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We have been bombarded for months with all the ads, announcements, scrolling text and other means to let everyone know that as of February 17,2009, if you have an analog TV and pick up your TV stations using an antenna, and if you do not buy a converter box for each set you have in your home, you will not be able to get the signal anymore.

Shopper Savings Cards – More and more retailers are issuing shopper cards that give addition savings on sale items. Each program differs so apply for all the cards you can. The rewards offered can be generous. You can earn points, credits and coupons that, when used, can allow for additional savings. You can combine these rewards with coupons you already have to increase your savings.

I can hear you already. I know. I know. I should be using coupons as its free money but I don’t use them because (fill in your favorite excuse). Yes, clipping and cataloging coupons can be a real pain. First, you have to find the coupons you use in your Sunday paper (and let’s not forget you have to pay $2.00+ for that paper). Next you have to clip them just like you did in your second grade art class. Then you somehow have to keep track of all those coupons. What’s the use in having expired coupons or worse having good coupons that you can’t find when you need them?

Where else can you find Coupons? Now that you are retired on the cheap, spending some of your time searching for new coupon sources is a worthwhile venture. Weekly ads for chain stores are one place. The Coupondeals are good only at that specific chain, but some offer substantial savings. National drugstore chains now have small food sections with limited variety, but they offer coupons for those products on a regular basis, and some are good savings, indeed. If you get a credit card from some national chains, such as Target, you get monthly mailings with coupons and other unadvertised specials.

Most laundry needs are available on trial sizes and travel sizes. These are great uses for your laundry coupons. For example, every month, Tide comes up with $1/1 coupon on any size of their laundry products. If you go the grocery store aisle, you will see a pack of detergent for $.99 for the trial size. When you use your coupons this way, it means that you get your laundry product for free! In general, this is a great principle in using your coupons: always go for the smallest size possible.

Grocery Stores: Why would a store want you to escape with coupons for use next time? To keep you coming back, naturally! Almost every major supermarket has several places to get coupons and rebates right in the very store. On top of Store Loyalty cards, many grocery stores offer a free e-newsletter to frequent customers which, while at times annoying, can be an easy way to print coupons from home and save money later. Also, front-of-store flyers and the red “blinkers” in the aisles dispense coupons (and they even blink to let you know they’re there to help)! Most importantly, don’t be afraid to simply ask someone. Oh, and don’t forget to check the backs and bottoms of receipts for other savings opportunities.

When you put a coupon item into your grocery cart, take out the coupon each time. This will allow you to have all of your redeemable coupons ready to give to the cashier when you reach the checkout register. It also helps makes certain that any possible savings aren’t overlooked. Try to make this a habit. Not only will you save the most money, but it will also save you time.