Consumers clipping coupons to stretch grocery budgets
Published: March 21, 2008
Milk prices are up eighteen percent so far this year, eggs have risen thirty-five percent.
The higher prices have people looking for ways to stretch their grocery budget, by getting the scissors out, and clipping coupons.
Myrtle Beach resident Doug Morrison is a dedicated coupon clipper. He has so many he keeps them organized in a divided folder. "I like to save money so, if I can find coupons, especially things you can get something for free or pretty close to free, it's a good deal,” Morrison said.
As prices at the pump have skyrocketed in recent weeks, Morrison says he’s now on the lookout for new ways to cash in.
"It definitely helps out when you can get a coupon especially when you’re paying $3.15 for gas. So it helps,” he said.
And while it can be a time consuming process, customers like Morrison who do it, say it's worth it when the total rings up at the register.
"It was originally $168, $169. Then afterwards, all total savings, it was down $59.11. So I saved $112.92 with the coupons,” Morrison said.
While on vacation in Myrtle Beach, Keith Metzger had to run to the grocery store and stock up for the week. Metzger likes to save money too.
But cutting coupons isn't at the top of his priority list.
"I don't usually use them. I think of it when I'm reading the newspaper, typically they'll have a section that has coupons in it. I'll clip those. Usually I end up actually forgetting my coupons at home though,” Metzger said.
But with the way prices are going up on groceries like milk, bread and produce, Metzger said coupon clipping could become a priority.
"I'm sure as the prizes continue to go up for groceries or if they do then I'll be more likely to use coupons,” he said.
And grocery store managers say if gas goes over the $4 mark, they predict more people will also be rummaging through the newspaper for coupons.
Besides looking in the newspaper for coupons, you can also find them online:
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