1. Coupons - the easiest (and CHEAPEST) place to find coupons are in your mailbox! You know that bundle of flyers with random ads that looks like junk mail.... Yes that one. STOP throwing those in the trash! You are losing money.
Another FREE option (which takes a little bit of effort) is to ask around. Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, mail man / mail woman... Yes it may be uncomfortable at first but after awhile, it will become second nature.
Next you can look in the Sunday paper. Depending on where you are located, the price for a Sunday paper can vary between $1 to $2.50. Here in Virginia Beach, I can go to the Dollar Tree and get papers. My sister-in-law in Mobile, Alabama has the option of getting her papers on Saturday mornings from the Dollar Tree. However, customers are limited to 5 papers. In Tampa, Florida the Dollar Tree doesn't sell Sunday papers, so the only other option is to buy them. So do some research to see when Sunday papers are available in your area. Use this link to Sunday Coupon Preview to see which inserts are expected each week. Keep in mind, there are no inserts the Sunday before a holiday (New Years, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas).
The next way to obtain coupons is printing them from websites. Many couponers use Coupons.com, Smartsource.com, and Redplum.com. Now keep in mind with this option you will need a printer and ink. With each of theses sites, you want to make sure that your JAVA is up to date and you will be required to download the coupon printer. If it is not, click here to update it now. **NOTE** when downloading the coupon printer, be sure that you read through every pop up page before you click next. This will help you avoid random toolbars and other crazy things on your computer. And please, please, please make sure your antivirus is up to date when doing any downloads.
Lastly, you can pay a coupon clipping service to clip them for you. Please understand that it is NOT okay to buy or sell coupons as this is usually stated on the coupon. These sites charge for clipping coupons. Keep that in mind when you join other groups or blogger sites, they may frown upon buying and selling ?questions/comments and are known to separate members from the group. The site that I use most often is Coupon Dede's. This site is reliable and has not let me down.
2. Organization - it is VERY important to stay organized. There are several ways to organize your binder but I personally like the Sheet Protector method. You can use any size binder, but I recommend a 2 inch to start off with and get something durable. Then grab a pack of sheet protectors from your local store (be sure to look for a sale or coupon). All you need to do is collate your inserts and slide them into the insert. Always remembering to keep the most current on top. This way its easier to purge later. Check out YouTube for videos on coupon binder organization. It doesn't matter which method you use, just as long as you are able to stay organized.
3. Coupon Policy - this is yet another VERY important aspect of couponing. Be sure that you take the time to understand which coupons can be used at a particular store, how they can be used, and the number of coupons per item or per day. I would recommend having a current copy in your coupon binder just in case you get confused while shopping or the cashier is uncertain of the policy.
Here are some common stores:
CVS
Farm Fresh
Harris Teeter
Kroger
Publix - be sure to check state specific policies. Some stores double coupons.
Target -
Walgreens
Winn Dixie - be sure to check state specific policies.
4. Coupon Lingo - being able to keep up with all of the couponing terms and abbreviations can be somewhat intimidating as a newbie. But don't worry, here is a list of some common coupon lingo:
BLINKIES = In-store coupons near product, usually from a red blinking box.
BOGO or B1G1 Free = Buy One Get One Free.
CAT or CATALINA = Coupon that prints at the register after purchase.
CRT = Cash register tape, coupon that prints in store.
DOUBLE COUPON = Coupon that a grocery store doubles in value.
ECB = CVS Extra Care Bucks earned for purchases.
FREE ITEM COUPON = A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free.
IVC = Walgreen’s Instant Value Coupon (Found in the monthy EasySaver Catalog).
IP = Internet Printable Coupon.
MFG or MQ = Manufacturer’s Coupon.
MIR = Mail In Rebate.
NED = No expiration date.
OOP = Out of Pocket, in reference to how much “real money” you will pay at the register.
OYNO = On your next order.
P&G = Proctor & Gamble Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
PEELIE = Coupon that you peel off the package.
PSA = Prices Starting At.
Q = Coupon.
RP = Red Plum Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
RR = Register Rewards.
SS = Smart Source coupon insert found in the Sunday newspaper.
STACKING = Using a store specific coupon with a manufacturer coupon (most stores allow this).
TEARPAD = A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display.
TRIPLE COUPON = A coupon that a grocery store triples in value. **THIS IS RARE! Don't hold your breathe**
WYB = When You Buy.
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary (success of the attempt may vary at your store).
5. Stockpiling - this is where you will see the benefit from all of your hard work! One thing to remember is that, couponing is NOT the same as grocery shopping. We do not buy things because we need them or when we are nearly out. If you do, you risk paying full retail price! So plan ahead and avoid unnecessary trips to the grocery store.
The first thing you need to do create a list of items that your family uses on a regular basis. For many of us it is pasta, veggies, cereal, canned soup, snacks, drinks, toilet paper, laundry detergent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, pens, pencils, paper, and the list can go on and on. These items I like to refer to as STAPLES. These are items that our household relies on. So it would make sense to always have them in the house. Though the most important thing to consider when making this list is how much your family uses. There is no need to stockpile things that your family doesn't eat or use (unless you plan on donating them). Initially, I was so excited about couponing and saving money that I found myself being wasteful and ended up asking people to take things from our stockpile because I knew we would never use them by the expiration date.
Next, when a sale comes around, buy in bulk. Now as coupon courtesy, we DO NOT clear the shelves. So yes, sometimes we make extra trips to other stores in the area to get the items we need. And yes, it may be time consuming for that particular day but knowing that you don't have to buy a certain item for the next 6 months is even better. For instance, I bought toilet paper in December because we only had 4 - 24 packs left and Target had a great sale. Prior to that, I had not bought toilet paper since January.
Lastly, its important to know the general sale cycles. Obviously certain times of the year are better for stockpiling certain items. For instance, I waited until Target put all of there Christmas items on clearance and then I bought a tree, ornaments, stockings, skirts, etc. And I may have only spent $25. Check out this list of sale cycles I put together:
January -this month is all about being healthy. Be on the look out for weight loss products, cold and flu meds, Christmas clearance and New Years clearance.
February - With Valentine's Day approaching, chocolate is going to be on sales everywhere! But lets not forget about the Super Bowl. Party snacks like chips, dips, and salsa are going to be on sale. Also keep a close eye on your coupons for oral care coupons!
March - National Frozen Food month is sure to help you stock your freezer! Frozen pizza, frozen veggies, frozen dinners, etc. are great staples for the family that's on the go. Also with Lent around the corner, seafood will be on sale soon.
April - think Easter and Earth day. Great food items like ham, stuffing, candy, cakes, and you might find some deals on your favorite organic products. And don't miss the chance for a FREE reusable bag, many stores give them away for Earth Day.
May - GRILLING SEASON! This month is perfect for stockpiling condiments like ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce. And let's not forget about Cinco De Mayo...We are sure to see some awesome deals on taco kits and all the fixings. Don't forget that summer is around the corner, so razors and shaving cream will be on sale.
June - With Father's Day coming up, this will be the best time to stock up on all toiletries (deodorant, razors, body wash, etc). You may see some ice cream coupons around this time.
July - 4th of July is the new focus and back to school shopping ready to kick off you can definitely stockpile plates, sodas, and disposable utensils. And watch out for deals at your local drugstore on back to school supplies.
August - Back to school sales are in full swing and many of our STAPLES are on sale this month like peanut butter, jelly, lunchmeat, fruit snack, and of course back to school supplies. Also with summer coming to a close (in the retail world), check your favorite store for summer clearance (and don't be afraid to shop for next summer!).
September - Since there are no major holidays to celebrate this month, look for warmer foods to add to your stockpile like canned soups, chili, and baking products.
October - Sweets... Sweets... And more sweets. Look out for deals on canned pumpkin, condensed milk, and apples. Plus look for hot breakfast items like pancake mix.
November - With my favorite holiday approaching, Thanksgiving is sure to be delicious! Everything from cake mixes, jarred gravy, stuffing mixes, and even ham and turkey will be on sale this month.
December - The best thing to stockpile this month will be batteries for every new gadget that is under the tree. And don't forget about the after Christmas clearance finds!
Do you have any couponing tips that you want to share? Post your comments below!
Happy Couponing Bloggers!
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