Money expert issues urgent warning about coupons because one ‘mistake’ could cost you your savings

As households try to cut their bills wherever they can in the face of immense pressure from the cost of living crisis, a savings expert has detailed some simple things they can do to reduce their weekly shopping expenses. Experts at coupon site Bountii also highlighted a “common mistake” many people make when using coupons that could cost them everything they intended to save.

Fred Harrington, CEO of Bountii, said: “By incorporating these strategies into your weekly shopping, you can maximise your savings without sacrificing the quality or variety of your products. Over time, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings that will allow you to make the most of every penny you spend.”

Experts stressed that even if things are on sale or you even have a coupon for specific items, that doesn’t mean you have to give in to the temptation to buy them, especially if it’s an unnecessary purchase or something you won’t use much. In essence, a good price shouldn’t be the deciding factor in your purchases.

Experts warn of other “common mistakes” and advise: “When you find coupons or discounts for items you need, be aware of their expiration dates to make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to save. This applies to both physical and digital coupons, as well as vouchers you get from loyalty programs – they all have an expiration date.

“When using coupons, always check the store’s policies beforehand – if you don’t understand these rules, you may not be able to use your coupons at checkout, costing you the savings you had planned.” While coupons may seem like a thing of the past, with the word alone conjuring up images of newspaper clippings and binders organizing physical savings coupons, Bountii experts noted that plenty of coupons and discounts still exist – but only in digital form.

Apps and websites may be an easy place to find coupons, but that shouldn’t mean shoppers should ignore the usual channels like junk mail and product packaging, experts warned.

They added: “In the digital world, physical coupons can be a rare but worthwhile find, offering discounts that might not be available online. By checking out these often-overlooked sources, you may find additional savings that many others might overlook.”

Cashback apps and loyalty programs are among the suggested ways for households to quickly and easily save on their weekly shopping. Experts also recommended carefully planning larger purchases to avoid unnecessary spending and take advantage of some savings they might not have otherwise realized.

They explained: “Sometimes brands you consider expensive can become the cheapest option with the right discounts. By aligning your shopping list with the available deals, you can significantly reduce your overall costs.

“Another effective strategy is to shop at multiple locations, if possible. Different stores may have different prices and promotions for different items, so by visiting multiple locations you can pick the best deals for your shopping list.”