Every week, UK families spend an average of £536.80. Over half of that amount is divided into four categories: housing, recreation, transportation, and food.
While you might not be able to reduce the costs of housing and fuel, there are lots of ways to lower your weekly grocery budget.
Do you know which shopping coupons UK families can use to save money? If not, we're here to help. The right supermarket vouchers translate into amazing savings, so you can free up more money for the things you really want.
Keep reading to learn our top tips for finding coupons!
Never used shopping coupons before? This easy step-by-step guide will get you off to a great start.
Your first step is targeting the right places to look for supermarket vouchers.
First, there are the paper options. Take flyers from your local grocery store the next time you're in and flip through them: they often contain coupons. The store might also mail you coupons--if they don't, ask if you can get on a list.
Local magazines and newspapers are also great sources for coupons. Start a file folder or box where you'll keep your paper coupons, and make sure to flip through your local mailings before recycling them, putting any relevant coupon in the file.
You might want to start a "coupon corner" in your house where you keep those papers or flyers, a pair of scissors, and the coupon file. Whenever someone in the family has a few minutes to spare, they can go through the papers there for useful coupons.
However, today's coupons can often be found online, too. In addition to checking the store's website, make sure to find some websites that specialise in discounts, vouchers, and coupons. You can also download apps to help you find the coupons you want.
Make sure you have a printer available to print out online coupons and keep them in your coupon file.
In addition to using coupon websites, follow brands and stores on social media to learn what they're discounting and when. This can help you pick the best days to shop, and never miss a deal.
As you collect more coupons, it's important to organise them.
How you sort your coupon box or file is up to you, but it's a good idea to at least sort by store. That way, if you're planning a trip to a particular supermarket, you can quickly find the right coupons.
Beyond that, you may also want to sort by item and by expiration date. It's important to keep track of when your coupons are set to expire so you can use them in time!
You can even set reminders on your calendar app (or write them on your actual calendar) so you won't forget to go shopping before your coupons expire.
Over time, you'll find that you can use different types of coupon on the same item for even more savings. For example, if you have a favourite brand, look for manufacturer's coupons. Combine those with store coupons and you can get incredible discounts.
One good way to get manufacturer's coupons is to write to a company and tell them how much you love their products. You don't even need to ask for coupons directly: they'll probably send you some to thank you for being a loyal customer.
While complaining to a brand about a problem may also net you some coupons, thanking them gives you the same results without waiting to find something to complain about.
Price guarantees are like a form of coupon that can get you discounts with no paper involved.
To keep up with the competition, many stores promise to match the prices at other stores. Even if you aren't aware of a price guarantee at a certain store, it never hurts to ask!
To stick with couponing, you might want to turn it into a game for you and the family.
For example, compete to see who can find the biggest discount or the most coupons for a certain store. This provides a great incentive for everyone to stay proactive about finding discounts.
In addition to using these voucher options, there are a few other savvy ways UK shoppers can reduce their grocery budgets. Try these tips and calculate how much you can save!
Food coupons are great, but don't let the existence of a deal trick you into buying something you won't use--especially if it's perishable. If food goes bad before you eat it, it was a waste no matter how much you paid.
Taking a list with you helps you stay organized and use all the coupons you have, while also avoiding buying what you won't use. Impulse buys can quickly add up, eating into the savings your coupons produced.
Some prepackaged foods are worth it: they might cost more, but they take less prep time. However, brands often charge exorbitant amounts for pre-cut fruits and vegetables--and this doesn't really save you much time.
At certain times of the week, stores will drop prices on what they can't sell before it goes bad. Talk to the managers at your favorite store to find out when those discounts are steepest, so you can plan your shopping days accordingly.
Off-brand items are almost always cheaper, even without a coupon. Don't get too attached to certain brands: you may find that the competitors are just as good if not better, for a lower price.
The best shopping coupons UK families can use come from many different sources. From the newspaper to the internet, you'll soon get the hang of collecting coupons from different places. Start today and watch the savings add up!
However, if you're short on time, getting started can seem daunting. Don't worry--there are options even for busy families. Check out how WeDoSavings can save you time and money here!
