Top 10 Ways to Spend Less and Get More

By: Lisa Reynolds, Mom Saver-in-Chief for RedPlum

Today, families are looking for more ways to save and live “the value lifestyle.” This new behavior is evidenced by the record high coupon redemption levels (+7.9% in the first half of 2010 and seventh consecutive quarter of increased usage, according to NCH Marketing Services, Inc. Mid-year 2010 Coupon Facts Report) and savings trends noted across multiple industry studies and surveys. There is a permanent shift in how we shop and how we save. Today´s shopper has a keen eye on value that is here to stay.

The average family can save at least $1,000 per year by spending just 20 minutes a week seeking coupons, savings and deals from a variety of sources. As I meet shoppers and savers across the country I am impressed by their great savings and ingenuity. How much you save depends on you. Consider these practical tips to spend less and get more:

1. Share savings with a friend: People are passionate about scoring great deals and word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find deals. What better source than a trusted friend!

2. Seek savings in print and online: Those achieving the greatest savings are clipping print coupons and clicking and printing online coupons. While grocery is the No. 1 category for coupons, they are available across categories from dining to home improvement and everything in between. And be sure to search for coupon codes or free shipping offers for all of your online purchases.

3. Organize your coupons: Organize coupons the way in which you walk through the store — putting those expiring soonest in the front. The average expiration of a coupon in the first half of 2010 was 9.5 weeks.

4. Stock up on sale items: When you see an item on special that you use regularly, or a savings is featured with your loyalty card and you have a coupon, stock up — 66 percent of coupon shoppers say they are often able to combine coupons with other in-store specials, sales or frequent shopper discounts.

5. Easy access: Create a coupon envelope that lives in — and is always returned to — the car of the family´s main shopper allowing even the unexpected shopping trip be one in which you save.

6. Plan meals around savings: If you find a fantastic coupon, don´t dismiss it simply because the item is not usually on your list. Planning your meals at the same time as reviewing coupon offers and store circulars lets you take advantage of really great deals — and try new recipes. Many savvy cooks create meal plans based on what the stores advertise that week.

7. Double your savings: If your favorite retailer offers double or triple coupon values, shop on the days when you can get even more savings. Also, look out for daily deals at your favorite local grocer or restaurant.

8. Do your savings homework: Consumer research indicates big ticket purchases require research. The
Internet can help. Electronics, appliances, furniture, autos and trips top the list of more expensive items that require planning.

9. Call manufacturer 800 numbers: Up to 35 percent of manufacturers only send coupons upon request.

10. Eating for free: Kids eat free (our three favorite words)! Many chain establishments have proven the old adage of no free lunch (or dinner) wrong, especially if you have kids. Full service chain restaurants continue to offer some pretty sweet deals in the form of kids-eat-free promotions. 

Live the value lifestyle and you´ll rarely need to buy anything that´s not on sale.

Learn more from Lisa Reynolds on Diva Toolbox Radio: Viva la Value, which airs live from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time the first Thursday of each month at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lisa-reynolds. Listen to archived shows at: http://www.redplum.com/Pages/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=3370
Lisa is a busy working mom of two young boys who lives and breathes the value lifestyle she talks about during her radio show. She gets her love of deal hunting from her mother who she describes as “helpful Heloise” and from her grandmother who lived through the Great Depression and mailed her coupons for many years. She is an accomplished marketing executive who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications from the University of Virginia and her Master of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Rochester´s William E. Simon Graduate School of Business.