COUPON QUEEN: Avoid these money-saving mistakes

I use coupons in as many places as I can. Of course, I use them at the grocery store, but I also use them in everyday life, such as at the movies, restaurants, salons, and everywhere in between. Coupons can save you money just about anywhere. I usually say yes to coupons to maximize my savings, but there are a few things I won't do in regard to saving money. Here are a five things that coupon users shouldn't do. Don't photocopy coupons Copying coupons isn't just frowned upon; it is fraudulent. People who have used counterfeit coupons have been prosecuted and convicted. You can print up to two coupons, but this will vary per site. If you want more of that coupon, you can always ask your non-coupon-loving family and friends to print your extras. Don't use coupons on the wrong products Each coupon clearly describes the product and the size it can be used on. Using a coupon for any product other than the one intended is wrong. If a coupon is for body wash, you can't use it on shampoo. It doesn't matter if the coupon will scan. You must follow the coupon description. Unfortunately, because of the rise of misusing coupons, coupon rules have gotten tighter. Don't clear the shelf We all love a good deal, but it can be frustrating when one person clears the store of 25 bottles of laundry detergent. To cut down on this, many stores have limited the amount of coupons you can use on each trip. With deal cycles coming back around about every four to six weeks, you don't need to buy a six-month supply of the product, just enough to get you to the next sale. Don't use fake coupons If you have received a pdf file via email for a free high-cost product, it's most likely fake. For instance, I recently had a friend ask if I wanted her to send along a coupon she received from an acquaintance. She had not used it yet but was excited that it was for a free pack of diapers. Once I asked a few questions, I shared my concern that the coupon was likely fake. Stick to using coupons only from reputable company websites, and you should be safe. Don't be unkind Do you ever have a day when you are yelled at, talked down to, or belittled? Unfortunately, I'm betting cashiers get that most days they work. Sometimes cashiers can have a rough day and take it out on customers, but put yourself in their shoes. Most cashiers aren't out to make us deal-hunters' lives difficult but instead want to ensure everyone follows the policies. When it comes down to it, we couponers have to deal with a lot fewer cranky cashiers than they have to deal with crabby shoppers. Put a smile on your face and make their day. It will make a big difference to both of you. Tune in every Tuesday at 8:40 a.m. on AM 930 WEOL or 100.3 FM to hear me chat about money-saving tips. You can listen online or on the radio. This week's deal Here is a deal to grab this week at Discount Drug Mart starting Wednesday.Walnut Creek Marble and Colby deli cheese — $4.99 per pound Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.