The Expert Clipper's Coupon Quiz

August 3, 2010 — -- I am trying to become a coupon queen. I have tended to take some of the less aggressive grocery savings steps in an effort to balance saving money with saving time. But it's hard to argue with some of my thrifty mentors who have cut their grocery bills in half.

I even did some math when I wrote my book, "SAVE BIG", and was able to show that you can reduce your grocery bills by 80 percent if you're a really creative couponer. One of the keys is to know the tricks –and pitfalls—of coupons. So here's my "Coupon Quiz" to test your knowledge of some obscure -- but money-saving -- rules.

Coupon Quiz

Q: True or False: when a manufacturer coupon displays a product in the picture, that is the product the coupon is good for.

A: False! You don't have to use the coupon for the product in the picture. Most coupons say "any variety" or words to that effect. The picture on the coupon is typically the newest, most expensive product in that product line. Don't fall for it! You can use the coupon for anything in the line, and the best deal is to use it on the cheapest product.

Q: When downloading e-coupons, also called "bricks," how many are you allowed to print?A. 1 couponB. 2 couponsC. 3 couponsD. As many as you want

A: The correct answer is B, two coupons. Most manufacturers allow you to print two coupons at a time from their site. After you print your first coupon, all you do is hit the "back" arrow on your computer until the coupon is sent to your printer again. If you wait a couple of weeks, the website may reset and allow you to print two more coupons. New e-coupons usually come out the first day of the month, so it's a good idea to check then, so you have more opportunities over the course of the month for the site to reset, allowing you to print additional coupons. Keep in mind, photocopying e-coupons is not allowed. It's considered fraud.