Need More Coupons But Don't Want to Buy More Papers?

Spending $2 per paper adds up and you end up with a lot of coupons that you won't use!  Now, I still recommend buying multiple papers each week - I typically buy 2 and up it to 4 on big weeks.  But instead of buying 6 or 8 papers on those great weeks, why not form a coupon swap with some friends and get those great coupons for FREE!

A few ladies from my mom's group gave this a try last weekend and it was great!  A little disorganized but I ended up with a lot of great coupons  (coupons that saved me a lot at Meijer last week)!  And some ideas on how to make it a little smoother next time!   

Want to organize a coupon swap with your friends?  Here are a few tips to get you started!

Get Your Friends on Board:  Do you have some friends that are into coupons or are interested in getting started?  Send out an email and make a phone call to find out who might be interested!

Set a Montly Date and Time to Meet:  The first Sunday of the month.  The last Friday.  Whatever works for your group!  But plan to schedule it at the same time each month so that everyone can plan ahead.  We decided to plan ours around the coupon inserts.  It seems like the best week for coupons is the last weekend/first weekend of the month.  Often when the P&G insert comes out.  Since there are usually so many great coupons that weekend, we decided that would be a great time to meet!

Pick a Location: Rotate it between houses.  Pick a local restaurant to meet.  Go to the same house each month.  Whatever works for your group but decide right away how you want to do it.

Save Your Inserts: I recommend this anyways because you never know when a great deal pops up and you'll need a coupon that you didn't clip.  But for those of you that don't keep your inserts, save them for the swap.  Once the swap is over, you can leave them for others in the group or toss them!

Write Down the Coupons You Want and Which Inserts They are In:  This will help a ton when you are at the swap.  Since we hadn't planned ahead, many of our coupons were already clipped and we didn't remember which insert they could be found.  We would hold up the coupon and hope someone could find it in their stack of inserts.

Create a Group Page/Message Board: Create a place where you can list the links to printable coupons you would like printed.  A place that you can mention coupons that you found at the store while shopping.  Or just a place you can talk "coupons."  You can easily create a page like this on Facebook. We will be using the message board on our mom's group site!

Appoint Someone to Be in Charge: It allows helps make a group run smoothly when someone is in charge.  This person can keep the message board up to date, organize where the group is meeting each month, etc.

Have a System: We didn't!  We just shouted out the coupons we wanted and we would end up going through the same insert five times before the night was over.  Our plan for next week is to go through each insert, one at a time.  If more than one person wants the same coupon, we'll divide it equally.  And we won't be searching through the same insert multiple times. 

This is still new to us so I will keep you updated on how it's going and what adjustments we've had to make. Even though we were a little disorganized, we had a lot of fun on top of getting some great coupons!  If nothing else, it's an excuse for a ladies night!!

Local Readers (Kalamazoo area):  Some of you have expressed interest in meeting and doing something similar.  If there is enough interest, I will try to get something organized!  Leave me a comment and let me know you are interested!!

Using Coupons Correctly.....

I received an email a few weeks back from a reader that asked me to post a reminder of the do's and don'ts that go along with couponing.  More and more people are turning to coupons to save some money and many people don't know what's ok and what's not.  Hopefully this will be a good refresher for everyone!

::Do not photocopy coupons:  Each printable coupon has a unique barcode.  When a coupon is photocopied and the original has already been used, the store will not receive credit for the photocopied coupon.  Also, most printable coupons have a print limit.  Manufacturers offer a specific number of coupons and when that amount has been printed, the coupon is no longer available.  Many smaller stores will not take internet printables or won't take anything above $1 because when fraudulent coupons are used, they lose a lot!

::Use the coupon correctly: Read the coupon carefully and make sure that you are using it correctly.  If the coupon is $1 off of two products, make sure that you have two products.  Also, read the size restrictions carefully.  And make sure you understand the wording.  If you aren't sure, talk to the cashier or the manager.

::If it seems too good to be true, it probably is:  Fraudulent coupons are all over the internet.  This summer my dad received a sheet of FREE Doritos coupons from a friend.  A sheet of 6 FREE coupons that you can print as many times as you would like.......definitely too good to be true!  If you are concerned about a coupon, please send me an email.  I will do some digging to see if it is fraudulent!

::PDF Coupons: Our favorite kind of coupon, right?! We can print as many of these as we want.  Again, too good to be true?  Sometimes.  You have to be careful with these coupons.  If they come from the manufacturer's site, they are legit.  If you aren't quiet sure where it came from, send me an email.  I'll check it out for you.  The pdf coupons that are posted on here are legitimate.  I do my research to make sure that I am offering legit coupons!

::Understand your store's coupon policy:  Using coupons correctly isn't just about making sure your coupon isn't fraudulent or that you use it the way it is intended.  It's also about using coupons within the guidelines of the store.  Even if you don't like the guidelines.  When I moved to Kalamazoo, the two Rite Aids in the area were very suspicious of people that used coupons.  In I walk with my binder and my stack of coupons.  They were beyond suspicious of me.  I have had to work hard to make sure that they know that I am not and will not try to "pull something" with my coupons.  Rather than hope for overage, I tell them up front that a coupon is more than the product.  When I have a BOGO coupon, I show them ahead of time so they can check the price.

If you have done some of these things unintentionally, don't feel bad.  We all make mistakes.  I know I've used a $1/2 coupon on just one product, given a coupon that doesn't match the product exactly, and I even photocopied a couple when I first started out.  It was never intentional.  And I would like to think that at this point, these mistakes are few and far between, if any now!  Take the time to read your coupons carefully and read through the coupon policies.  If at any time, your gut tells you it doesn't seem right, it's probably not. 

When people use coupons incorrectly, it hurts all of us.  Stores stop accepting the coupons, cashiers treat us like criminals, and manufacturer's stop providing them.

Do you have anything to add?

Rite Aid Explained

Rite Aid is easily my favorite place to shop!  By using coupons, sales, and Rite Aid promotions, I have been able to get the toiletries that my family uses on a daily basis for FREE or better than FREE for over a year.  And I have significantly lowered the amount I have to spend on diapers as well!  Although many of the items at Rite Aid are overpriced, if you take the time to learn the "Rite Aid game," you can leave the store with a bag filled with freebies!

Want to know how to get paid to shop at Rite Aid?  Keep reading......

Coupon Policy:
Rite Aid has a very thorough and comprehensive coupon policy available.  Before you start shopping at Rite Aid you will want to become familiar with this policy.  Print a copy of the coupon policy and carry it with when you shop at Rite Aid.

Rite Aid Promotions:

Single Check Rebates (SCR)

Each "month", Rite Aid releases its Single Check Rebate booklet filled with all of the rebates that will be available during that period.  It also lists the specific dates that each rebate is valid for (some will be for the entire period, while others will be valid for just one week or even just three days).  Because Rite Aid sales start on Sunday, the Single Check Rebate "month" will start at the Sunday closest to the beginning of the month.  The dates of each period are clearly marked on the booklet.

Single Check Rebates are just like traditional rebates.  You purchase a specific item and you will get either the value of the product or a specified amount back.  Sometimes the rebate requires you to purchase a single item and other times it will be multiple items or a specific dollar amount.  Just be sure to read the rebate carefully.  And, unless stated otherwise, there is a limit of one rebate per item.  Since Rite Aid offers so many rebates, you will not get a rebate check for each individual rebate item that you purchase but you will get a large check for all of the rebate items you purchased during that period.

Combined with the weekly sales, you will be able to get many items FREE or even more than FREE after rebate!  Here is an example:

Crest Toothpaste

Sale: $2.99

SCR: $2.99

Use $1/1 manufacturer's coupon

Pay $1.99 but get $2.99 back as a rebate!!

You just made $1 buying toothpaste!

In order to get your rebate, you will need to sign up for the Single Check Rebates program and submit your receipts.  You can hold on to all of your receipts and enter them at the end of the period.  Or you can enter your receipt after each trip.  DO NOT REQUEST YOUR REBATE CHECK UNTIL THE PERIOD IS OVER.  If you request your check right away, you will not be able to take advantage of any of the rebates for the rest of the period. 

Rite Aid Wellness Program

If you are going to be shopping at Rite Aid, you will want to sign up for the Wellness+ Program.  Without a Wellness+ Card, you will not be able to get any of the sale prices.  You can sign up for this program online or in the store.  Once you get the card, you will also want to make sure it gets scanned anytime you make a purchase. 

There are some perks to the card besides just the sale prices.

* 10% off Rite Aid Brand products every day

* 24/7 access to a pharmacist when you call 1-800-RITEAID

* Earn one point for every dollar you spend on nonprescription purchases (Excludes cigarettes, alcohol, gift cards, online purchases, lottery tickets, licenses, money orders, money transfers, prepaid cards, stamps, and other mail services)

* Earn 25 points for every prescription you purchase. (Prescriptions filled in NY/NJ are not eligible.)

And the more points you earn, the more rewards you get…

* Every 125 points = a one-time 10% off shopping pass

* 500 points = 10% off all non-prescription points purchases everyday

* 500 points = free health screenings (Members will receive a certificate good for one free blood glucose and total cholesterol health screening at Quest Diagnostics or an equivalent service)

* 1,000 points = 20% off all non-prescription points purchases every day

+Up Rewards Program

The +Up Rewards Program is the newest program at Rite Aid.  +Up Rewards are coupons that print off at the end of your receipt for $$ off your next purchase.  These +Up Rewards are triggered by purchasing specific items.  Take a look at the weekly ad to find out which products will produce an +Up Reward.  Unless stated otherwise, there is a limit of one +Up Reward per product.  Combined with coupons and sales, you will be able to get items for FREE or more than FREE after Up Reward.  Here's an example:

Nivea Body Wash

Sale: $2.99

Get $2 +Up Reward

Use $2/1 manufacturer's coupon

Pay $.99 and get $2 in +Up Rewards good towards your next purchase!

The great thing about +Up Rewards is that you can use as many as you want towards your next purchase.  If you are buying something for $10 and you have $10 in +Up Rewards, you can use them all towards that purchase!

Rite Aid Coupons:

Rite Aid Video Values Coupons

Through Rite Aid Video Values, you are able to earn Rite Aid coupons by watching videos, or commercials, that last anywhere between 15 seconds to 3 minutes.  The majority of these videos last around 30 seconds.  When the video has finished, you will be given 30 seconds to enter a code.  Once you have entered the code, the coupon will be available under "My Rewards."  New coupons are available at the beginning of each Rebate period.  Once the new coupons become available, you will not be able to watch any of the videos from the previous period.

Rite Aid InAd Coupons

These are the Rite Aid coupons that are found in the weekly store flyers.

$/$$ Coupons

Rite Aid also releases $/$$ coupons.  These coupons can be used BEFORE coupons to bring your total down even further.  This is also a great way to turn your transaction into a moneymaker after rebate and/or Up Rewards!  You can often find this coupon at Redplum.com and in the Rite Aid Video Values.  I will post these coupons each week with the weekly matchups so that you can find them easily!

Weekly Matchups

Each week I do all of the work for you!  I take the sale ad and match up the products on sale with any coupons available and any promotions for the product.

If you have any questions at all, please email me!  There are a lot of things to learn with Rite Aid but it is definitely worth it!

Guest Post: The Origins and Life of a Coupon

Guest Post by Meghan of Savvy Spending

When I first began couponing, I was really curious as to what happened to my coupon was the cashier put it in her drawer. How and when did it get sent... and where exactly did it get sent to? Was there someone at each store in charge of counting all the coupons and matching them up with the transactions in which they were used? What if I returned a product? Does the store still get reimbursed for that coupon? And what about when I put a product back on the shelf but forgot to take the coupon out of my pile- was the store going to lose money from my mistake?

So, I began doing some research, and I was actually really fascinated by what I learned (I'll warn you- this may not fascinate you, but... well, I really dig coupons, so it did me!)

History of the coupon:

Did you know that the first coupon was actually created by Asa Chandler, one of the partners of the Coca-Cola company back in 1887? He began handing out handwritten tickets for a free Coca-Cola. Then his coupons began appearing in the mail and in magazines. By 1931, it is estimated that 1 in 9 Americans had received one of these free Coca-Colas! His ingenuity worked-- by 1895 Coca-Cola was being served in every state!

The next big coupon to hit the public came in 1909 when C.W. Post offered a 1 cent savings on his Grape Nuts Cereal! In the 1930's, many American clipped coupons out of necessity; they couldn't afford groceries without them! By 1965, half of all American households were clipping coupons!

In 1957, the Nielson Coupon Clearing House was started to maintain coupon redemption (more about that later!)

Nowadays, with the availability of Internet coupons, many new "couponers" are emerging. However, we still are not taking advantage of coupons like we ought to! In 2009 there were $528.5 billion dollars worth of coupons available; only $3 billion dollars worth of coupons were redeemed.

So, how is a coupon "born" and when does it "die"?

First, manufacturers decide what coupons they want to produce and usually has a design agency who creates the coupon.

Next, the coupon is sent to the public= either in the Sunday inserts, direct mail, or Internet.

Then, Savvy Shoppers (like yourself) clip the coupons and redeem them at the store.

Lucky for us, that is the end of the road for us and that coupon; now the hard work begins! The store will tally up the coupons at the end of the night and make sure their drawer balances by treating coupons like cash. The coupons are then all put together- usually in a pouch or bag- and sent to the corporate office. This is sometimes done once a week or once a month.

When the corporate office gets the coupons from all the different stores, they ship them to a third-party clearinghouse. The clearninghouse then has the job of separating coupons by manufacturer and between scannable coupons and damaged or torn coupons. Coupons that can be scanned are placed on a conveyor belt that scans the UPC codes and tallies the amounts. The total value of each manufacturers' coupons is tallied (the damaged coupons are tallied by hand) and then the coupons and an invoice are sent to the manufacturer.

Now, either the manufacturer will reimburse the clearninghouse and the clearinghouse will reimburse the store, OR the manufacturer will send a check directly to the store and then pay the clearninghouse. The stores get an addictional $0.08 per coupon for shipping and the clearinghouse is paid a certain fee by the store.

Whew!! A lot of work goes on behind the "coupon scene", doesn't it?


Does the store lose money?

In most cases, No. They will get reimbursed for each coupon- even the damaged ones. The store doesn't have to send in any receipts or lists of what was purchased with the coupons- they just send back the coupons. So, unless the store is submitting more coupons for a product than the number of product they ordered, they will most likely be reimbursed. So, even those times when you used a coupon for Tide but you accidentally bought ALL (and Yes, sometimes the coupon will scan and not beep even though you didn't buy the product), the store will still get reimbursed.

Same situation if you return a product. You never get the coupon back, right? And the store isn't going to go through all their coupons to find the one you used for the item you returned. They will still get reimbursed for it, even though you returned the product. (which is why you should get the full amount back). You should never make a habit of using coupons for products you didn't buy or buying things with coupons and returning them at full value, because that is considered coupon fraud and is punishable by law. But you shouldn't fret that the store will lose money.

The only times a store will "lose" money is when they choose to double your coupons. For example, my Meijer store doubles $0.50 and under coupons everyday. They choose to do that to get your business, but the manufacturer isn't paying for that extra $0.50-- Meijer is. The same thing is true with "store" coupons- no one is reimbursing the store for coupons they put out-- but they do it in the hopes that you'll spend your money at their store, rather than somewhere else. However, remember that the stores are getting the product at a very deeply discounted price and should they decide to pass some of those savings onto you (through a coupon), they are still making money on the sale!

I hope that was fascinating to you and didn't put you to sleep! Now you know the origins and life cycle of a coupon! Don't you feel better? :)

My Thoughts:  I found this to be very interesting.  Especially the part about whether or not the store loses money.  I don't know how many times I've been told that the store wouldn't get its money back if I used the coupon this way or that way.  Yet I couldn't figure out how it was possible for a manufacturer to match up every receipt to the coupon.  It's not!  Very interesting!  Thanks, Meghan!

Meghan is the blogger at "Savvy Spending". She is a part time teacher and stay-at-home Mom of 2 little girls who believes in working just as hard to SAVE their money as she and her husband work to EARN the money.

Guest Post: Coupon Policies - What to Ask For.....

Guest Post by Tashena of Staying Lean in Oakland County

To be a smart shopper and use coupons wisely you have to have a good working knowledge of the coupon policies of the stores you frequent. Smart shopping techniques consist of not just using coupons but using coupons on items that are on sale and stocking up when prices are low. A store’s coupon policy can hit on two of those, how much impact your coupon will have on a sale item and whether or not you will be able to stockpile items. Some stores allow you to use as many of the same coupon as you like while others limit the number of coupons that can be used. Some stores double coupons, some do not. Some stores take all verified printable coupons from the Internet, others do not. You may end up using one or two stores for your weekly shopping and another store for specialty or stock up items.

If you shop at a local store you will want to ask for a copy of the coupon policy or speak with the manager to verify what it is.

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

*What is the true value of the coupon? (Are they taken at face value? Does the store double or triple coupons? Is there a limit to how many coupons are doubled? Etc.)

*Does the store have their own store coupons? If so how does one obtain them?

*Are store coupons able to be used with manufacturer coupons? (Can you stack coupons?)

*Does the store accept coupons for free items? (Some stores actually have in their policy that they do not honor coupons for free items!?!)

*Does the store accept any competitor coupons, if so what type?

*Does the store accept any expired coupons? (Believe it or not some do!)

*How does Buy One Get One Free Sale work and how can coupons be used on this type of sale? (For example some stores ring up each as 50%, thus you can chose to buy only one item, and you can use two coupons on each item if you chose to buy two. Other stores ring up as full price on the first and $0 or the second which allows you to only use one coupon.)

*How are Buy One Get One Free Coupons handled? (Some stores believe the coupon is attached to both items and is the only one allowed, others believe the coupon is attached to the free item and another coupon can be used on the coupon you are not getting for free.)

*Does the store accept Internet Printable (IP) coupons?

*One last question you may want to throw in that is not at all coupon related but gives you a small discount and helps the environment: Do you give a credit if a customer brings their own reusable bags?

Knowing the store’s coupon policy will also help you if you have an uneducated or unfriendly cashier that wants to question your transaction. Some stores you may need to keep the coupon policy with you when shopping. Some stores are more coupon friendly than others and it usually just depends on the area you are in.

My Thoughts:  I have found that my confidence builds as I become more comfortable with a store's coupon policy.  When I first started, a cashier would tell me no and I would just accept it because I wasn't sure.  Now, I know the policies of the stores I shop at so I feel confident when questioning a cahsier or manager.  Knowing your coupon policy just makes things go more smoothly!  Great advice Tashena, thanks!!

Tashena Lynette Gonzales is the author of Staying Lean in Oakland County. Her day job is a bilingual specialist in the transporatation industry and she has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing with a minor in Spanish. Living in the tough economic of metro Detroit and her educational background has helped her to research and implement the frugal ways of others and she is now sharing what she has learned on her blog.

Spotlight On......Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Trading Coupons

Yes, trading! It seems crazy but I trade coupons with other people online.  Or well, I used to, it's been awhile. 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.

*There are many groups on the internet that you can trade with. I started trading with a group on Babycenter called Trading Post. I have not yet ventured away from this group so, unfortunately, I don't have a lot of input about other groups. Maybe someone reading this post has had some experiences with other groups?

*Trading is done online and through the mail. Because you are using a stamp, it is important to make sure that your trade will be large enough to make it worth it. I never trade less than $5 worth of coupons when I trade.

*Keep all of your coupons - I keep all of my newspaper inserts. I just write the date on the front so that if someone is looking for a coupon, I can easily go back and find it. Don't throw out those coupons that you get in the mail - someone may be interested. When you see a blinkie or tearpad in the store, grab some (within reason)! They might be good for trades! Sign up for mailing lists - especially for formula companies. I have been fortunate enough to be able to breastfeed so I haven't needed formula but others do and it is expensive! You can trade those formula checks that come in the mail!

*Trading is not limited to coupons! Many people trade Coke Codes, Pampers Points, Huggies Enjoy the Ride Codes and Box Tops for Education. If you don't collect them, save them - someone wants them!

*Keep a list of coupons that you want and that you have. Some traders create their own websites and update their coupons on there. Others (me) keep a list on Microsoft Word and post it on the site. Figure out what works for you.

*Be fair when you trade. This can be difficult as you get started because you don't have an idea of the value of coupons, etc. You'll get the hang of it. Just don't offer a little and ask for a lot.

Don't miss the rest of the "Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons" series!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Inside Products and 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!

Don't miss the rest of the "Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons" series!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

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!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

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.  My favorite, the Home Made Simple booklet.  This coupon booklet becomes available quite frequently and has some great high value coupons!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

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! 

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

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. 

One magazine that is a must for couponers - All You magazine. All You magazine is filled with coupons! You can find this magazine at Walmart or you can get a subscription through Amazon (use those gift cards that you earned from Swagbucks).

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

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.

I have been contacting companies for a couple of years now and am amazed at how many great coupons I've received this way.  If you are interested in contacting companies, I make it easy for you!  Each Thursday, I have a feature called "Thank You Thursday."  I provide the a link for you to contact five different companies each week!

In the meantime, here are some companies that have sent me FREE coupons just for saying "Thanks!"

Lance
Sweet Baby Ray's
New York Garlic Bread

Eggland's Best

Earth's Best

Earthbound Farms

Azteca Foods

Bar-S

Aunt Millie's

SCJohnson

I was able to get FREE coupons from each brand.  I emailed two at a time for several weeks.

The following didn't send FREE coupons but the value of the coupon would make most products FREE:

V8

Pace

Campbell's

Pepperidge Farm

Swanson Broth

Prego

Don't miss the rest of the "Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons" series!

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

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.

   

What triggers the catalina coupons to print?

*Many stores have promotions where you buy x items, you get $x off your next order.  Example: Buy 2 Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Get $1.50 off your next order.

*Some catalina coupons are triggered when a rival product is purchased.  Example: You buy Pampers and get a catalina coupon for Huggies.

*Some catalinas print when you a purchase a product to encourage you to buy more.  Example: You buy YoBaby yogurt and get a catalina coupon for $1/2 YoBaby yogurt.

The best part about catalina coupons is that you can often get products for FREE or very cheap when you combine sales, coupons, and catalina offers!!

Don't miss out on the rest of our series: "Spotlight On...Finding Coupons."

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer? Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more. This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons! Today's spotlight is on.......

Internet Printable Coupons

Another great way to get coupons is from the internet!  More and more coupons have become available on the internet, many of them high value!  Many companies are finding out the advantages of this type of marketing. And we are benefiting from it!!

What should I know about internet printable coupons?
*Each coupon has a unique code so PLEASE do not photocopy them.

*Most coupons can be printed twice from each computer. Just hit your back button a few times and you should be able to print again!

*Most stores accept internet printables. Some stores do not allow high value printable coupons. For example, Rite Aid will not accept an internet coupon over $5.

How do I know when to print the coupon or when I should wait?

When I first started out, I printed EVERYTHING.  And I mean everything....even coupons for products that I would never buy!  So, what should you print?  High value coupons often go quickly so if it is a coupon that you will use, print it right away.  I have had many, many coupons disappear because I waited.  I also print coupons for products that I use every day, coupons for upcoming sales, and coupons for donation items.

Where can I find coupons online?

Spectacular Savings

I post high value coupons that become available!

Coupons.com

Redplum

Smartsource

CoolSavings

EverSave

Mambo Sprouts

Pillsbury

Box Tops 4 Education
Betty Crocker

All You Printables
Eat Better America

SnackPicks

Don't miss "Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons: Sunday Newspaper Insert?"

Spotlight On.....Finding Coupons

Are you a new couponer?  Or maybe you've been couponing awhile but you would like to find new ways to save even more.  This month I will spotlighting ways to find more coupons!  Today's spotlight is on.......

Sunday Newspaper Insert Coupons

Getting coupons from the Sunday morning newspaper is probably the first place you would think to look, right?  Of course it is....there are hundreds of dollars of coupons available each Sunday morning in the newspaper! 

What should I know about getting the Sunday newspaper?

*The coupons that are available in the newspaper inserts vary by region.  The larger the newspaper, the better the coupons.  I live in Kalamazoo but I buy the Detroit Free Press each week.  Not only are there more coupons but they also have higher values.

*Buy more than one newspaper insert each week!  Every Friday, I post a preview of the coupons that will be available in the Sunday paper.  Take a look and if you see a lot of coupons that you would use, buy more.  I typically buy 2 or 4 each week.  I have also had weeks that I have skipped and weeks that I have purchased 6!

*Before you buy the paper, check to make sure that the coupons are there.  I don't know how many times I've checked and found them missing! 

*Check with your local grocery store to see if they will save inserts for you.  My local store, Hardings, saves me 2 newspapers each week.  If I have a busy day or I'm out of town, I don't have to worry about the papers selling out.  I know I will get at least two.  And on weeks with no inserts.....I just call and they don't save them. 

*Holiday weekends often don't have coupons.  From time to time you will see a P&G in there but, for the most part, there aren't any coupons on holidays.   

What coupon inserts will I find in my paper?

  The 3 most common inserts are the RedPlum, SmartSource, and P&G.  Be sure to check out my coupon preview on Fridays to see what inserts will be in the paper!

You will see the RedPlum insert referred to as "RP."

You will see the SmartSource insert referred to as "SS."

The P&G insert comes out 1-2 times per month.

How can I get extra newspaper inserts?

*Ask your friends, families, and coworkers!  Most people throw out their inserts when they are done with them.  Many people throw out their inserts without even glancing at them!  Ask around. Most people will be willing to set them aside for you.

*Go recycling bin diving!  I have heard of people getting hundreds of inserts this way.  If you decide to give this a try, please check the laws concerning this and make sure it's ok!  I haven't tried it but only because I don't want to spend the time diving for the Kalamazoo Gazette.  The coupons just aren't good enough!

Guest Post: What is a Stockpile and How Can I Save Hundreds Too?

Guest Post by Melissa from Stockpiling Moms

I often get asked, "What is a Stockpile?"

What? A stockpile is a pile or storage location for bulk materials. In this case meaning groceries, personal care or household products.

Why Stockpile? To save money! If you stockpile your groceries by strategically using coupons, you will never pay full price or retail for your groceries. If you stockpile successfully you will save hundreds every month = thousands a year!

When do I stockpile? Stockpiling is a strategic game. The objective is to “match” grocery sale prices to your coupons to take advantage of when your groceries are at the very lowest price or what we call “rock bottom”. This is when you stockpile.

How do I stockpile? You compare the coupon policies at the stores you have available to you as well as any incentives they offer you to shop there. Finally “match” your coupons to the sales ads and purchase when you find a deal that is at rock bottom. I stockpile when the price is free or close to free (70% off). You purchase in a quantity to last your family until the item can be purchased again at rock bottom. This is tricky because some products like cereal cycle every six weeks however some products like baking goods or BBQ sauce only cycles at rock bottom once a year.

In order to successfully stockpile you are going to need to purchase or obtain multiple papers or purchase your coupons/inserts from a clipping service. Because you need to stockpile the quantity necessary to last your family until the next cycle. Once you are shopping from your stockpile weekly instead of from the grocery, this is is when you are going to see the savings! It takes on average 3 months to build a stockpile. Normally the first month you will see an increase in spending and by the end 2nd and 3rd you will begin to see a savings. By your 4th month you should be saving hundreds of dollars a month!

I hope this helps you understand what a stockpile is and how you can start to stockpile.

Melissa taught Family and Consumer Science (Home Economics) on the high school level for 11 years before becoming a mom. In June 2005 after her son came home from Guatemala, she made the decision to leave her career and become a SAHM. In order to achieve this goal and live on one income, her family had to make some drastic changes in their lifestyle.

In December 2008, she began the switch to stockpiling. This new way of shopping or stockpiling was a big change for her. After just four months she was already saving $200.00 plus dollars a month! Now she is feeding her family for an average of $150.00 a month total! This new way of shopping or stockpiling has changed their lives! In 2009 she saved $3600.00 through stockpiling. Her hope is through this site, she will be able to help others join her on the journey to frugal living.

Guest Post: Coupon Organization: Coupon Database and Unclipped Inserts

Guest Post by Sarah from Give Me Neither

An important part of using coupons is to find an organization system that works for you, something that you be able to stick with.

When I 1st started couponing, I used a coupon binder. It works great for many people, but I didn’t have the time or patience to fold the coupons and put them in the baseball card inserts.

Now I use a coupon box (for printables, tear pad coupons, and coupons from home mailers). I keep the majority of the inserts intact and unclipped. I’ve been using a file folders and an accordion file to organize the inserts, but I got a little behind Here’s the mess I needed to sort through.

I read about using plastic sleeves (instead of file folders) in the book Be CentsAble by Chrissy Pate and Kristin McKee. I love this idea. It allows me to leave the coupon inserts intact and only clip the coupons when I need them. And everything is organized, tidy, and easy to find.

I put more binder together today and here’s how I did it.

Label dividers with the date. I put the most recent in the front of the binder.

Label plastic sleeves with the inserts in the Sunday paper.

Divide the inserts into piles. Put all the Red Plum in one pile, P&G inserts in a pile, etc. Put each pile into the labeled sleeve.

Put the plastic sleeves in behind the divider for that week.

Each week when you prepare you shopping lists, you pull and clip the coupons that you need.

How do you locate the coupons that you need?

Each week in the store match ups you’ll find where to locate the coupon by date and insert.

Palmolive Pure + Clear Dish Soap 10 oz. $1.32

Use $0.75/1 Palmolive Pure Dish Soap 4/25 SS 

Final cost $.57

You’ll also find that all the coupons in the Give Me Neither coupon database provide a source and date. You’ll be able to search by brand, category, or source.

Another money-saving tip

I often bring my unclipped inserts into the store or leave them in the car. If I come across a clearance item, I use my smart phone to pull up the database and look for a coupon to match with it.

Sarah is a stay-at-home mom to two little boys with a desire to help others stretch their money while continuing to give. She blogs daily at Give Me Neither. "My desire is that my life be an outpouring of the love and generosity that Christ shows me. May it not be about me."

Guest Post: Thrift Store Shopping 101

Guest Post by Kristi from Spend Less and Save More

If you are looking to update your wardrobe with a few pieces this summer and on a budget, why not check out your local thrift store? Thrift stores are one of my favorite places to shop because you can often find great prices on name-brand clothing you might otherwise not be able to afford. While many of the clothes have been previously worn, it doesn’t mean that they are damaged. People donate clothes that were given as gifts, don’t fit, or aren’t their style. You even might find some pieces that are new with tags!

Before you go, here are some tips:

• Find a thrift store in a wealthier part of town if you are looking for name-brand, high-end fashion.
• Give yourself plenty of time. Many stores are not laid out by size like traditional stores, so that means you will have to look at clothing piece by piece.
• Inspect each item carefully. When choosing an item, make sure that you look at the details. Check for stains, frayed hems, holes and loose or missing buttons. Test all zippers. A pair of Banana Republic wool pants for $3.50 isn’t a deal if the zipper doesn’t work!
• Try items on. Most thrift stores do not have a return policy, so if you find an item doesn’t fit when you get home, you will be out of luck.
• Find a skirt or pair of pants you absolutely love, but they are a size too big or long? Consider taking them to a tailor. Even with the cost of the tailor to adjust them, you are still getting a pretty good deal!
• If you do find an item w/ slight imperfection that you are willing to live with, ask the owner of the store if they will discount the piece. It might have slipped by them & they know that it will be more difficult to sell later.

The main point is that finding a bargain sometimes takes time, but if you are willing to do the work, you can be rewarded with fabulous clothes that will not break the bank!

Kristi is a wife, mommy of two precious children, and blogger at Spend Less and Save More. When she’s not cooking, cleaning and carpooling her kids around town, she is hunting for the best deals and spreading advice about saving money on the internet.

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Guest Post: My New Coupon Organizer - A Coupon Box

Guest Post by Sarah from Give Me Neither

When I started out couponing, I made a beautiful binder filled with baseball card inserts and photo inserts. After a while, I realized that I didn’t have the patience or time to fold my coupons and place them in the baseball card inserts. Then there was the issue of catalina coupons and printables.

I started using a photo box, but found that it was too big. So over a month ago, my friend Robin showed me her coupon box. I loved it. I was so excited that Jonna and I headed straight to Meijer afterward. I picked one up at Meijer for around $1.50-$1.75. It’s the perfect width for printables and catalinas. It fits nicely in the bottom of a bigger purse/bag.

Sterilite Box Under $2

Inside my box

Make templates for the dividers and folders

• I made 3 templates that fit inside of the box. One with the tab on the left side, one in the middle, one on the right side.
• For the main categories, I cut folders out of the bottom of a file folder. This way when I’m in the store, I can pull out the entire folder to find what I’m looking for.
• For the subcategories I used the remaining file folders and fun scrap booking card stock to make dividers that went inside the main folder.

Here’s an example: The main category is Personal Care and the tab is on the left side. For the subcategories I made sure to keep the tabs in the middle and right side to make everything easier to find once it’s in the box.

For Frozen foods the tab is on the right, so the subcategories are on the left and middle.

Coupon Books In the Back

Categories I Use

I’m still adapting these to find out what works best, but it’ll at least give you an idea.

Baby
*Baby Care
*Baby Food
*Diapers

Baking
*Flour/Sugar
*Spices
*Mixes
*Other

Beauty
*Skin Care
*Cosmetics

Beverages

Breakfast
*General Mills
*Granola Bars
*Kellogg’s
*Other

Canned/Packaged
*Fruit
*Packaged
*Soup
*Vegetables
*Condiments

Dairy/Refrigerated
*Butter
*Cheese
*Packaged
*Yogurt
*Other

Frozen
*Bread/Pizza
*Entree
*Sweet
*Vegetables

Grain
*Bread
*Pasta
*Rice

Household/Cleaning
*Cleaning
*Laundry
*Paper/Plastic
*Bath Tissue/Tissue

Meat/Produce
*Meat
*Produce

Medicine
*First Aid
*Medicine

Oral Care
*Mouth Wash
*Toothbrushes
*Toothpaste

Personal Care
*Deodorant
*Hair Care
*Shaving
*Soap/Body Wash

Pet Food

Snacks
*Candy
*Crackers/Chips
*Sweeties

Toys

I also have folders for stores in the back so I have a place to put my store coupons. I still use my accordion file for the coupons that I pull for a particular shopping trip.

I’m planning to make printed labels for all the tabs to make everything look neater and to reinforce the tabs more.

The biggest thing with couponing is to find a method of organizing that works for you and that you’ll stick too.

Sarah is a stay-at-home mom to two little boys with a desire to help others stretch their money while  continuing to give.  She blogs daily at Give Me Neither. "My desire is that my life be an outpouring of the love and generosity that Christ shows me. May it not be about me."