Getting Started - Where do I find the coupons?

While I do plan on posting deals, I want to start out by doing a little "Couponing 101." Here are the different places that I find my coupons:

*Sunday Newspaper - This is the most obvious place to find coupons. Every Sunday, I buy between 1 and 4 papers from the grocery store. Keep in mind that not all newspapers carry the same coupons. In my area, I have found that the Grand Rapids Press has more coupons as well as higher value coupons in their paper than the Kalamazoo Gazette. You can also get extras from friends and family. Most people throw out their inserts after they have cut what they need so ask friends and family for their leftovers. Everyone that I've asked has been very willing to hand them over.

*Printable Coupons - There are a lot of great sites that you can print coupons from. Many of the sites allow you to print the coupon twice. If you have more than one computer at home, you can print these coupons twice from each computer. Each print has a unique code so PLEASE do not photocopy these coupons. Most stores around me do accept internet coupons but some do have limits to how many can be used or how high of a value they will accept.

*Coupons from the Manufacturer - A great way to get coupons is to contact the company directly. We usually think of contacting a company when there is a problem or when we aren't happy with something but why not contact a company to compliment them! Many companies will send out high value and FREE coupons just for sending them a simple email.

*Magazines - Until I started couponing, I didn't notice the various coupons that were scattered throughout most magazines. Grab one of your magazines and skim through it. Find any coupons? Most magazines have only one or two coupons in them.

*Catalina Coupons - Catalina coupons are coupons that print at the register when you check out. These coupons are triggered by something that you have purchased.

*Free Samples - Not only do you get something for FREE when you request freebies but you often get a high value coupon with it! I request almost every FREE sample that becomes available for two reasons.....First, because there is a use for all of these. If not for my family, then for someone else (through donation). And, second, for the coupons. These high value coupons will often make a product FREE with a sale!

*Inside a Product/Packaging - It is always a pleasant surprise to find a coupon waiting for me inside a package! Sometimes you'll find the coupon folded up inside the product and other times you will find it on the inside of the cardboard packaging (such as on a cereal or oatmeal box). Make sure that you take a peek at your packaging carefully before you throw anything away! I have found some great, high value coupons waiting to be discovered!

*Tearpads, Blinkies, Peelies, and Hangtags - The next time you go grocery shopping, take a look around. There are coupons everywhere!! Many display stands have tearpads of coupons just waiting to be torn off. Blinkie machines (the black boxes with the blinking red light) can be found in the aisles. Some products will have coupons hanging on them or coupons that can be peeled off. Personally, I leave the peelies and hangtags on the product unless I plan on buying that particular product but I do grab some of the coupons off of the tearpads or from the blinkie machines to use for future sales. When taking these coupons, please make sure you are leaving some for others!

*Homemailers - I get coupons in the mail almost every day - I absolutely LOVE the mail! I sign up for newsletters and freebies of products that I use. For example, I signed up for newsletters through Huggies and get coupons for Huggies products several times throughout the year. If you decide to sign up for various newsletters and request freebies, I suggest that you create an alternate email address so that it doesn't clog up your main email. Manufacturer's also offer coupon booklets from time to time.

*Trading - Yes, trading! I hate to admit it, but I trade coupons with other people online. Sounds funny doesn't it?! I list the coupons that I have and the coupons that I am in search of and make trades with others based on their haves and needs. When there is a coupon for something that I can use a lot of or something that will make me money (yes, I do actually make money), instead of buying 20 papers, I can trade with others and get rid of coupons that I won't use for coupons that I will.

*Buying Coupons - Technically you are not buying coupons (that is illegal). You are paying for a coupon clipping service. I have yet to do this but I still wanted to mention it. There are many different coupon clipping sites and you can also find them on Ebay.