Coupons are a great way to save money at grocery, drug, and discount stores. Weekly savings may seem small at the checkout counter; however, the dollars and cents add up to a substantial savings over time. Now more than ever, it is important to save money any chance one gets.
Finding, preparing and using coupons to save money does not have to be complicated, but it may take some planning, patience, and dedication. The Fort Detrick Army Community Service's Financial Readiness Program is ready to help with your coupon search. The Coupon Exchange provides clipped and sorted coupons for our families to peruse for potential savings.
Almost two years ago, the ACS partnered with the Frederick Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to find additional ways that the DAR could support the local military population. One of DAR's members, Barbara Shealer, took one of the suggestions and made it into reality.
As the founder of the coupon program, Shealer engaged the support of the DAR and her many other friends and neighbors to gather and clip stacks of coupons for the FRP's Coupon Exchange. Stacks may be an understatement for the amount of coupons brought into the program.
In 2012, the DAR gathered and clipped over $57,000 in coupons for the Coupon Exchange. Unfortunately, not every coupon gets redeemed to help military families save on their household expenses.
However, the Coupon Exchange has several "regulars" who understand how valuable the savings can be for their families. We are hoping for more participation in 2013.
Finding coupons to help with your shopping is good, but actually redeeming them is wonderful. Many times a much desired coupon finds its way to the bottom of the purse or the car's floorboard - never to be used. To prevent this from happening to you, and to help maximize your time and potential savings, here are a few tips to note:
1. You should make or buy a coupon organizer. It doesn't matter if you use a binder with labels, envelopes, or a virtual coupon organizer-the key is organization.
2. File and store your clipped coupons by product, expiration date, or alphabetical order. Many experienced coupon users will sort by layout of a favorite grocery or store. The key here is to use a system that will work for you.
3. Keep your coupons in your car or purse so they will always be available for that impromptu errand.
4. Save and organize coupons for staples and products you normally use-unless you are tempted to try something new.
5. Look for additional coupons on the internet, store shelves, value pak mailings, or trade with friends; ask them to save particular products in trade for others. Everybody wins.
6. Use coupons in conjunction with store rewards cards for additional savings. The Commissary Rewards Card is now available to help you save even more. Inquire about your card at your next commissary visit.
The Coupon Exchange Program has planned offerings every other Thursday at the Post Chapel, 1776 Ditto Avenue from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., and 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Additionally, the Coupon Exchange is available at the ACS on the other weekdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you have additional questions concerning the Coupon Exchange call the FRP at (301) 619-3455/3456.
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