Recent statistics show that a household can save close to $1,500 a year by using coupons. At the same time, the majority of consumers aren't getting their money's worth, as estimates indicate that most shoppers only save small sums of money in comparison to the amount they could save with extensive, effective coupon usage.

Coupon aggregator websites are a powerful tool that can make it easy to find and use coupons with ease. Even so, it's important to learn how to navigate and use online coupon aggregators in order to maximize savings and make sure you're getting your money's worth for each purchase.

What are Coupon Aggregator Websites, and How do They Work?

Coupon aggregator websites are sites that collect coupons from multiple sources. Some also work with certain stores and brands and display special offers you can't find from other sources, but most simply collect widely available offers and post them in a single location.

Many aggregator websites have an app or browser extension you can use when shopping online. With the app, you can click on the code when shopping on a mobile device and the coupon will automatically be added to your shopping cart. The browsing extension will check for coupons for items you've added to your shopping cart and then add valid coupons (if there are any) to your cart. Alternatively, there are coupon aggregator sites such as coupons.com that offer printable coupons you can take to your local grocery store, or supermarket.

Shoppers don't have to limit themselves to a single website. You can use as many coupon aggregator sites as you'd like to find the deal that best meets your needs at any given time. In some cases, you can even use more than one coupon for a single product or website.

How to Maximize Savings with a Coupon Aggregator Website

Verify the Validity of the Coupon

Shopping for a particular item and then discovering you can't get the deal you expected is both frustrating and a waste of time. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to make sure a coupon is valid before you use it.

First, make sure your coupon comes from a reliable source. If it's a direct offer from a manufacturer or retailer, you can expect it to be genuine. If you use a coupon aggregator website that posts user ratings, check these ratings to see how many users were able to access the deal. If most shoppers say the coupon worked for them, the odds are that it will work for you.

Next, check the expiry date on the coupon. Good deals don't last forever. Finally, read the coupon's terms and conditions. Some coupons are only valid at certain outlets or locations. Others limit the number of products you can purchase. Deals stating that you can get "up to ___% off" are indicative of the maximum amount you could save, which means that you may get a smaller percentage off your purchase in many instances.

Compare Offers

Even a great coupon won't guarantee that a particular product is the best deal. Do some comparison shopping online or in person to make sure you're getting the best price for something you want to buy. Stores often have special offers on certain products, and you may be able to combine store offers with your coupons for extra savings.

It's also a good idea to check all product brands to make sure you're getting the lowest possible price. Sometimes generic brands without a discount are still cheaper than expensive brands with a coupon.

Make a List and Organize Your Shopping Trips

It can be tempting to buy something you don't really need just because there's a good coupon for it. One way to avoid this temptation is to make a list and stick to it. A shopping list can also help you avoid going over your budget when shopping as you have expenses planned out in advance.

Don't Take No for an Answer

If a cashier won't accept your coupons during check-out, remain polite, but don't take no for an answer. If you know the coupons are valid and the store allows the use of them, ask to speak to a manager. In some instances, the problem may be a simple misunderstanding. In other cases, the store may require you to clip coupons online instead of bringing paper coupons to the store. In time, you'll see which stores are the most accepting of coupons and be able to plan your shopping trips accordingly.

If you're using coupon aggregator websites for the first time, you may need to research and experiment to find which sites best meet your needs. You'll also need to make sure your coupons are valid, do some comparison shopping to find the best deals, and make a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. Even so, it's well worth the effort and hard work as coupon aggregator websites can help you save a significant amount of money long-term.