Couponing 101: Buying Coupons Online

Having your coupons at hand will yield a significant amount of total savings to your budget. However, you may notice many sale purchases go without additional pricing deductions simply because you have no coupons. Collectively these purchases aggregate to a considerable amount by the end of the year which will dramatically reduce your annual savings figures. Throughout this month a frugal couponing perspective has taken hold with many requests for additional assistance. One of the most frequently asked questions relates to the purchase of coupons for household budgeted needs due to the coupling of the regency of coupons to the personal diversity of the purchased product.

Many couponers have been quite successful when buying coupons online. This is especially true when making bulk purchases, since a coupon is usually needed for each item; unless using a coupon valid for specific cash off a multiple product purchase. Nonetheless, as a new-age method of monetary savings many other couponers cannot fathom the justification of paying someone to clip coupons; when a distinctive variety of procedures exist to build the shoppers couponing bank. It must be documented that the purchase of coupons online is illegal in some areas; additionally most state in fine print they must be voided if sold, purchased, or traded. For those serious about buying coupons there are a few areas of awareness that must be taken seriously:

1. Only Purchase From Reliable Sources – You must be awake to the fact that hundreds of fly-by-night coupon buying scams exist on the Internet. Not only will these individuals taking money without providing the purchased coupons, they will also manipulate your personal information; threatening credit in addition to your bank account. Fly-by-night scam artists pose a risk each time payment is rendered for goods and/or services on the Internet of any variety. You should always seek out reliable sources to make your couponing purchases. Finding reliable sources indicate that deep research should go into the company before providing personal information. Look to the eBay seller rank or use sites of high recommendation by fellow couponers with more experience; such as Coupons & Things by Dede.

2. Find Out Date of Expiration – You should always know when the coupons you are attempting the purchase of expire, remembering to calculate shipping times as well as your local store’s sale cycle. No purchases should be made of coupons about to expire, having less than three (3) weeks of validity. Typically it takes five (5) business days to acquire the coupons that you purchase; however, shipping dates depend upon the website or individual responsible for getting your coupons to you. In the spirit of your frugality, purchasing an upgrade on coupons may not be practical based on the face value of the coupon(s) as well as your budget. Coupon purchasing costs must be subtracted from your total saved each month, amounting by year’s end.

3. Insure You Can Use the Coupons – Be aware that there are many times a coupon is only valid to a specific user or specific state. Some savings slips offering a large deduction on a big ticket item require that you present your identification prior to use. These coupons notify the cashier on the register of the name of the savings holder; if your name does not match the transaction cannot be accepted. In short these coupons void themselves when they are traded as the fine print states. You should always be aware of the possibly of this happening and take precautions not to be stuck and without the monetary amount paid. The Coupon Clippers is also another recommended website that cuts down on consumer confusion.

Many have also inquired as to my personal option towards purchasing coupons through online means; frankly I do not do this. Sincerely, I’m cheap and cannot deduce sense out of paying someone to clip coupons while trying to frugally save money. As priory written many other ways currently exist to yield the coupons you will need, even if coupons are bound through region and/or city. Personally, I would rather gather with my community at coupon parties, comb through free coupon sites, or have inserts saved for my bulk usage then pay. This choice is up to you, however, please do not turn a blind eye to the risks of purchasing coupons online; especially through an eBay seller.

Coupon 101: How To Save Money With Coupons

It is my recommendation that prior to using the new coupons you clip from the Sunday insert or print from various couponing databases you first develop a plan for a higher degree of savings. Couponing is an elaborate strategy that you must devote a great deal of time and patience to, many couponers do not understand that with a pre-plan true to a strategy basic coupons can be used to purchase items for pennies on the dollar. Too many clip coupons on Sunday night and use them Monday morning without any type of developed plan. While coupons have an expiration date, new coupons will keep until a plan is made; yielding high dollar savings.

1. Limit Your Stores – As a frugalist you do not need to purchase items from twenty-five different stores in your city to use the coupons you currently have. In fact, at the end of the month this will reduce your savings due to the fact that you must calculate your gas as well as wear and tear on your automobile; the more stores you go to the larger the risk and deduction, with gas prices on the rise it is likely you are spending more than you save by having no preplan. I recommend that you choose a single grocer and a single pharmacy to deal at with an additional discount retailer. When you condense these stores you are also choosing the stores that will yield the largest savings in the consumer perks offered; perks may include reward cards and double coupons. Ensure that before you use your coupons you are shopping with the store that will give the biggest bang for your buck. To some this may alter week-to-week but still be condensed to the bare minimum of local stores. Personally, I believe savings is much more important than store loyalty. However, I am loyal to my grocer due to the high degree of perks that cannot be beat. Research to find out which stores you need to hit, typically three to four should be your maximum weekly amount.

2. Chart Sale Prices – We all use hundreds of items in our household, I recommend that you write down the thirty most used items in your home; with the minimum twenty. Personally, I have a different list of items that vary by the stores I shop locally with so to cover an extended household area. You will want to chart how these item prices change each time you go to the specific store, each item will have several various prices between the sales price and the items regular price; regular price also may increase. You will want to do this for two to four weeks so that you have a good list with dates provided so you can easily see when the item you need will be at the lowest offered amount. Each item also has a rock bottom price that is less than the sales price, this is the price you will want to target, not just its sales price. Never buy an item, even with a coupon/coupon stack when the price is its regular store price, even through coupon use you will still be likely to spend far too much. These lists are important to keep and add additional used and stockpiled items to as you will want to know this information for each purchased item in your home. The greater information you collect the more savings you will acquire. Each item will hit a rock bottom price tag in intervals of 4 to 12 weeks, you will need to purchase with coupons and buy enough to stockpile until the next sale; knowing how your household consumes. Do this by dating two opened items and charting how fast the item was depleted, three may work better depending on the item.

3. Price Match Where You Can – You are looking for your largest retail and store perks, price match is similar to acceptance of competitor coupon acceptance. More stores price match then accept another stores store coupons. When you price match you must bring the current flyer with you from the store with the lowest price and you must buy the exact item that is on sale. Pay close attention to type, brand, and size. When you price match it is to your benefit that the items listed in the insert are items that may have a possible coupon to be rendered, always price match and when you do try to always have an additional coupon if not two. Wal-Mart stores will price match at the register normally will an assistant while stores like Target will provide the price match difference at the desk after your transaction; either way you are still saving money and getting cash back. Other coupon types will allow pennies on the dollar with your pricing skills; these will need practice but are worth it.

4. Stack Coupons – When you stack coupons you use a store coupon for a certain value with a manufacturer coupon of a certain value; both values will be deducted for the total off the item. I encourage all coupons stacking that you can possibly do, however you will need to perfect your skills. If you are new at coupons you will need to research as much as you can about stacking properly and for the lowest amount. I typically get items for absolutely free each time I stack and you can as well. Today I was able to find a store coupon for $5 off my canine food and I had a manufacturing coupon for $10 off the food; both coupons were for a 7lb bag or larger. The total for my pet food $13.99, so I received this free and I stocked up too. When you get deals this great you always must stock up if you can justify, the only time you shouldn’t have to justify is when the items are free.

Couponing 101: Getting a Raincheck

It’s the final day of an exceeding sale at a particular store and you have your coupons clipped. However, when you go to the store no items are on the shelf. You inquire in regards to the inventory with a worker and find out the store room is also empty and that absolutely no items are in stock. Store inventory can make anyone go out of their mind with true frustration; however you should remain calm and request a rain check for the item. Rain checks can give the shopper the upper hand to maximize saving profitability, in many cases.

Some stores provide commitments to sell items that are depleted in their inventory at the advertised price when the item is restocked; these commitment slips are referred to as product rain checks and are good at a prior sale price. If you are holding a rain check the item could take up to six weeks to come in stock, typically items are in stock prior to this maximum amount. Couponers should be aware that not every store will give sale price rain checks to buyers, you should always check with the store policy. In addition many items placed on sale will be advertised that no rain checks will be provided, which occurs for various reasons; such as store policy, price discount, or failure to sell the specific product in the future.

If you need have coupons for the item you have obtained a rain check for always insure that it slip is for the maxium number of coupons possible, this maximizes your profits and lowers the price as you have additional time to discoverer coupons for the product. Normally, a store will only issue one rain check to a consumer for one item making a bulk purchase impossible. However, always remember that the item will be put on sale again; perhaps at a price that is a bit more but still a savings value. The store does reserve the right to refuse the rain check based on the actions of the consumer which is why you should never cause a scene. The store can always get more of a product if the product will be sold in the future. It is recommended that you research the store policies and have this printed out before shopping the aisles.

Personally, I have only felt justified to receive two rain checks in the last ten years, both were for technological products that was on a extreme discount. There is not a whole lot of items that I feel a great need for or products I can justify waiting with a slip of paper to pick up. I usually do not opt for rain check purchases as I know another sale will come or other stores provide additional shopping options. Do remember that if rain checks are the store policy you can always provide your information for one but again make sure you get these for the maximum allowed number of coupons.  

Couponing 101: The Couponing Code of Ethics

With an extensive variety of couponing resources currently available no need exists to abuse the system. Occasionally a coupon beyond its expiration is accidentally slipped through store registers, unnoticed; while other coupons may be deducted that were unintended to be used at the time presented. Largely, coupons are used correctly; however, a small percentage set out to cheat companies through couponing malice. I do not condone abusive use to the couponing perspective. As a whole we must abide by the same restrictions and understand that the malice transactions of some put additional pressure on each of us. To cover coupon abuse stores and manufacturers issue dramatic cuts and stringent limitations to the coupons released so not to be indebted, making it difficult for consumers who have been responsible for no wrongdoing.

1. Expired Coupons Should Never Be Used – Regardless of coupon variety each coupon has a physical date printed to show its validity. Yes, you must abide by this date. Coupons are considered expired the day subsequent to the coupon date and cannot be accepted for monetary redemption. In addition, the store that takes the coupon must conform their business around these dates to be reimbursed in the amount deducted from your transaction. Typically, stores have thirty (30) days to claim these coupons for a specific returned payment to the corporation. If you find that your coupon is expired, send your expired coupons to military families who will be allowed to use these coupons sixty (60) days after the expired date listed at the commissary on base. Instead of tossing these coupons out assist others by getting involved and raising awareness for our military overseas.

2. Coupons Should Never Be Copied – You may have looked at various coupons and considered scanning a copy due to bulk purchasing needs, especially printable coupons. Essentially copying any type of coupon is illegal and seen as a form of monetary shoplifting; legally known as theft by deception, forgery, counterfeiting, and fraud. Coupon fraud is serious and is a punishable offense with a steep penalty. If your household needs require you to purchase an item in bulk or if you are collecting for your stockpile you should acquire coupons through resources used by the rest of us; buying coupons if needed. I encourage you to look into your options. In a similar relation you should never tamper with a coupon or decode the coupon’s barcode; this also is fraud by couponing means. Never attempt to get what you want from a coupon that has restrictions disallowing this. You will also never want to use coupons that were not intended for your purpose, some coupons are printed for members only or reward card holders; if you do not fall into the category do not attempt to use the coupons you may have discovered online or through buying source.

3. Understand the Fine Print – Individual coupons are all printed with fine print denoting restrictions. If you are using a coupon you should always understand the restrictions carried. Normally, similar coupons will be printed regularly with identical restrictions; allowing couponers to grasp the reality without having to read each coupon in their collection. You should be aware that each coupon could carry a specific restriction that may be different and the only way to determine this is by reverting to the printed text. Many times a coupon will have a specific number of purchases; this number is the purchasing limit; even if you have one coupon per item this limit is mandated to be obeyed. Some companies offer one (1) coupon per household; in this event you will only be able to use a single coupon for your physical address; members of your household cannot take advantage of the savings by grabbing one item. These coupons record the physical address and disallow any other purchases once the address is logged into the computer system. Companies also restrict items to one (1) per transaction; you will only be able to cash in on the offer/savings once per store receipt; despite having the needed coupons for a bulk purchase. Other companies may limit an item to one purchase per day; this restricts you from breaking up purchases as the store will allow you one purchase in a 24-hour period. Malice use in any of this cases are referred to couponing fraud and you will be restricted depending on the coupons fine print, various coupons will offer different fine print.

4. Use Coupons for the Intended Use – Yes, you do not have to purchase the largest and most expensive product that is typically pictured on the coupon; typically the best product will be pictured so to highlight the product line. However, you will be bound to specific restrictions that are documented on the coupon; in the text field as well as fine print. If your coupon for soda is only good for towards the purchase of two liter size you cannot purchase the soda and redeem the coupon on items of other sizes; the same occurs if the coupon is only valid on an item that is 2.5 pounds or if you must purchase multiple items to receive the discount. If you currently have in your possession a coupons for a product that you will obtain  for free you always will want to double check the legality of that coupon, as the cliché goes ‘if it is too good to be true it is’. Knowing coupon legality will keep you from tendering fraudulent coupons you have possibly purchased from a scam website. If these coupons are a scam you will be at fault for not researching and may be punished if the store see’s fitting. Deal only with the couponing sources that you know are legal.

5. Don’t Be a Bulk Shelf Clearer – We all enjoy an exceedingly great bargain. There is nothing more frustrating than getting to the store and seeing the shelving completely empty; without additional stock stored. You should never deplete the store’s stockroom or the items on the sales floor, leaving nothing for the next frugal shopper. If you have the coupons you need and desire to take advantage of a stores sale and know you will be buying in extreme number you should justify your purchase; do not hoard a product without justification or need. Make sure that you purchase from multiple stores or inquire with the manager in regards to ordering the product to be shipped to your home at the price you will obtain in the store. Managers do have the right, at their digression, to limit an item to stop shelf clearing. I have been told I couldn’t purchase three items when the manger placed limit was two due to low stock, do not argue and make a scene if there is no sign at the time; think of the frugalist or family that will come after you. In addition you do not need 450 tooth brushes, as on Extreme Couponing, or 6,000 cases of toilet tissue; this is a perfect example of hoarding where no justification is made other then that the item is on sale and cheap.

Couponing 101: Additional Savings & Mail-In Rebates

A rebate indicates you will save a specific monetary amount though the means of a coupon deduction, clearance or sale reduction, product return, or cash refund on the amount you have paid. Rebates are established as a type of sales promotion. You should understand the two types of rebates that currently exist, instant and mail-in.  Instant rebates will yield you an instant savings on a specific product as the discount is applied at the time of your transaction; automatically by the register. In example, Rite Aid may advertise a product you need for $6.99 with a $5.99 instant rebate; at the time of purchase you will pay $1 per product. I highly recommend stocking up any time you discover an instant rebate that offers you a savings greater than 50% off, if you can justify the purchase to replenish your stockpile. Insure you save and do not purchase without a justification and need to do so.

Mail-in rebates are the second marketing technique you should take advantage of; these rebates greatly differ from forms of instant savings and also are very common. Mail-in redemption's will allow you to receive a check for a specific amount, by snail mail; usually taking 6-8 weeks. To collect you must provide the company with your purchase receipt as well as the bar code on the item(s) as proof, adhering to all restrictions and filling out a coupon form with information. Rebates will have a physical date for purchase as well as redemption. These rebates may seem to you like a great deal of work and they are; but are usually worth the extra time, envelop, and stamp due to the amount. In reference to mail-in rebates you should always be aware of how you can maximize your profitability and savings.

1. Maximize Your Savings – Aforementioned, mail-in rebates are a great deal of work and additional time. Typically, I do not waste a $0.44 stamp and stationary envelope for rebates providing me with $1; nor do I recommend this to you. Frugally, to maximize your savings you need to cash in on high value mail-in rebate offers and free product purchases; these deals are always worth the additional time. You will be able to combine these purchases with sales and coupons, depending on the coupon and store policy for coupon use. Some of these offers will allow you to stack coupons for a free yield of items to stockpile, always keep an eye peeled for these deals.

2. Simplify Your Time – I recommend one rebates at a time, this will allow you to simplify your time and expenditures; making the process less confusing if you purchase in bulk for your stockpile or pantry. Each mail-in offer has its own restrictions (and physical purchasing dates). Traditionally, they will not allow you to combine rebate items that are shown on a single receipt of purchase. This makes it difficult for those who purchase in bulk as you have to supply the company with proof from your original transaction receipt. You will receive back your rebate and not the original receipt. First you should break bulk transactions up; this will give you one receipt for every transaction to use. Remember those behind you in line, do not do this for greater than two to four transactions; I only do two broken up transactions per shopping trip.

3. Mail-In Rebate Restrictions – You will only be issued a check if you follow all the restrictions of asked of you for the mail-in. You will lose money and time if you do not follow each of these carefully. Insure your purchases were made within the allotted time the rebate requires, provide an *original* documented register receipt, and you cut the UPC labels (barcodes) from packaging making sure to give each. If you are short just one of the aforementioned restrictions your mail-in rebate will not be issued. You need to take your time and fill out the coupon/form correctly and in full detail, also making sure that you take advantage while rebates are valid. Some rebates require a enclosed self addressed stamped envelop, read the fine print. I also scan each mail-in in the entirety, this have saved me when I ran into problems; problems occur from time to time so you need to hand onto your proof.

4. Look for Your Rebates – I cannot tell you how many times I have almost tossed out product information regarding a high dollar rebate. I also have almost tossed out the actual rebate checks, this checks tend to look like normal junk mail. Always pay attention and self-inspect your junk mail when you expect to receive your rebate by snail mail. Remember this usually takes 6-8 weeks, at times longer. I recommend that you track your rebates, also. By spreadsheet I keep track on my computer of the offer name, address, rebate amount, and date submitted. You will need to also do this so to maximize your savings. Do not be afraid to call if your rebate is late. I’ve had to do this a few times with no additional problem since I had a scan of proof.

5. Do Not Procrastinate – It is my recommend that you always begin your mail-in rebate paper work as soon as you complete the rebate offer. This will reduce missing your deadlines and reduce the problems of leaving a requirement out. You will always need to triple check before you seal your rebate envelop all restrictions and the material you have. It is so easy when rushing to forget to mail in a receipt or fail to add the proper information to the rebate coupon you’re filling out. Do not allow your rebates to linger, once they are expired you will get $0, sometimes losing $50; depending upon the rebate amount. I set aside a envelop with the UPC labels and receipts included, when I purchase an additional item I always add to the rebate envelop the same night. If you lose one UPC you will be formfitting the mail-in rebate just as you will do if you miss your deadline. Do not forget to scan your entire documentation and keep the data above in your rebate spreadsheet; which will additionally help you at the end of each month/year.

Coupon 101: What To Do About Coupon Denial

As you stand in the checkout lane at your local store with your coupons proudly in your hand, utilizing the savings for the first time, you may have your eyes fixed on the couponers in front of you. With your items out of your cart awaiting the scanner, you probably are noticing as to how quickly and smooth the prior frugal transaction is taking place. Jolting the smoothness of the prior checkout, the register emits a sound unlike the others so to indicate an error; chances are you are starting to get exceedingly nervous. Now that you have gotten to the checkout lane and are next in line, what do you do with coupon rejection; a concept that perhaps you have never before thought about. Breathe.

1. Look for a Favorite Cashier – Chances are you have been a consumer in the store of your choice many times prior, building a reputation with the cashiers that work for the store. While a couple new cashiers come in every two to three months you may already know which cashiers are too slow as well as which have increasingly poor attitudes. You probably have at least one favorite cashier. When you coupon you will want to be checked out by the cashiers you have a good consumer relationship with. I will wait additionally to be checked out by the cashier I find the best since I know her on a personal level. In fact I try to shop during the times I know she is working. If she is not working I know which others are friendly and which to stay clear from; including the new cashiers. Providing that my options are limited to three cashiers that I do not know or if I am shopping within a new store, I attempt to pick the one which appears to be coupon friendly due to the many coupons I have.

2. Choosing a Favorite Cashier – It is important to have a coupon free cashier. I recommend making small talk with the cashiers at all stores you frequent. Small talk will allow you the knowledge of which cashiers are friendly and which are not so. Attempt to obverse their reactions not only to small talk but other large couponing transaction. These two steps will provide a great help when making the choice of a favorite cashier. If you know one at a personal level this provides an allowance that other couponers may not have. You do not need to torment yourself if you do not have to. Favorite cashiers can be accurately chosen based on prior experiences, rated good to bad on a scale of 1-5; the higher being the best experience. The more transactions you have with the group you will develop your own method of choice. Remember that you will want to choose more than one due to work schedules and possible ends to employment.

3. Bad Cashiers – Each store that you visit will have at least one cashier that isn’t so coupon friendly or customer friendly, believe me. While you do not want to discriminate towards people you also do not want to present 75 coupons and enter into a living nightmare. If another register is opened you can easily get into another lane, cashiers do not make commission but a specific pay wage. Do not feel like you have to take the cashier that you dislike the attitudes of because the line is shorter or because she/he is available to check you out.

4. Coupon Denial [Cashier Level] – If your coupon is not taken by the store you are in stay calm and breathe, getting mad and causing a scene will not resolve your issue. There are many reasons that a coupon could be denied; validity, small print, store policy, limitation, product type, product band, restrictions, coupon limits, etc. You should always look over the coupon that is being denied using your first glance to check the physical date, product type, and small print. Request the cashier give you a reason as to why the coupon cannot be tendered. If you believe the coupon is valid, I recommend having a copy of the coupon policy with you to make your claim, speaking rationally and respectfully to the cashier. Inquire that she scan the coupon or run the coupon through the register manually; each coupon will have these manual numbers on their barcodes.

5.  Coupon Denial [Manager Level] – If you believe the coupon or coupon stack is valid and you cannot be provided a resolve or if the cashier refuses to manually run the coupon it is the consumers right to speak to the supervisor or to the store’s manager. Stay calm, speak rationally, and behave respectfully when dealing with the manager, also. In the same perspective that the cashier has to answer to the manager, he/she has a higher up to answer to in the power chain for the store. A manager can voice a clear reason why the coupon is denied and also attempt additional resolves to yield a discount. This takes a great deal of time, please do remember time is important; the people in line also should be viewed as being important. In many cases the deduction may not be worth the time, you need to make this choice remembering that the item can always be returned and your receipt credited. In many cases the register may not take the UPC due to a simplistic coupon code error. If you are still denied it is not the end of the world. Walk out of the store with your pride and with your dignity. Do not sweat the small stuff if you cannot justify the additional time it will take to request a manager. Unless these coupons of a high degree of savings I do not bother. Coupons and sales come around again and other stores do exist.

6. Filing a Complaint – Based upon your experience if you feel like you were treated poorly or singled out for the coupon number you had you can always file a complaint. You will need to talk first to the store manager to sort out the differences, I recommend. Do not file false reports nor file reports to the store for childish reasons. Reports are an option if you feel discriminated against and reasons of a equally bad nature; not for 10-cents. I have had to file a complaint before; it is an option but should never be used for revenge. Ensure the cashier violated store employee policy. Do not complain to get something for free. This is not the proper path of free frugality. Filing complaints will result in your name being in the store database, false complaints will end as the story did when the little boy cried wolf.

Coupon 101: Shopping With Coupons

Each time you find yourself embarking on a frugal couponing outing you should always take a few moments to organize yourself prior to leaving. In the perspective of couponing the organizational methods you use are skills are will not just save time but additional money. Once that you have become familiar with using the coupons you will grow much more comfortable with the method of shopping you have chosen, encouraging yourself to save much more. Do not panic if your initial coupon binder organization failed to yield the results you thought it would, as you work with your coupons you will discover on your own the method that best suits your needs. On each shopping trip I tend to triple check my couponing binder to ensure the maximum yield of savings. I recommend that once you grow more comfortable carrying your binder you do the save to deduct the largest amount from your subtotals.

1. Current Store Ads – Bring along the current sales flyer to the store that you are shopping at, if your store price matches with local stores you will need to bring these as well. Many current stores do allow price matching; this will allow the maximization of your savings with each trip. Sales flyers make all the difference when shopping at the grocery. Prior to the store I go over the current flyers and circle each item of need with a noticeable red marker, my store does price match so I will do this for each local grocery facility.

2. Couponing Envelops - I take three envelops with me to the grocery that contain coupons; each labeled stores sale flyers, grocery list, and shopping aisle. Two of these envelops have coupons from coupons I have pulled from my binder on items I know I need that correspond to my list, the store flyer, as well as the sales cycle. I have inspected these coupons to insure I can use them based on the date of expiration. The third envelop I will insert coupons into as I shop, running into sales; this can easily be done by keeping a running tally of the coupons (of all types) that are in your binder. When I use the coupons I mark out the coupons on my spreadsheet which I have segmented to department since my binder is sectioned based on store department; also both are in order to the alphabet. Your order is important as you should only have to glance quickly at your records, instead of taking time going through each pouch.

3. Items Not Listed – I always carry with me a complete list as to what I need to pick up at the grocery, which is usually under budget. This allows me to shop the grocery aisles and pick up sale items that aren’t listed in the flyer but are being sold at a discount. Most times I have a coupon, many times I have more than one as I look at the store coupon list prior to my shopping and print my needs. Not all sale or discount items will be listed with the sales flyer, please keep this in mind; this is it more important to know the coupons you have. For each item not on my list I add to my cart I document the sales price and if I have a coupon, writing down the coupon value also. This allows me to keep chart of my savings each week, month, and year. You should never create a grocery list straddling your budget as you can never budget for meat if meat if applicable for your family, there will be items not on your list you may buy. If on sale I try to keep these to a minimum.

4. Items in My Cart – The coupons in the two envelops I carry are always ordered by aisle, which can be done by memory; this is quite similar to department. When I place an item into my cart from my grocery list or my flyer list I will transfer a coupon per item into my store envelope. I always know I am buying items that I have enough coupons for, this is especially important when you are purchasing in bulk from the sales flyer/cycle. As you get the hang of using coupons the amount of coupons you will feel comfortable using will increase; perhaps triple/quadruple. On average I have more than 200 coupons that I use in my grocery transaction and save on average $255. At times I have paid only $6 for a full cart of items. This third envelop will be the couponing stash I use at the end of my transaction, after I present my rewards card to the cashier; my store allows double coupons, $200 in coupons equates $400 in doubles.

5. Checkout Lane – I purposefully wait in lengthy lines, instead of grabbing the National Inquirer I take a quick glance through the coupons I have. Most times I discover at least ten coupons for items that I can use and additional store coupons, usually I discover more at a quick line glance. I owe everything to the spreadsheets I keep and believe you will benefit, please realize that not everyone is as addicted to organization as I tend to be. The coupons that I do not use that are in my two envelops will be filed again when I get home and look over my bill and savings. The cycle changes as new product sales are released and new coupons are clipped.

*The example above is my couponing experience at the grocery, this changes by store. Each couponer will find a way he/she is most comfortable using coupons; new couponers will require experience and can mimic the savings above in no time.

Couponing 101: How To Maximize Coupon Savings

Now that you know the basics of couponing your next step is to understand that there is many times that the coupon will yield a higher amount of savings. However, all coupons will not make you this lucky. An avid part of couponing is the knowledge of when to use and when not to use the coupons that you have, there is a proper methodology to the madness. Initially, you will always want to purchase when the item is on sale. Never purchase an item, even with a coupon, when the product is at regular price. Frugality is about waiting for the specific item you need to go on sale, when on sale your frugality is about purchasing enough until the next sale cycle; ensuring you have coupons to maximize your savings. Other ways exist to maximize your couponing savings, as a savvy couponers you will need to take full advantage of these maximizations to get the most bang for your buck.

1. Double Coupon Deals  – As mentioned in prior Couponing 101 blogs double coupons indicate the your store will provide double the value, usually this is done as a perk. Some stores will also triple the value of coupons under fifty-cents. You will want to find the stores that maximize your frugality in this way and use the specific store as your central trading post. Keep in mind that some stores will only double coupons up to a certain value, however, any redemption that is more than the value of your coupon will put more savings into your bank account.

2. Coupon Expiration – You should never rush to the store to buy a specific item on the account that your coupons are about to expire, unless you need the item and can justify the sale purchase price. Expirations usually do not equate to store sale cycles however, you should always purchase on sale. If you must allow your coupons to expire do not feel bad about this. Another coupon for the specific item will come along so that you can use it with justification at the appropriate time.

3. Price Justification – To maximize your frugality you should always know the regular price of each item you are purchasing as well as the lowest rock bottom price you intend to pay for those same items. To keep of the products you pay the most for or the products used in your home the most you should always know your rock bottom sale prices and purchase when you can achieve these sales. This also goes back to state that you should never purchase at full price, even with a coupon or two. In example, I find that I never pay over .10 for an individual roll of toilet paper; keeping in mind that so many rolls come to a pack. I do not purchase unless I can purchase at this price and even then I don’t purchase when the stockpile leaves me without the justification to buy. You should never purchase because you have a coupon or because the item is on sale.

4. Free Coupons – You should be aware that even free product coupons can be maximized when used correctly. In example, if I had two coupons for free dish detergent and the brand issued a brand saver for $10 back on a purchase of $20 I could use those two free product coupons and still retain money back from a mail in rebate. This allows me to even get the most out of nothing, I can do this and so can you.

5. Coupon Stacking – Many current stores will allow you to stack the coupons that you use. Simply this means coupling a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon for the maximum amount off items. Coupon stacking takes a while to perfect and you will need to know the coupons you have, shopping when the items are on sale. Using both coupons during a sales cycle will allow for the purchase of the item many times for free or just pennies on the dollar, even of the sales pricing. I stack coupons for nearly everything in my household stockpile and walk out with deeper pockets and a smile on my face knowing of the money saved. Pharmacy stores are my favorite places to stack coupons, however, many stores do allow this. Please note that coupons disallow this if they state they are not valid with other offer.

Couponing 101: The Anatomy of a Coupon

Within the current atmosphere of financial instability and hardship many are choosing the passage of frugality to get creative in their attempts to save monetarily. As an attempt to sieve through troubling increases within the food industry, the stark reality of stout economical issues may have you clipping coupons in an attempt to budget for your upcoming household expenditures. You are not alone in your quest. Whether couponing was your resolution for a new year or a mandate due to the disarray brought forth from economical deficiency, Couponing 101 was designed to assist you in the innovative and cent-savvy pathway to financial freedom.

By now you have sifted through a few weeks of Sunday newspaper inserts; attacking the rest of your household needs by printing from coupon resources and databases spoken about in prior Couponing 101 blogs. Your coupons should now be contained within a well organized binder awaiting your first savvy-cent saving venture. However, before your initial treks to the grocery store you may second guess your forthright future in couponing frugality. To dominate the greatest amount of savings from the coupons you have in your current stash you must get familiar with what you have prior to presenting them to the cashier. Let’s begin dissecting the anatomy of the coupon.

1. Graphic – You should be aware that the product appearance can be quite deceiving. Manufacturers commonly manipulate the attentiveness of the consumer by using the largest and most expensive item to highlight the brand. You do not have to purchase the largest item to redeem the savings depicted upon the coupon. Carefully examine your coupon for size restrictions, if none are listed go ahead and select the product size you normally purchase. Do note that most coupons exclude trial sizes.

2. Expiration – Each coupon you clip will be valid until the chosen date of the manufacture/store. Typically the date of expiration is located within the top header of the coupon and may be in a bolded or separate color font. You must abide by this date. If your coupon is expired by one day it will not be accepted by the register when scanned, please remember to use proper coupon etiquette when purchasing by coupon. In a similar way that you are mandated by the expiration date, your store is as well. Coupons must be scanned or sent in for redemption so to acquire the money they have provided to you in deduction; coupons are not accepted after the date to insure the store is reimbursed. The date is also placed into the barcode. Arguing will do you no good in the situation, you will have to follow both the coupon validity and the store policy.

3. ‘One per Purchase’ – Most coupons you will clip denote that only one coupon can be used per the purchase of the item specific. These three small words can be the most confusing to new couponers who believe such indication applied to the full transaction. Be aware this disclaimer indicates that you can use one coupon per item purchased instead of your entire store transaction. If you find yourself purchasing four bottles of laundry detergent you must use four coupons, one per bottle purchased. However, if your coupon indicates that you will save $3 off two pizzas you must have three coupons if you purchase six pizzas.

4. ‘Do Not Copy’ – All coupons indicate in fine print they cannot be copied, regardless of coupon type. Many people may be tempted to simply scan printed coupons again and print doubles or triples for their stockpile, you should know that doing this is illegal. Coupon fraud is a serious and punishable offense falling under theft by deception, similar to writing a check without the funds in the bank at the time of your purchase. The store/manufacture will only release so many coupons, the marketing team also knows how many coupons will be redeemed though unique number hidden in the couponing barcode. If this number is registered again on a copied coupon it will alert the cashier. Every coupon has multiple security measures, some that you will never see, to protect the company and the store from fraud.

5. ‘Do Not Double’ – Some coupons may provide indications that they cannot be doubled, simply meaning that a value of $0.50 cannot be deducted from your receipt as $1. Many stores do double coupons or give twice the value, some stores even provide triple the amount on coupons under fifty-cents. This is done as a gift to the customer as the store will be paid back the amount doubled or tripled, coupons with such indication will not pay the store; the store then will have to take a loss. Registers will not double coupons automatically that disallow such to happen, again this can be found in the scanned bar code giving computers the knowledge.

6. Value – This simply tells you how much will be deducted from the product with the use of the valid coupon. If your store doubles coupons the amount will be double the specific amount, you should check with you store or find a store that will offer you more savings by doubling coupons. Even doubling to a certain amounts will offer you larger savings.

7. – ‘Limit One Coupon per Transaction’ – If you are purchasing in bulk you will not want to use coupons that limit in this way. Under these restrictions you will only be allowed to submit one coupon and no other coupons, regardless of the items that you have coupons for. One coupon can only be used with the transaction. If you are purchasing less than ten items you will want to split your transactions up to be able to use these coupons. I do not recommend splitting up your grocery purchases over 10 items due to the additional time, please be aware of the line behind you.

Couponing 101: How To Make a Coupon Binder

Coupons are a quite simply the easiest way that you will be able to significantly cut your household spending. However, adhering to a frugal couponing budget can be jeopardized without a method of organization. While you will never be able to redeem every coupon you stumble upon, you need to clip/print each for items used by your household and have these coupons at hand each time you enter into a store; especially the grocery. Each household uses hundreds of items and modern couponing resources make it quite simple to ascertain a couple hundred coupons at a time. Bulk grocery purchases by sales cycles will triple this figure, at best. With this avid collection of coupons it is difficult to keep track of the coupons within your stash; this unknowing costs hundreds that you will deduct from your savings each year. While many organizational systems exist the best way to keep track of your coupons is through a couponing binder.

What You Need:
(1) Large three ring binder
(10-15) Durable baseball card holders
(5-10) Three ring paper dividers with pockets
(1) Storage pouch
(1) Pen/Pencil/Highlighter
(1) Paper scissors
(1) Calculator
Grocery lists/Spreadsheet/Information
Newspaper product inserts/flyers

Coupon Binder Construction:

1. Recycle or purchase a large three ring binder that you feel comfortable with the sizing of, especially for adding extras into. The cost will be deducted from the annual savings amount or monthly savings yield. If you do not have one you can recycle at home look to the stationary department of your local Dollar General store. Insure this binder is durable as you will be using it quite a bit.

2. Many frugalists, including myself, have discovered that plastic baseball card holders provide the best coupon storage separators. Insure that you purchase holders that are durable and can withstand sliding coupons into and out of quite a bit. It is my recommendation that cheap may not always be the best option, flimsy holders will tear quickly; reduce the cost spent by purchasing long lasting baseball card holders – this may cost you extra but save in the end. You will be able to purchase these at Wal-Mart or Target for a lowered cost, specity stores and hobby stores may produce a better selection for a higher price. If you choose to purchase from a hobby store you should have a coupon for cost justification.

3. Segment your coupons using an organizational method that is the easiest for you. I personally section my coupons by type based on store departments and also by alphabetical order; rotating the coupons that will expire first to the front of the holder. In addition I keep a spreadsheet updated with the coupons I have, based on coupon type. Section off the segments with paper pocket dividers. It is always recommended that you put your coupons in the baseball card holder pockets using alphabetical order. You should also be aware that it may not be practice to segment by store aisle due to the fact products are often moved around, which will cost you time to move around to the new location

4. In addition to the above system many avid couponers also keep a spreadsheet of the coupons they have with information in regards to quantity and expiration. Segment your spreadsheet to meet your binder segmentation and insert the printed list into the pockets of your dividers. This will provide a quick glance. I would be lost without this. Also you can include your notes in regards to cycles, bulk purchases, items you need/have, store coupon policies, stacking with other coupons, etc. Don't forget the stores sales inserts!

5. Add other items to assist your couponing such as pens/highlighters to adjust your lists, scissors to trim, and a calculator to tally your purchases. These items should be stored in a three ring storage pouch which can be frugally purchased at a Dollar Store or recycled from home.

Couponing 101: Where To Get Coupons You Need

Many savvy shoppers view coupons as a type of currency accepted for a deduction in cash tendered. As an industry worth several hundred billion dollars annually, starting out may be confusing as well as frustrating due to the overwhelming amount of items used in your household. You may begin by rummaging through inserts from your local newspaper, quick to discover a shortfall in the coupons you have clipped in comparison to the coupons you need. Never give up on your money savings goals. The coupons that you need can easily be discovered through the proper utilization of resources you have at your fingertips. If you find yourself scouring for savings on a specific item used frequently, observe the following resources for the results of a frugal achievement:

1. Area Newspapers - Each Sunday local newspaper carry with them coupon inserts/tabs, unless the date falls on a holiday. Coupons are specific to regional areas within the United States; given this fact your inserts will carry inserts with savings specific to your base area. Larger cities, via regional area, tend to receive more coupons per insert than smaller cities of the same area. To get the most from your newspaper I recommend visiting Sunday Coupon Preview, a website devoted to revealing the coupons scheduled to be included each Sunday. Based on your preview you can judge on how many papers you need to buy for bulk shopping and which Sundays you can skip. Money can be saved by only subscribing to the Sunday issues of news periodicals and calling ahead to opt out of delivery for the week if no inserts appear so to add additional weeks to the end of your local subscription. Also, note that it is possible to gain a different variety by buying other city papers that are sized larger or of a larger regional area; get together with a fellow frugalist and compare couponing notes.

2. Magazines – In addition to newspapers coupons can be found in many family magazines. These magazines pay in just one issue for the subscription price, costing less than $10 per year; some just $5. You will also receive great content in regards to your new frugality as well as a differently variety of coupons you may need. Most frugalists agree “All You” tops the charts as the very best; I encourage you to check it out yourself at Wal-Mart and opt in for a annual subscription if you find it as great as we do.

3. Manufacturing Websites – At times coupons can be found by visiting the brand responsible for the product, directly. This is especially true for new products. Most favorably manufacture websites allow consumers to sign up to receive coupons either by electronic mail or access to a changing database. You can choose to print directly from the website or the electronic mail by signing up for manufacturing newsletters and/or alerts. Again, compare notes with fellow couponing peers and ask questions on internet couponing forums for assistance. In example: Tide Laundry Coupons

4. Printable Coupons – You will be able to find all the coupons put out by the Smart Source and Red Plum newspaper inserts on their website. Simply, print out the ones you need. In addition, you can always discover a large diversity of savings through coupon databases such as Coupons.com. As a coupon database you can search through a huge amount of coupons for your household shopping needs, to find others search Google for “Coupon Database”.

5. Store Coupons – In addition to the above do not neglect visiting the website to the stores in which you shop at, due to the boom in couponing each store has their own database of coupons for use in the store. A limited number of stores also take other store coupons, inquire with the stores in your area in regards to competitor coupons in the coupon policy restrictions or research these on their website. In most cases you will be able to use store coupons with manufacture coupons and/or some printed coupons to pay just pennies for specific items at Walgreens.com and Target.com. At times the items are free. Pharmacy stores also offer a monthly coupon book you will find by the door or register, do grab one. Store coupons are a great addition to store reward cards.

6. Coupon Parties – Get together with members of your local community/neighborhood who clip coupons and trade the coupons not needed. I do this myself, twice a month. Coupon parties always offer me many more coupons from inserts or in print than I discovered myself and the bulk purchases I find to always get covered through these parties. Clip all the coupons discovered separating needs from those of no need, bag up the coupons you do not need, and trade with fellow coupon clippers for the equal value or a bundle equal in value. You will find some great friends here to keep in touch with and assistance, as well at the scoop on sales locally.

7.  Request a Hold – Call your neighbors, family, friends, coworkers, etc and request that they save you the coupon inserts if they aren’t using them. A great way to meet your bulk purchasing needs at no additional cost to you such as the extra cost encountered by purchasing newspapers. Remember to request these from various states, regions, and cities for a diversity; paying postage for your family or friends willing to send prior to expiration. If you do find yourself with expired coupons remember to send them to our troops, military personal can use expired coupons at military stores for six-months past expiration.

8. Dumpster Digging – I’ll be first to admit that I have never chosen to go through a neighborhood landfill or dumpster, but as a frugalist I’m not above the option. I saw this, as many, on Extreme Couponing and thought to include it as a valuable option. $58-billion in coupons get tossed in the garbage each year and as a scavenger you will able to meet your bulk purchasing needs. Inquire with recycling centers to save the coupon inserts for you, which I do with healthy and happy luck; dumpster digging seems to be an option many are now awakened to.

9. Cash Register Coupons – In their infancy these coupons were poor in selections, however in the recent day the coupons that you obtain with your receipt are indeed useful. You can also use these at coupon parties. Instead of tossing these out, as a frugalist you need to look at them; sadly, many of us toss these away prior to exiting a store. Typically, cash register tape coupons can be got through pharmacy stores like Walgreens.com; I am also noticing grocery stores are now giving these savings too. The longer your ticket the more coupons you obtain, Kroger.com for example gives rebates via cash register tape. If you are avid about using coupons you will find that coupon deductions take up a great deal of space on grocery receipts.

10. Peelers and Automatic Coupon Boxes – Peelers are coupons found attached to a product in the store that subtract an instant rebate from the item. You will need to watch out for these and ensure they are peeled off at the time of your transaction. You also should keep your eye open for automatic coupon boxes in pharmacy stores and in your grocer; kids love these. These boxes can grant you additional savings and in a quick stack can get an item or two for free.

Couponing 101: Coupon Strategy

Embarking on the passage of a new year, you may have professed the personal resolution to save money within 2011. With the plummet of the present day economy your goals to begin living frugally and cut cost are justifiable and with good reason. Coupled with the rapid increase of food prices nationwide, the billion dollar industry of couponing has reached an all time high. Used effectively coupons can decrease purchase receipts at your choice grocer by more than 50%, thus with a small bit of assistance you too can save hundreds each time you replenish your food pantry. Regardless of the size of your family unit, household budget, or needs your savings are guaranteed. Let’s begin with the five (5) specific areas of knowledge you should first understand in regards to couponing for your pantry or stockpile.

[1] The Cycle of the Sale – Each store captures the consumers attention by offering a variety of items at a pricing discount in comparison to the regular price. Typically, sale pricing discounts a specific item 10-25%, such deduction falls into an area called the sales cycle; specific to the item itself. Each item in the store will eventually go on sale. In the fundamental perspective of frugality and couponing you should never pay full price for any item. The key is to know the cycling of sales for the items that you purchase, do this by keeping writing records of when the product was on sale; counting the number of weeks between. I typically like to use three to four sales to achieve the weekly cycle so I do not miss the chance to save. Please be aware that cycles vary by region, in my area item sales run every 4-8 weeks. Again, only buy at the lowest possible price; using your coupons. Look to different local stores to gather the most savings possible, if applicable.

[2] The Sale Advantage – When an item goes on sale based on its cycle or through specific promotional offer you should stock up on the goods you need. Last month, I spoke in regards to creating a stockpile with a similar recommendation. Knowledge of the cycle is important as you will need to purchase until the item goes on sale again, bulk buying. At first you should be aware bulk buying appears to go against your goal to save, especially if you are not used to buying multiples, in the end your choice will allow for a 50% or greater savings than what you would have typically spent. When buying in bulk you should pay close attention to the expiration dates, also purchase just the amount of product that your household will use without waste. Any waste that you have will cost you at the end of the year. As you can see grocery couponing is a strategy.

[3] Coupon Utilization – Taking advantage of a sale should never mean paying the sales price, even if it is lower than regular pricing; you should always use your coupons. Proper utilization of coupons also do not mean it is okay to buy at regular price, the goal is to get to lowest possible price. At times this allows for the purchase of items for just pennies on a dollar, when regularly you would have paid a few dollars; a reality to couponing. You will be allowed one coupon per item purchased, when bulk buying if purchasing four until the next cycle you need four coupons; one for each item. However some coupons are valid only if you purchase more than one, if you have a coupon for $5 off when you purchase four (4) you can only use the coupon once; with your bulk purchase of four. To add an additional coupon, which I recommend each time you find that you can, combine manufacture coupons from your Sunday newspaper with Internet printed store coupons. This is called ‘stacking’ and can lead to free items, again always have printed one coupon per item in your cart aforementioned.

[4] Coupon Resources – There are several various methods for obtaining coupons. You should always collect coupons, mindful of their expiration, at the time you see the coupon. Coupons can be gathered by buying/subscribing to the Sunday newspaper; you will find Smart Source, Red Plum, and Procter and Gamble inserts with a General Mills insert from time to time. Each of these inserts also have a website that you can get to by name, couple both. Also you will need to print coupons from the stores you shop with and use resources such as Coupons.com or other couponing data bank. Other frugal tips is to attend coupon parties, purchase coupons, have others save inserts for you, dig through the rummage bin each Sunday, etc. The most coupons you can ascertain the better. Indulge yourself, there will be times when you find yourself having to pay full price or a price higher than expected; if you have the coupons with you at the time of that transaction and properly use them you will save; lessening overage.

[5] Store Zoning – We all shop at multiple stores for bulk purchases of needs at the lowest price possible, as priory mentioned. I encourage this. I also recommend that you choose a single store for the majority of your purchases and couponing transaction. With a single store you can zone in on cycles of the sales as well as print store coupons easily. This may seem to contradict but in concept choosing one store simply means a single grocery, a single discount retail store, and a single pharmacy store; so that you concentrate your sales and can learn easier as to the stores you choose. In reference to these stores you should be aware of the coupon policy and chose a store based on consumer perks. Perks include double coupons every day and membership rewards cards, adding more savings; in addition pay attention to sale pricing for the lowest. Most stores will be exceedingly low on one item and higher on another, which is common. Always try to go to double coupon stores, today these are difficult to find; Kroger and Kroger owned stores offer double coupons but have policies about this perk. Buy once a week so you will be able to stockpile and purchase in bulk all while achieving the lowest price that I hope will be several hundred per month, my friend. Perhaps, thousands

Couponing 101: 10 Various Types of Coupons

 As a $528 billion dollar industry coupons are everywhere, this will allow you a sizable yield soon after beginning your monetary saving efforts. If you find yourself questioning the variety types of coupons I have taken the liberty to list the most common below, with an accurate description for your coupon navigation.



1.  Blinkies – Coupons automatically dispensed from a machine or picked from a box that is affixed to the shelving of the store aisle. These boxes usually have blinking lights on the box that attract the attention of shoppers.


2. Booklets – Coupons bound together in booklet format found in the store. Many times these booklets contain recipes and household tips in addition to the coupons. Typically these coupons are designated for a specific store; however, they also can be manufacture coupons.


3. Catalina’s – Coupons that print at the register with the customer receipt on cash register tape. These coupons vary from a percentage off a subsequent purchase, a monetary value deducted from the pricing of a specific item, or a promotional offer upcoming. Typically, these types of coupons are randomized by the printing of the register.


4. Magazine – Coupons that are clipped from the contents of a magazine. Typically, magazine coupons are specific to a manufacture and not a particular store; unlike newspaper inserts these coupons are not subject to regional area. The most popular current magazine for couponers is All You, which is exclusively sold by Wal-Mart stores.


5. Mail – Coupons sent through electronic mail means or by the postal service. These coupons are normally ascertained through signing up for free product samples, manufacturer, newsletter, or store. These coupons are also provided at times by those filing a complaint or providing a compliment.


6. Package – Coupons inserted inside the packaging of a specific item or clipped from the box, valid for subsequent purchase. Normally, these packaging coupons are of a specific monetary savings from the identical product. These coupons are not valid at the time of the initial transaction and do not yield a instant rebate.


7. Peelies – Coupons that are attached to the product that yield a certain instant monetary value off the specific product when peeled off and given to the cashier at the time of the transaction.


8. Printables – Coupons discovered by means of the Internet. These coupons can come from a variety of websites such as a coupon database, manufacturing company, regional newspaper, newspaper insert, promotional source, store, etc. Typically, couponers can print these valid offers directly onto printer paper; however, at times specific coupon software may be required depending on the source of the coupon.


9. Sunday Newspaper Inserts – Coupons that are sent regionally and inserted into the Sunday newspaper with other store advertising, but are not sent out on holiday weekends. These inserts also vary drastically by city and population with a larger populace acquiring more inserted coupons from the following advertising companies: General Mills (GM), Red Plum (RP), Smart Source (SS), and Procter and Gamble (P&G). Each of the aforementioned companies have websites specific to the coupons they manage in which couponers can print coupons for free.


10. Tearpads – Coupons found on a tear-off pad that is affixed to store shelving of a specific aisle.