coupons. This can help you access more coupons and find discounts at specific local stores.

11. Use “Catalina” Coupons from Previous Purchases

• Save and Redeem Catalina Coupons: Many stores print Catalina coupons at checkout for discounts on future purchases. These are usually based on what you buy, so check your receipt for any Catalina coupons that can be used next time.
• Use Catalinas with Sale Items: Hold onto these coupons until you see a good sale on the items they’re valid for, allowing you to maximize savings further.

12. Don’t Buy Just Because It’s a Deal

• Stick to Your List: While it’s easy to get caught up in couponing deals, only buy items you actually need or will use. Buying unnecessary items just because they’re on sale can lead to overspending.
• Be Selective: It’s tempting to try out new products because of a coupon, but if it’s not something your family will use, it’s better to skip the deal and save that money.

Summary

Using coupons strategically by stacking them with sales, shopping smart, and taking advantage of rewards and cashback apps can help you save significantly on everyday expenses. By following these tips and staying organized, you can make couponing an effective tool for cutting costs and building up savings over time.

Saving money in a bank account with interest allows you to grow your savings passively, without much effort. Here’s how to maximize your bank savings with interest:

1. Choose a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA)

• Higher Interest Rates: HYSAs offer significantly higher interest rates than regular savings accounts, often 3-5% APY compared to the typical 0.01-0.5% APY of standard accounts.
• Online Banks: Many online banks offer competitive high-yield savings accounts with no minimum balance requirements or fees, making them a good choice for maximizing interest.
• Shop Around: Compare interest rates, fees, and terms across different banks. Websites like Bankrate or NerdWallet can help you find the current best rates for HYSAs.

2. Consider a Certificate of Deposit (CD)

• Guaranteed Interest Rate: CDs offer a fixed interest rate for a set term, which is generally higher than regular savings accounts. Common CD terms range from 3 months to 5 years, with longer terms usually offering higher interest rates.
• Commitment to Not Withdraw Early: CDs require you to leave your money untouched for the term’s duration. Early withdrawal may result in penalties, so only invest in a CD if you don’t need immediate access to those funds.
• Ladder Your CDs: To maintain access to funds while earning high interest, you can “ladder” CDs by investing in multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates. For example, you might invest in 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year CDs, allowing for regular access to funds as each one matures.

3. Take Advantage of Compound Interest

• Interest Earned on Interest: Compound interest means that the interest you earn is added to your principal, and future interest is calculated on this larger amount, accelerating your savings growth.
• Choose Accounts with Frequent Compounding: Some accounts compound interest daily, monthly, or annually. The more frequently interest compounds, the more you’ll earn over time.
• Leave Your Interest in the Account: Reinvesting the interest you earn instead of withdrawing it allows your savings to grow more quickly due to compounding.

4. Look Into Money Market Accounts (MMAs)

• Higher Rates with Check-Writing Privileges: Money Market Accounts (MMAs) often offer interest rates close to those of HYSAs and sometimes come with the added flexibility of check-writing and limited debit card use.
• Minimum Balance Requirements: MMAs may require a higher minimum balance to avoid fees and earn higher interest, so check the terms and make sure you can meet any requirements before opening an account.

5. Utilize Savings Automation for Consistent Growth

• Set Up Automatic Transfers: Schedule automatic transfers from your checking to your savings account, ideally every time you get paid. This ensures consistent contributions and keeps your savings growing steadily.
• Round-Up Savings Tools: Some banks offer round-up features, where purchases made with a linked debit card are rounded up to the nearest dollar, with the extra amount going into your savings. This small change adds up over time, helping you save passively.

6. Consider Treasury-Backed Savings (e.g., I Bonds)

• Inflation-Protected Interest: Series I Savings Bonds are a government-backed investment that adjusts with inflation, making them ideal for times when inflation is high. They currently offer competitive interest rates, with the rate resetting twice a year based on inflation.
• Low-Risk Investment: I Bonds are backed by the U.S. government, making them a very safe investment. However, they do have an early withdrawal penalty if redeemed before 5 years, so plan accordingly.

7. Avoid Fees That Eat into Interest Earnings

• Choose No-Fee Accounts: Look for accounts with no monthly maintenance fees, as these can diminish the interest you earn. Many online banks offer no-fee high-yield savings accounts.
• Maintain Minimum Balance Requirements: Some high-yield accounts and MMAs require a minimum balance to avoid fees and earn the highest interest rate. Make sure you understand these requirements and meet them consistently.

8. Reevaluate Rates Regularly

• Interest Rates Can Change: Many banks adjust interest rates periodically, and an account that had a good rate when you opened it may become less competitive. Check your bank’s current rate and compare it to other options every 6-12 months.
• Switch to Higher-Yield Options When Available: If your current bank’s rate drops, consider switching to another institution offering a better rate to maximize your interest earnings.

9. Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts for Long-Term Savings

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): If you have a high-deductible health plan, an HSA lets you save for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. Many HSAs offer interest and even investment options, allowing your savings to grow tax-free.
• Retirement Accounts (IRAs): While IRAs are typically associated with investment accounts, some banks offer IRAs in the form of CDs or high-yield savings. Contributions to traditional IRAs are tax-deductible, and interest grows tax-deferred until withdrawal.

10. Reinvest Interest Earnings in a Higher-Yield Investment

• Use Interest as Investment Capital: Once you accumulate interest earnings, you can move this amount to other investments (e.g., stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs) for potential higher returns.
• Build an Investment Strategy with Extra Earnings: Creating a diversified portfolio with your interest earnings can help you achieve higher growth while still keeping your principal safe in a high-yield savings or other low-risk accounts.

By choosing high-yield options, utilizing automation, and keeping an eye on fees and rates, you can make the most of your bank savings and earn significant interest over time.

Saving money with a big family can be challenging, but with strategic planning, budgeting, and some smart shopping habits, it’s possible to cut costs significantly. Here are practical ways to save money when supporting a large household:

1. Create a Family Budget and Set Financial Goals

• Track Income and Expenses: List all sources of income and expenses. Track everything for a month to identify spending patterns and areas for improvement.
• Prioritize Needs vs. Wants: Establish priorities for essential expenses (housing, food, healthcare) and limit spending on non-essentials.
• Set Family Savings Goals: Involve the whole family in setting goals, such as saving for a vacation or building an emergency fund. When everyone understands the importance, they’re more likely to support efforts to save.

2. Buy in Bulk and Shop Smart

• Bulk Purchase Essentials: Buy bulk items like rice, pasta, canned goods, toiletries, and cleaning supplies at wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club. Bulk purchases often have lower per-unit costs and help reduce frequent shopping trips.
• Shop Sales and Use Coupons: Take advantage of store sales, discounts, and coupons. Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch Rewards can offer cashback and additional savings.
• Choose Store Brands: Generic or store-brand products are usually cheaper than name brands and often have similar quality, which is especially useful for pantry staples, dairy products, and cleaning supplies.

3. Meal Plan and Minimize Food Waste

• Plan Weekly Meals: Create a meal plan based on items you already have and what’s on sale. Meal planning helps avoid impulse purchases and reduces food waste.
• Cook in Bulk and Freeze Leftovers: Prepare large portions and freeze meals for future use. Batch cooking saves time and makes it easier to prepare cost-effective, home-cooked meals.
• Use Leftovers Creatively: Repurpose leftovers into new meals to avoid waste. For example, leftover chicken can be turned into soups, sandwiches, or tacos.

4. Limit Eating Out and Pack Meals

• Pack Lunches: Packing lunches for school and work saves a lot compared to buying meals. Invest in reusable containers and lunch bags to make it easy and cost-effective.
• Have a “DIY” Snack Station: Create a snack station at home with pre-portioned, inexpensive snacks (like pretzels, fruit, or cheese sticks) to reduce the temptation of more costly, pre-packaged items.
• Make Dining Out a Special Occasion: Limit eating out to special events or weekends. Plan and budget for family outings so you can enjoy without overspending.

5. Minimize Utility Bills

• Practice Energy-Saving Habits: Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, use energy-efficient LED bulbs, and unplug electronics to reduce electricity use.
• Adjust Thermostat Settings: Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer. Using programmable thermostats can also save energy when no one’s home.
• Use Water Wisely: Fix any leaks, use low-flow showerheads, and encourage shorter showers to save on water bills.

6. Buy Secondhand or Share Large Purchases

• Shop for Secondhand Clothing: Buy gently used clothes for children, as they outgrow items quickly. Check out thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces like Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace.
• Borrow or Rent When Possible: For items you only need occasionally, consider borrowing from friends or renting instead of buying. This is especially helpful for tools, sports equipment, or event supplies.
• Use Hand-Me-Downs: Encourage siblings to use each other’s clothes, toys, and equipment where possible to maximize each item’s lifespan.

7. Embrace DIY and Save on Household Services

• DIY Household Maintenance: Learn to do basic repairs, painting, or landscaping yourself to avoid paying for professional services.
• Make Homemade Cleaning Products: Homemade cleaning solutions (e.g., vinegar, baking soda, and water) can save money and reduce chemical exposure.
• Try DIY Entertainment: Organize family game nights, movie nights, or backyard camping instead of expensive outings. These can be just as fun and help save on entertainment costs.

8. Reduce Transportation Costs

• Carpool When Possible: If you have kids attending the same school or nearby activities, arrange carpools with other families to reduce fuel expenses.
• Opt for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: If you’re buying or replacing a family car, consider fuel efficiency and maintenance costs. Minivans and certain SUVs have more space but vary in fuel economy.
• Use Public Transport or Walk: For trips to school, the park, or local shops, consider walking or using public transit if available. It’s cost-effective and a good form of exercise.

9. Save on Healthcare and Childcare Costs

• Look for Health Insurance Discounts: Many insurance plans offer discounts or incentives for preventive care, wellness programs, or healthy behaviors.
• Share Childcare Duties: Arrange childcare swaps with friends or family for date nights or work needs. If one parent can work part-time or remotely, it can also reduce daycare expenses.
• Use Free or Low-Cost Health Services: Some clinics, schools, or community centers offer free or low-cost vaccinations, dental checkups, or physicals for children.

10. Utilize Rewards and Cash Back Programs

• Use Cash Back Credit Cards Responsibly: If you have a cash-back or rewards credit card, use it for regular expenses and pay off the balance monthly to avoid interest. Points and cash back can add up and be used toward other purchases.
• Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs: Many stores offer loyalty programs with discounts, coupons, or points you can redeem. Sign up at stores you frequent to maximize savings.
• Join Warehouse Club Rewards Programs: Memberships like Costco or Sam’s Club have rewards programs with discounts and cashback on fuel, groceries, and other essentials.

11. Plan Ahead for Special Occasions

• Shop Sales for Birthdays and Holidays: Buy gifts and decorations during sales, or look for discounted items throughout the year to avoid last-minute, full-price purchases.
• Budget for Back-to-School Supplies: Stock up on school supplies and clothes during sales, and keep an eye out for tax-free weekends, which many states offer around back-to-school time.
• Opt for Homemade Gifts and Cards: Save on gift-giving by making homemade gifts or cards. It adds a personal touch and saves money.

12. Invest in Family-Friendly Memberships and Passes

• Buy Family Passes for Local Attractions: Many museums, zoos, or parks offer family memberships that are cheaper than paying for individual visits. Look for annual passes if you visit regularly.
• Check for Free Community Events: Attend free events like library programs, festivals, and local performances instead of paid outings.
• Use Library Resources: Many libraries offer free access to books, audiobooks, movies, and even passes to local museums. It’s a great resource for low-cost entertainment.

By implementing these strategies and making thoughtful spending choices, a big family can save on essentials and plan for the future without compromising on quality or comfort. Small, consistent savings add up over time, helping create a stable financial environment for the entire family.

Using DoorDash can be convenient but expensive, especially with fees, tips, and delivery charges. Here are some strategies to save money while ordering with DoorDash:

1. Use DoorDash Pass

• Save on Delivery Fees: DoorDash Pass is a subscription service that provides free delivery on orders over a certain amount (typically $12). It costs around $9.99 per month, so it’s worth it if you order frequently.
• Exclusive Discounts: DoorDash Pass members also get access to exclusive promotions and discounts, which can lead to more savings over time.

2. Check for Promo Codes and Discounts

• DoorDash App and Website: Look for promotions in the app or on the DoorDash website. DoorDash often runs discounts for certain restaurants or regions, so check the “Deals” section before ordering.
• Use Rewards and Cashback Apps: Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Honey sometimes offer cashback or promo codes for DoorDash, so always check these platforms before placing an order.

3. Refer Friends for DoorDash Credits

• Referral Program: DoorDash offers a referral program where you can share a unique referral link with friends. When they sign up and place their first order, both of you receive DoorDash credits.
• Earn Credit for Future Orders: These credits can help reduce the cost of future orders or cover delivery fees and service charges.

4. Order Pickup Instead of Delivery

• Avoid Delivery Fees: Many restaurants on DoorDash allow pickup orders. By choosing the pickup option, you can avoid delivery fees and reduce the tip amount, making it more affordable.
• Quick and Convenient: This is also a faster option if you live close to the restaurant and can pick up your food on the way.

5. Look for Group Ordering Discounts

• Order with Friends or Family: DoorDash sometimes offers discounts on group orders, which can help lower costs when ordering for multiple people.
• Split Delivery Fees: Ordering as a group means you only pay one delivery fee, splitting it among everyone. This way, you save money compared to each person ordering individually.

6. Use Your Credit Card or Bank’s Perks

• Credit Card Rewards: Some credit cards, like Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum, offer cashback or statement credits on food delivery services like DoorDash.
• DoorDash Credit Card Partnerships: Certain credit cards offer free DoorDash Pass membership or additional rewards points for DoorDash purchases. Check if your card has these benefits.

7. Take Advantage of DashMart

• Lower Prices on Essentials: DashMart, DoorDash’s convenience store feature, often has competitive prices on essentials like groceries, snacks, and personal care items.
• Combine Orders: If you’re already ordering food, you can add items from DashMart to avoid separate delivery fees for household essentials.

8. Order During Off-Peak Times

• Lower Fees During Off-Peak Hours: Some restaurants and DoorDash may have lower service fees during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon or late evening. Check prices at different times to see if you can save.
• Avoid Surge Pricing: DoorDash sometimes increases delivery fees during peak times due to high demand. Ordering during non-peak hours can help you avoid these added costs.

9. Use DoorDash Gift Cards and Rewards

• Discounted Gift Cards: Look for discounted DoorDash gift cards on sites like Raise or through credit card reward portals. You can buy these at a lower rate and use them to save on future orders.
• DoorDash Credits: Sometimes, DoorDash offers credit for signing up for promotional deals or surveys. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to earn credit toward your next order.

10. Opt for Lower-Tip Amounts for Small Orders

• Adjust Tip Based on Order Size: If you’re placing a small order, consider tipping accordingly. DoorDash allows you to adjust the tip, so you can leave a lower amount on smaller orders while tipping more on larger ones.

By following these tips, you can reduce delivery fees, find discounts, and earn rewards while using DoorDash, making it a more budget-friendly option for meal delivery.

Honey is a free browser extension that helps you save money by automatically finding and applying coupon codes to online purchases. Here’s how to maximize your savings with Honey:

1. Use Honey’s Coupon Finder

• Automatic Coupon Application: When you shop online, Honey will automatically check for and apply the best available coupons at checkout. Just click on the Honey icon during checkout, and it will test multiple codes to see which one saves you the most.
• Works on Thousands of Sites: Honey is compatible with many popular online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Using Honey regularly across these sites can help you save consistently.

2. Take Advantage of Honey Gold Rewards

• Earn Honey Gold on Purchases: Honey Gold is a cashback program that rewards you with points (Honey Gold) for purchases made at participating retailers. Accumulated points can be redeemed for gift cards to stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
• Check Gold Opportunities: Before buying, check the Honey extension to see if the site offers Honey Gold and what percentage of cashback you’ll earn.

3. Use the Droplist for Price Tracking

• Monitor Price Drops: Honey’s Droplist feature allows you to “watch” items and get notified when the price drops. Simply add the item to your Droplist, and Honey will notify you via email or browser notification if the price decreases.
• Set Price Alerts for Big Purchases: Use Droplist for items you don’t need urgently. This feature is especially useful for expensive items, allowing you to buy them when they’re at the best price.

4. Use Honey’s Amazon Price Comparison Tool

• Compare Sellers Automatically: Honey shows you the lowest price for an item among Amazon sellers. This tool highlights any significant price differences and tells you if the price you’re seeing is the lowest or if it’s been cheaper in the past.
• Check Price History: Honey’s Price History tool lets you see the price trends of an item on Amazon over time, helping you decide if it’s a good time to buy.

5. Join Honey’s Referral Program

• Earn Honey Gold by Referring Friends: Honey offers Gold rewards for referring friends and family to install the extension. Each referral can earn you extra points, which add up to gift card rewards.
• Share with Social Circles: Sharing Honey with people you know can help you accumulate Honey Gold faster and maximize your savings.

6. Stay Updated with Honey Offers and Exclusives

• Access Exclusive Deals: Honey occasionally offers exclusive deals and discounts on certain retailers. Keep an eye on the Honey extension or app for these offers to save on participating stores.
• Use Honey Mobile App: The Honey app also allows you to find and apply savings on mobile, including exclusive offers available through mobile-only retailers.

7. Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales with Honey

• Optimize Savings During Sales: Honey works during major sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal sales to help you find additional discounts. It’s especially useful during these events, where you can stack promo codes with already discounted prices.

By using Honey’s features consistently, you can save on everyday purchases, track price drops, and even earn rewards toward future purchases. Honey makes it easy to apply discounts automatically, helping you save without the hassle of searching for coupon codes manually.