Tips help make coupons work for you

Whether clipping or printing them, know store policies to maximize value

Using coupons to save money on groceries can work for or against you. That 75 cents off can add to the final tally if the product is one you don't normally buy.

The bottom line is, use coupons with caution. Don't use a coupon just because you have one. Name brands, even at a discounted price, still can be more expensive than a store brand.

Coupons are plentiful: Clip them from newspapers, store fliers or print them from numerous dedicated Web sites. Be advised, however, that some stores may not accept Internet printed coupons.

Keep in mind when using the Web that many coupon sites will ask you for personal information when you first register. They may sell or market your contact data to a third party.

Clip coupons instead if you would rather not give out such information.

Maximizing coupons

To get the most value from coupons, match them with store specials and/or take advantage of doubling their value if the store allows. Some stores match competitors' coupons. Restrictions vary, so find out the store's complete policy on coupons.

Major Charleston-area supermarkets that routinely double coupons:

--Harris Teeter: Accepts 20 double coupons, each with a face value up to 99 cents, per day per customer/household with VIC card; no Internet coupons can be doubled or tripled.

--Bi-Lo: Doubles manufacturers' coupons up to 60 cents. No limit on amount redeemable in any one shopping trip.

--Publix: Doubles coupons up to 50 cents.

Cyber coupons

Three oft-cited coupon Web sites:

--Couponmom.com is free, supported by advertising. Started by super-saver Stephanie Nelson, a Georgia mom, the site offers a raft of ways to save: printable coupons, a coupon and deal "alert" by individual states and stores, free samples, strategies and tips, a forum and a blog.

--Coolsavings.com provides free, printable grocery coupons that change every week; recipes updated daily, with sale items; free stuff; and more.

--Grocerygame.com provides a weekly list (called Teri's List) of the lowest-priced products at your supermarket matched with manufacturers' coupons and weekly specials. Charges subscribers $5 each month after an initial trial.

Also, ebay.com lists numerous coupon sellers. You can buy lots (bundles) of 100 assorted coupons for as little as 99 cents, with free shipping. Coupon expiration dates are listed. You also can search for coupons on specific products.

Teresa Taylor is the food editor. Reach her at food@postandcourier.com or 937-4886.

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