COUPON QUEEN: Reasons to search for new deals

Everyone loves to save money, but some may hesitate to use coupons. Using coupons can be a smart way to save money and make your shopping more efficient. Here are five reasons why you should consider using coupons. Significant savings Coupons can lead to substantial discounts on everyday items. Whether it's groceries, household products, or even dining out, using coupons can reduce your overall expenses, allowing you to save money or allocate it to other needs. There's a sense of empowerment that comes with seeing that total drop lower and lower at the register, a tangible result of your savvy shopping. Ease of use Coupons are more accessible than ever. The weekend newspaper offers coupons, and some savings are delivered straight to your house through mailers and flyers. But the real game-changer is the digital apps that most stores now have. These apps have made saving money easier than ever, even for a novice, and can significantly increase your savings. With these apps, you can have your coupons at your fingertips, ready to use whenever you shop. Try new products Coupons often promote new products, allowing you to try something different at a lower cost. This can be a great way to discover new brands or items you may not have considered otherwise. On top of this, new products are often on sale, so you'll see much more significant savings. Budgeting and planning Using coupons encourages you to plan your shopping trips carefully. This can lead to more organized and intentional spending, helping you stick to a budget and avoid impulse purchases. When shopping, I always check the sales first, then match my coupons to the sales. I also plan my meals, so I'm not haphazardly adding things to my cart. Going in with a plan will always save you money. Extra perks and stacking Some stores and brands offer additional perks or rewards in addition to coupons. They may also use loyalty points, cash back, or exclusive deals. For instance, last week at Giant Eagle, they offered an extra 500 myPerks for every $30 you spent on select Nestle products. This equals 50¢ off per gallon of gas OR $10 off your grocery total. In addition to these special savings, many products were on sale and had coupons. This made several items in this sale (stacks with coupons) a fantastic deal. Over time, these benefits can add up, enhancing the value of your purchases. This week's deal Here's a deal to grab this week at Walgreens. Buy 2 Colgate Products $4 each Clip the $4/2 Colgate digital manufacturer's coupon*Pay $4Get back $3 Walgreens Cash RewardsFinal cost $1 total – just 50¢ each!* The coupon can be found on the Walgreens app or website. 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.