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Cutting corners, literally, can mean saving money.

In these tough economic times, some people are clipping more and more coupons to pinch their pennies.  One Tri-state woman who uses her coupon clipping talents to help a good cause.

Joyce Sims is what you could call a coupon-cutting extraordinaire. And in this economy she says every little bit adds up. And she admits its always great to get a steal of a deal and perhaps help others while helping yourself.

Sims said, "You get an adrenaline rush. It's like look what I saved!"

But she says the key to any good shopping trip is to do your homework. Sims suggests first checking out local ads to find the local sales and coupons.

Then its time to go online. Websites like www.couponcodeworld.com highlights the latest coupons. Sims says the way to save the most money is search the sale items in your local stores on these websites to find extra coupons. That can make a sale item even cheaper.

Sims said, "It takes the work out of it."

Sims says she saves about 500 dollars a year doing it.

One key to a successful shopping trip is organization. Sims uses this book with plastic organization sheets to sort and store coupons based on the food group and grocery list. Then it's off to one of her favorite places to save a bundle -- CVS pharmacy in macomb.

She says it's important to pay attention to *where* you shop. You can get special rewards for shopping. She says at CVS with a swipe of her card she earns store credit coupons that can be spent like cash.

Sims says that savings adds up.  Now these items are headed to a local women's shelter. Sims says it's a great way to give to a worthy cause while not spending a lot of green.

Coupons benefit more than just the shopper.

Retailers get paid back for those coupons by the manufacturers, and manufacturers get you to buy their products.

By the way...on some coupon websites you can create your own shopping list, and if there are any coupons you can use for the items on your list, they automatically print out with the list.