Grocery coupons are an easy way to save money. They can help you save money on food and other household items. It's not always easy to find coupons on certain products, however, as manufacturers usually limit coupons to products they are currently advertising heavily. This page can help you learn how to find grocery coupons on products that you're planning on buying anyway.

In 2006, coupons valued at $332 billion were distributed by manufacturers. Most of these were never redeemed, meaning that consumers lost out on the opportunity to save over three hundred billion dollars.Search Engine Watch: Judy's Book Launches 'CouponLooker' Search Engine (April 19, 2007) That's a lot of money that could be used to stretch the grocery budget of the average family.

It is important to read your coupons carefully. Most coupons have an expiration date and are often limited to specific products or package sizes. Many people find printable coupons online, however, not all retailers will take them. Those that do accept coupons printed from a computer, including Wal-Mart, often have specific requirements, including that the coupons need to have a readable barcode printed on them. The coupons should also have "Manufacturer's Coupon" printed on them.http://walmartstores.com/7655.aspx If you aren't sure of your favorite store's specific coupon policy, ask a manager for details.

• The first place most people check for coupons are newspapers and magazines. Newspapers generally feature coupons in both their Wednesday and Sunday issues.The Bargainist: 23 Ways to Save on Groceries The coupons in the Sunday issue are usually found in separate circulars. The companies that produce these supplements sometimes have websites with additional coupons, so make sure to check the circular for details. One example of a company that offers circular coupons as well as online coupons is Procter & Gamble. P&G often provides potentially valuable coupons in weekly newspapers, but the company also provides hundreds of dollars in free coupons via coupon booklets.http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pg-brandsaver-samples-coupons.jsp

• Using the Internet is a great way to find coupons for specific products.

1. There are general coupon sites which allow you to search for coupons and print them out from your computer.SmartMoney.com: 5 Best Coupon-Clipping Web Sites
   • Eating Well: HealthESavers Coupons
   • CouponCabin.com: Homepage
   • RetailMeNot: Food Coupon Codes
   • CouponMom.com: Homepage
   • Coupons.com: Food Coupons
   • SmartSource.com: Online Grocery Coupons
   • CoolSavings.com: Grocery Coupons Category
   • RedPlum: Grocery & Drug Coupons
   • MySavings.com: Printable Grocery Coupons
   • PPGazette: Printable Grocery Coupons
2. Most manufacturers web sites will have either coupons you can print out, or a mailing list you can sign up for to receive coupons and other special offers.
3. Some coupon websites require that you install special coupon printing software in order to print out your coupons. Others will simply list the coupon or coupon code that you can apply for discounts when you make online purchases.
4. eBay is another possible source for grocery coupons. Some sellers will list bulk coupons for a variety of different products together and you can bid for them all at once.

• While searching for coupons, you'll run across many that you have no use for. There are other people, however, who could use the cat food or diaper coupons that you're passing by. Trading these coupons can benefit both of you!

1. Supermarkets sometimes have boxes where you can deposit coupons that you're not using and help yourself to coupons that others don't want.
2. Organize a coupon swap with a few of your friends.
3. You can also find forums and message boards online that facilitate coupon swaps.Thrifty Fun: ThriftyFun.com's Coupon Swap!

Trading and swapping coupons can be a great way to ensure that you get discounts on the items you really want and need. If you can trade for coupons you really need, you can use the extras to purchase more of your favorite items for a deep discount. If you decide to swap coupons using an online message board, be sure to post all the information about coupons you have to offer - including expiration dates.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Newspaper and Magazine Coupons
• Step 2: Online Grocery Coupons
• Step 3: Trade Grocery Coupons