Couponing Basics

Couponing

Here you will find my beginner’s guide to couponing. The terms and abbreviations are things you will see me and others use when referring to couponing. Familiarize yourself with these terms, where to get coupons, where to print coupons, and how to use them. It’s a good idea to get organized before you embark on your shopping trip. Make sure you know your store’s coupon policy. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy getting lots of great products for free or next to free.

Where to Find Coupons

There are many sources for coupons. Here is a list of various places to find different coupons.

  • Newspaper
  • Magazines
  • Friends and Family
  • Online ex. Ebay, Coupon Clipping Servies
  • Dumpsters (only for those that are hardcore)
  • Sign up for mailing lists at various manufacturers

E-Coupons

You can also load coupons to your grocery store card. The discount will automatically be taken off when you purchase the item. You can use e-coupons and manufacturer coupons together making for even greater savings.

How to Use Coupons to Maximize Savings

  1. Organize Your Coupons – There are many methods to choose from including the binder method, saving whole inserts, and others. You just have to decide what works best for you, and it may even be a combination of more than one.
  2. Rock Bottom Prices – They say most all products run on a 12-week cycle, and during that time products hit their all-time low. That is when you want to use your coupons to maximize savings and get the product for free or really cheap.
  3. Double Coupons – Some stores double coupons. In my area, Safeway will double 4 coupons up to $.50. So, if I have a $.50 off coupon, that makes my savings a total of $1. If the item is on sale for $1, I get to take the item home for free.
  4. Stacking Coupons – Many stores have store coupons that a specific to that store. You can stack these coupons with the manufacturer’s coupons. My local Fred Meyer will let me use an in-ad coupon with a store coupon from Catalina and also a manufacturer’s coupon. That’s three coupons for one product. That makes for maximum savings and really cheap items.
  5. B1G1 Sales – When an item is on sale for B1G1 you can also use a B1G1 coupon on the items making both items free.
  6. Rebates – A lot of times you can you a coupon to get an item for really cheap, then send in for a rebate on the items and get all your money back. There are even times you can make money this way.