Learn Coupon
Couponing 101
I know it can be overwhelming to start couponing. It happened to myself too. Dealing with all those coupons in your house, to find, clip and organize them, can be really frustated. What I can tell you is once you see how much you save on your spending, you will never want live without coupons anymore. Yes, because for those hours you spend, It will pay back in bucks! But I will tell you the most useful way to organize them and to make it easier and fun.
1. If you want to save more money on your spending, then GET MORE coupons! Where?
- Online
There are so many websites out there that allow you to print coupons. You may need to download some application, so make sure you go to the most trusted site. Here’s a list of websites that offer printable coupons:
Coupons.com
SmartSource
RedPlum
CouponNetwork
If you don’t have a printer at home, What should you do?
Don’t worry, if you can’t print out the coupons just because you have no printer at home, there is also some websites that can offer you paperless coupons, simply load them to your loyalty card (this card issue by your local store, such CVS, Rite Aid, Albertsons, Ralphs, Vons). The cons about this program is that you can only use it once, and can not be double at certain store that offers you double coupon.
Website that offers you paperless coupons are SavingStar and CellFire
- Sunday Newspaper
There are 3 inserts in Sunday Newspaper: SmartSource (SS), RedPlum (RP) or P&G. Not every newspaper in your area carries the same amount of coupons. So you want to check your local area and find which one carries the most. For example: I live in Southern California, I found that LA Times carries the most than others. You can buy newspaper at the newspaper stand box (no tax), please check for missing coupon or buy from the stores (with tax). To even save more money on your Sunday Paper is that sign up for subscription. You can get a better rate at Discounted Newspapers.
- Magazines
All You Magazine. This Magazine offers almost $50 in coupons per month. You can buy this magazine at Walmart or pay a subscription for a better rate. Check Magazine-Agent.com
- Order Free Sample
This can be a good way to add extra coupons. The manufacture will send you a sample along with high value coupons. Especially if they are a new brands, you will most likely get them free sample plus coupon of a FREE product. I will post in my website all free sample that available for you to order.
- Website that sell coupons
If you missed your Sunday Newspaper, or if you need more than you have, you can always order more coupon from website that sell them. One of them is couponsthingsbydede
2. Once you have all the coupons, now you need to organize them to make it easier for you when you need to use them.
- Accordion File
Trust me this is the easiest and fastest way to save and organize your coupon from newspapers. You don’t want to cut them one by one until you want to use them at the stores. Make sure you date the inserts. So If I post something on this site about the deals and which coupons you need, you just need to find them on you accordion file.
- Envelopes, Small Accordion File or Binder
This way is good, if you have coupons from internet printable coupons, coupons from the mail, or coupons that you found from the stores. You also need a divider or label them by each category.
3. You have coupons, you organize them and now, how to score deals at the stores?
- Check your local stores ADS and keep them as your reference
Usually you get this from your mailbox. Circle anything you need, anything that offers you the best deal
- Match Up
Once you know what you need from that stores. Its time for you to find the coupon for that particular items. (keep an eye for other items too, you may have coupons that match with the deal and can score FREE even if you don’t need them).
You can also check my website for additional coupon match ups.
- Make a list
It’s very important to make lists before you go to the store. This can help you to save time and save money! Keep focus on the lowest price deals. Remember you don’t always need to use a coupon if the item is not on sale or not on the best deal. Wait and keep your coupon for future deals.
- Call the store
This often happen that everything you want from the store that’s on sale are gone. Yeah, that’s because so many people want to buy them at their lowest price. That’s why it’s good for you to call the store before you leave your house.
- Don’t forget to ask for RAIN CHECK
So what happen if you go there and the stores run out with the items? Ask them for a rain check. So you still can get the sale price once they have the products back in stock.
Coupon Abbreviations
SS Smart Source
PG Proctor and Gamble
RP Red Plum
ECB Extra Care Bucks (from CVS)
SCR Single Check Rebate (from Rite Aid)
+ UP Up Rewards (from Rite Aid)
RR Register Reward (from Catalina machine Walgreens)
MFR Manufacture Coupon
MIR Mail In Rebate
Tearpad Coupon that hanging by the product shelve
Peelie Coupon you can peel from the product
Catalina Coupon machine near register
