10 Items Where Coupons Save You Money

Carpet Cleaning

En español | Getting your rugs scrubbed can be significantly cheaper with coupons, particularly those from local service providers. Avoid having your carpets cleaned just before the year-end holidays, when demand is greatest and discount deals are often scarce.

Eyeglasses

Common coupon deals include a free eye exam for just coming in the store, free frames or a BOGO offer: Buy one pair of glasses and get a second pair for free. An offer like that could have you seeing double.

Tires

In addition to coupons for fixed dollar discounts or "buy 3, get the 4th one free" deals on new tires, some retailers offer coupons for added incentives, such as free installation or lifetime rotation/rebalancing.

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Thrift Stores

Yes, even some already thrifty thrift stores and consignment shops offer discount coupons or a flat markdown on everything in the store on special sale days. Check for downloadable coupons from national chains including Goodwill and Salvation Army, on their websites and social media.

Dining Out

Common coupons include buy one entrée, get a second one free, or get a free appetizer or dessert when you buy dinner. Look for coupons in the newspaper or yellow pages, and check websites such as Restaurant.com and Cardpool.com for discounted gift cards and certificates.

Toothpaste

Search online for manufacturer's coupons on toothpaste, and other common toiletries and cosmetics, then watch for when they're on sale. Between manufacturer's coupons, store sales and loyalty reward programs, you might score free toothpaste. That will put a smile on any shopper's face.

Oil Changes

Online, direct mail and newspaper coupons are common in the automotive services industry, particularly on routine maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups. With improvements in motor oils and car engines, most new cars are good for 8,000-10,000 miles between oil changes, not every 3,000 like Dad taught you.

Travel Services

From savings on hotels, car rentals and airline tickets, to exotic travel packages, coupon deals and other promotions are common in the travel industry. Websites such as Groupon and LivingSocial are particularly valuable for finding deals on local attractions and weekend getaways.

Beer, Wine and Spirits

Local purveyors of adult libations often offer discount coupons in newspaper ads and in-store circulars, depending on state laws regarding alcohol advertising. The websites of some brewers, vintners and distillers occasionally offer coupons and other special promotions as well.

Dating Services

What could be better than finding your soul mate and having a coupon to save on the cost? Many dating services offer discount coupons and a free trial membership; you can find a compilation and review of dating service coupons at www.datingreviews.com and click on "Coupons."

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