New to coupon-clipping? Tips for getting the most out of coupons

(ARA) - On top of working extra hours, slashing expenses and worrying about the future, the recession has a lot of us doing something we never did before -- clipping coupons.

If you’ve developed a recent interest in saving cash with coupons you’re not alone; National Public Radio reported late last year that the economic downturn has sparked renewed interest in coupons. NPR cited a study by Simmons/Experian Research and Coupons Inc. that indicated 36 million people now use Internet coupons.

If you’re new to coupon clipping, some expert advice can help you make the most of your efforts -- and spare you frustrating hours of hunting for just the right coupon. The coupon experts at Go-Go Shopper, a coupon Web site, offer some helpful hints:

Go beyond groceries
Yes, coupons can yield great savings in one area that makes up a big part of most American family’s overall budgets -- groceries. But you’re missing out on some great savings if you only use coupons when you visit the supermarket. It’s now possible to find coupons online for virtually everything you want to buy, from clothing and jewelry to beauty products and flowers, printer ink and office paper to hardware and designer fashions.

Timing is everything
Most retailers and manufacturers post new online coupons in time for the weekend. On Go-Go Shopper, the site automatically checks all other major coupon sites daily to ensure the most up-to-date deals appear. Check online resources yourself at least once a week for new deals.

Patience pays
Say you want a new laptop and you’ve got a specific brand in mind. If you don’t find a coupon for it now, you probably will if you wait for a little while. For purchases that you don’t need immediately, it pays to wait until you find the right coupon. New deals arrive daily and you often won’t have to wait long to find a coupon for what you want.

Search smart
When searching the Internet for a coupon you want, make your search specific. Include the store or brand name for the item you want -- such as “JC Penney coupons” or, to ensure you’re finding online coupons "JC Penney.com coupons." Better yet, use consolidator sites like Go-Go Shopper to get the most coupon deals in one location. The site lists more than 3,000 online merchants, and indexes them in a searchable database.

To view thousands of online coupons from top merchants, visit www.gogoshopper.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent