What is all the fuss about couponing? We read about it often and see beloved characters from our favourite TV series making use of them, but what exactly does it entail and how does one start? We’re taking you through the basics.

By Ulisha Moodley

1. SET TIME ASIDE

Couponing doesn’t have to take up all of your time, all it requires is your full attention. A good way to start would be committing to it for 1-2 hours per week. Set aside a couponing evening every week, complete with coffee and snacks.

2. HOW TO FIND THEM

There are a few places where you can usually find coupons (don’t ignore them!): on shelves between products in the grocery store, in your local newspaper, coupon websites and apps and in magazines (sign up to MyKitchen here for big savings every month).

3. GET ORGANISED

We recommend getting a slip file. Place all the coupons that are going to expire the soonest in front and move backwards from there. You can also organise them according to food category to make finding them easier before heading to the shops.

4. USE THEM WISELY

If you are shopping for an ingredient just because you have a coupon for it, you aren’t going to save big. Rather arrange your couponing around your weekly meal plan, trying to create family meals with multiple coupons.

5. BUY IN BULK

If you have a coupon for dry, non-perishable goods, wait for them to go on special (double discount!) and then buy in bulk to save over the long term.

6. Ts&Cs APPLY

Lastly, and most importantly, always read the terms and conditions of your coupon before you use it. Specific things to look out for are the expiration date and which stores they are valid for.

DID YOU KNOW?

MyKitchen readers are rewarded with 8 amazing coupons in every issue of MyKitchen magazines, available in stores near you, or become a subscriber here.