Couponing on Foodstamps

With todays hard times many people have come to rely on food stamps to help feed there families. Many families I talk to about couponing put off getting started or really getting into it because of the way they think of there food stamps. Food stamps should be looked at as part of your family's income. Although it is limited to what you can spend it on it still pays a part of your expenses; and if used correctly can be used to help pay for non-food items as well. Now before I get to the how part of this lesson I would like to express one concern that may come with this idea. I in no way endorse buying items that your family does not need or use. Remember if you run out of food stamps you will end up paying cash for your food.

LESSON #1 Make Your Food Stamps Last All Month
Most people end up running out of there stamps by the end of the month. To help prevent this set a weekly limit to your self. i.e. If you receive $400 in food stamps a month limit yourself to $100/week on stamps.

LESSON #2 Use Coupons and Sales To Increase Your Inventory
Coupons are a form of payment. If when you go shopping you have $20 in coupons that you are using that will now increase your weekly limit to say $120. (using the example budget of $100/week). Waiting for sales is another great way to expand your food stamps. i.e. Chicken breast normally around $3.99 goes on sale for $1.99 or less about every other week. If you buy a 5lb package you will save $10 just by waiting for the sale. Thats $10 more you'll have to spend on other items.

LESSON #3 Using Food Stamps to Get Rebates
Many store offer rebates. Some are instant rebates such as catalina (also known as register rewards at walgreens) +ups at Rite Aid or ExtraCare Bucks at CVS. These are coupons that must be used at the company in which you received them. Stores also offer mail-in rebates in which you have to receive your refund via snail mail. If you have food stamps it is best to purchase your food eligible items first. You can then use the instant rebates to help pay for your non-food items.