Calgary couponers offer tips and tricks to cut costs
By Josie Lukey, Staff Writer
Counting your pennies takes on a whole new meaning for one group of Calgarians.
The Alberta Couponers are dedicated to sharing all kinds of savings tips, coupons, deals and freebies not just in the province, but across Canada. Marie-Anne Levert, founder of the Couponers, had a mission to share and spread as much information about savings as possible.
She’s been seeking out sales for more than 50 years.
“My experiences and skills as a librarian in researching and finding info comes in handy to find and share unique savings opportunities and other information in all areas of our lives,” says Levert.
According to Levert, couponing is a choice to save yourself money, and a choice to keep money in your wallet to spend on more important things — like vacations, a new home or even dinner with a loved-one.
Here are a few tips Levert offers to get you pumped to start your coupon journey:
•Start a binder: It’s important to keep organized, so Levert recommends purchasing a binder with a zipper that closes all the way around so nothing falls out. Baseball card inserts can also help organize all those coupons.
•Start small: Try collecting coupons on items you would typically purchase for yourself or even begin price matching products between stores. Shaving $10-$20 off your bill is bound to feel amazing!
•Don’t shop during peak hours: This is a surefire way to bother the people behind you AND make you feel overwhelmed.
•Inform the cashier: Ask the cashier how they would like you to set up the items. Maybe they want the coupons throughout checkout or at the end — Levert stresses working with the cashiers and not against them.
•Coupon for your lifestyle: You might not have room for 58 cans of tomato soup, so don’t splurge because it’s on sale. Work with what you want to save money on and what you have space and money for.
If you’re not sure how to save money for that trip you’ve had your eye on, a new bag or even just getting ahead on bills — couponing is a great way to get started on your saving journey!
