How many times have you gone to the grocery store and been proud to have remembered your coupons only to get agitated to discover they have all expired? It happens to the best of us but never fear - there is a solution here. In fact, there are several things you can do to revive an expired coupon.

Store Allowances

Did you know that some stores actually have a policy about accepting expired coupons? It is true, provided you ask. By simply approaching the customer service desk at your local store, you will be able to find out if you will be able to use your expired coupons.

Some stores will honor the outdated coupons and other stores will re-issue the recently expired coupons to the consumer if presented during a certain period of time - say within two weeks or more). Don’t be embarrassed to ask the store clerk if there is anything you can do about an out of date coupon. The worst they can say is “no”. The best they can say is “you got a deal”.

Website Promotions

Sometimes coupons come with a promotional code that is to be used on the stores website. Many times the promotional coupons do not expire when stated and the website will still allow you to redeem the coupon online. If you are not sure the company will honor the special code before you make a purchase, check out the Frequently Asked Questions section or contact the company directly. They might give you a new code to use.

Military Savings

Many people may not realize that they can support the troops with expired coupons. Several resources relay that a manufacturer’s coupon, even one that has expired, will be accepted at overseas military commissaries.

Most coupons can be used for a period of up to six months past the date marked on the coupon. In the event you can not take advantage of an expired coupon locally, find a relative or community family who have relations overseas and make a point of saving up the coupons to send along in a thank you card to a military family.

Coupons may not be as good as they once were but there are many that can still help people reduce their expenses. It’s good to know that coupons can have a second life and can actually help to support those who give themselves for our freedom.