How To Start Couponing
1) Get Coupons- There are many ways you can accumulate coupons. You can get coupons in the Sunday paper, online, and in stores. You can print coupons from Coupons.com, Redplum.com, Smart Source, and Coupon Network. You can also print coupons online from Target and Meijer. Occasionally manufactures will have coupons on their website or Facebook page.
1) Get Coupons- There are many ways you can accumulate coupons. You can get coupons in the Sunday paper, online, and in stores. You can print coupons from Coupons.com, Redplum.com, Smart Source, and Coupon Network. You can also print coupons online from Target and Meijer. Occasionally manufactures will have coupons on their website or Facebook page.
It is recommended to purchase one paper per person in your household. But you can buy more or less depending on your stockpile goals and number of inserts in the paper that week.
Once coupons expire, you can send them to overseas military families. They can use coupons for up to 6 months after they expire.
Once coupons expire, you can send them to overseas military families. They can use coupons for up to 6 months after they expire.
2) File Your Coupons- There are 3 main filing methods couponers use- File by Insert, a Coupon Box or a Coupon Binder. First read the How to Guide on organizing your coupons, then choose the one you think will work best for you. There are pro's and con's to each method so feel free to change when a method is no longer working for you.
- File by Insert = The least time consuming method because you do not cut your coupons out. You will need an easy filing system and a small coupon holder for cut coupons. The con is that you can't cash in on unexpected deals at the store because all of your unclipped coupons are at home.
- Coupon Box = This method is medium in time because you cut the coupons you think you'll use and sort them in the box. You will need a box or check file with labeled sections.
- Coupon Binder = The most time consuming method due to cutting and sorting, but the best method to save the most money and build a stockpile. This requires a binder (usually around $15), dividers, baseball card sleeves, and usually a few other odds and ends.
3. Subscribe to All You Magazine- It will cost less than $2 a month and it has lots of great coupons.
4. Find Coupon Match-ups- Each week I provide the best coupon match-ups to local stores including CVS, Meijer, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart. Look over your store ads and circle the items on sale that you also have coupons for. Make a list of the items that you've matched up with manufacture coupons and remember to check for store coupons too! To get the best deals, match-up a sale item with a store coupon and a manufacture coupon.
5. Stockpile- Determine how long you'd like to stock up for. Some like to stock up for three months, some six months, and others a whole year. Remember it is smart to stock up on items 50-90% off, but if you can not use them before they expire then it is a waste. You can also donate!
Now that you brought home your goodies, create an area to place them. Keep your area neat and clean and use the first in first out rule.
Click here for more on Stockpiling!
5. Stockpile- Determine how long you'd like to stock up for. Some like to stock up for three months, some six months, and others a whole year. Remember it is smart to stock up on items 50-90% off, but if you can not use them before they expire then it is a waste. You can also donate!
Now that you brought home your goodies, create an area to place them. Keep your area neat and clean and use the first in first out rule.
Click here for more on Stockpiling!
BLINKIES = In-store coupons near product, usually from a red blinking box
BOGO or B1G1 = Buy one get one free
CRT = Cash Register Tape (a coupon printed at the end of a CVS receipt)
ECB/EB = CVS ExtraCare Buck
ESC = Walgreens Easy Saver Coupon
ESR = Walgreens Easy Saver Rebate
FAR = Free After Rebate
IVC = Walgreen’s Instant Value Coupon (Found in the monthly EasySaver Catalog )
IP = Internet Printable Coupon
MFG = Manufacturer’s Coupon
MIR = Mail In Rebate
NED = No expiration date
OOP = Out of Pocket
OYNO = On your next order
PG/P&G = Proctor & Gamble Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper
PEELIE = Coupon that you peel off the package
PSA = Prices Starting At
Q = Coupon
RP = Red Plum Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper
RR = Register Rewards
SS = Smart Source coupon insert found in the Sunday newspaper
STACKING = Using a store specific coupon with a manufacturer coupon (most stores allow this)
TEARPAD = A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display
TRIPLE COUPON = A coupon that a grocery store triples in value
V = Valassis (same as red plum) Coupon Insert
WYB = When You Buy
You now have a great foundation to get started. You can also check out Coupon Teachers FREE Savvy Shopper Course.
