Being a "coupon-er" takes time, but can pay off big in the end. In order to do well with coupons, you need to take the time to pull them from the paper, print them from the computer, plus clip and organize them. Of course you need to be familiar with different store coupon polices so that you can get the most bang for the buck. I have added some coupon links below to get you started.
- You need to have some sorta organizational system. Some couponers prefer three ring binders with baseball card pages to divide them. I personally use a traditional coupon sorters (only a bit bigger). My method takes longer, but I am able to throw it into my purse which is important to me.
- You will need to go to multiple websites to print coupons. Most online coupon sites will allow you to use the "back" button to print two copies of the same coupon.
- If you don't want to have all of the mailing list stuff going into your personal email, create another email account to use for this.
- Know the coupon polices for the stores you shop in. It is not unusual for a cashier to lack this knowledge. You might even keep a copy with you. Stores such as Walgreens, Dollar General, Walmart and Target will allow you to use a manufactures coupon on top of the store coupon for the same product. Look at the policies for each stores website by clicking on their name above.
- Clip coupons you don't normally use just in case you can later double dip and get the item for FREE. I am not saying to cut out denture cream if you don't own any. I am simply saying that you need to cut out anything you MAY use even if it's not your normal brand.
- You need to be flexible on brands. You may prefer to use brand "X" but if brand "Y" is 1/2 the cost or free, will you use it?
- Go to the store without the kids. Kids tend to bump your cart/piles and become impatient while waiting on you to hunt for the exact item on the coupons.
- Storage, you'll need plenty of it. Sometimes you will have the opportunity to get items at a great price and will need a place to put your stockpile. Make sure you keep your stockpile area organized so that you always know what you have. This will help you avoid buying an item at full price when you had one from before that only cost you a fraction of that. Saving stuff and not finding it is NOT saving you any money. (A "stockpile" is considered a volume that your family will use in 3-6 months)
- Fruits and veggies rarely have coupons. Seek them out at your local Co-op, Aldi, Sams club, or your local farmers market to get the best prices, or better yet, grow your own.
- Keep your eyes open to coupon fraud. Typically these coupons are high value and/or free without purchase coupons and are often emailable. If you stick to the printable links below you are okay, but it is always good to be aware. Click here for a current list of known fraudulent coupons. Click here to input a UPC code to verify if you have one in question.
- Coupon Cabin
- Delicious Living
- Coupon Network
- Eat Better America
- Shortcuts.com
- Coupons.com (use banner and click "see all coupons")
- Target (store coupons)
- Walgreens (store coupons)
- Dollar General (store coupons)
- Family Dollar (store coupons)
- Whole Foods (store coupons)
- Red Plum
- All You
- Kraft
- E-Clip
- Colgate
- Simple & Delicious
- Smart Source
- Grocery Coupon Network
- Kellogs
- Betty Crocker
- Right At Home
- Coupon Mom
- Hormel
- Mambo Sprouts
- Coupon Surfer
- Cell fire
- Cool Savings (you will have to go through a bunch of junk to get to them. Be sure to mark no or hit the "skip" button to avoid joining any clubs or being added to a mailing list)
