If you’re new to couponing or confused by all the jargon, then you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you want to clip coupons once in a while or take your couponing to the next level these basic tips will get you started. Trust me I have tried all the things!
There’s a whole lotta prep work that goes into planning a grocery store run. Is it all worth it? Oh you better believe it is! Don’t get lost in the process. I didn’t say it has to consume all of your time. These couponing resources will help you learn the basics of couponing. My approach is to keep it simple. While I have gotten lost in the world of EXTREME couponing from time to time, I find that I can save just as much money focusing on a smaller approach. Starting to coupon consistently was a total game changer for my life, but more importantly, I get feedback from friends all the time about how something I shared saved them so much time and money. I have pulled together what I have learned to teach you the basics so you can start saving money with coupons.
So here is where we start.
Getting Coupons
This is a great source for manufacturer coupons. Buy the newspaper from your cities largest circulation in order to get the best coupons. In Jacksonville The Times Union is the go to paper. Consistency here is key if you commit to this approach. Do not just buy it one Sunday from a stand. Research if there are price breaks for buying multiple copies. You will want at least two papers but a good rule of thumb is to purchase one newspaper per family member. If this is too much of a financial stretch don’t worry there are other approaches that don’t require you to buy a newspaper.
Online Printable Coupons
There are many great online printable coupons. You can find them on coupon websites or directly from the manufacturer’s website. Make sure you follow the rules for each site’s printing guidelines. As tempting as it may be do not increase your quantity in your print screen. You don’t want to be that person. Often times the site will let you print two but you have to reenter the form so it generates a unique coupon code. Don’t forget that your spouse who may not coupon can use their email or computer to print coupons even if you are the one using them at the store.
Instore Coupons
As you shop keep your eyes peeled for coupons that are placed in displays. Some stores run separate marketing campaigns in store that have store specific coupon books. You can find these usually at the front of the store, in coupon dispensers, on peel-off pads, or even on products and packaging. Even if you aren’t buying it that day grab the coupon for another trip.
Digital Coupon Apps
Many stores have started to create their own apps and rewards programs to incentivize shoppers and cut down on coupon fraud. These apps often have both store coupons and manufacturer coupons you can clip digitally and attach to your loyalty card. Something to pay close attention with digital is the quantity limits. Often times it will be a great coupon but only allow one item to be purchased with the coupon.
Your Circle of Influence
Who do you know that could care less about coupons but loves helping others. This is your go-to friend or family member that you know you can ask anything of. If they get a newspaper but usually throw out the coupons, then I am sure they will be happy to give them to you instead. Don’t be shy and don’t be afraid of being specific or you will get all of their junk mail. I have one friend that saves coke caps for me and another that will save new restaurant They know my favorite coupons and often reach out to me first to see if it is something I would use. Y’all don’t give me a birthday gift give me a great coupon!
Organizing Your Coupons
Envelope
If you are just getting started or don’t plan to have many coupons a simple envelope is all you need. Just clip the coupons and go. Once you have been couponing for a while, you may want to move to something bigger.
This is my personal favorite. I have one large cosmetic bag that I use to hold all my coupons and it is the perfect size for any of my purses. I keep this magic bag with me at all times. I even have a strategy for how I organize it.
Coupon Binder
The Binder is for our clippers that wants to be ready to go at all times. You will pre-clip the coupons and file them with baseball card holders in a three-ring binder. You can file them by product or use dividers and file them by insert date. The options are endless and all up to your personal preference. The best part is you can grab your binder at any time and have all your coupons with you while you shop your favorite store.
If pre-clipping isn’t for you, filing your inserts is the route to take. It is much less work and you can organize them by issue date. Just choose a container of your choice and forget about it. You will have to find a couponing site that lists sales with reference to the insert date. Those sites can often give you the option to filter by store which is what I suggest. It will show you a weekly match up for the store you are most familiar with instead of running around trying to get something from every store just because you have a coupon for it. The downside is if a deal is unadvertised and you are not familiar with what is in your inserts you could miss out.
Make a Plan
Weekly Ad Review
Start by checking the weekly Ads. Don’t worry you don’t have to read every ad out there. Focus on the stores you frequent. Find out which stores have the best prices for the items that you need this week or to stock up on. Most of the ads can be found online if you don’t receive them in the mail. Also knowing what date your stores ad changes is key. More stores are giving sneak peaks so you can plan whether to but something this week or next.
Coupon Matching
Planning what coupons you can match up with the ad is how you make a good sale an even better deal! You can either follow a site that does all the research for you or matchup the coupons you know you have with the sale items. Don’t over thinking it. If an item is BOGO or 50% off you are already getting a great deal even without a coupon matchup. Also remember some sales can be unadvertised so keep your eyes peeled.
Make a List
Once you have determined what you need and what coupons you will be using make a list of those items. I even write out what coupons need to be matched with a little short hand note of what the sale is. Lists remind you what you came for keep you focused on how you planned to save. Not to mention it will keep you from just wandering and buying things not on sale that you don’t need. Review your list at checkout to make sure that the printable and digital coupons you planned for are all being processed correctly.
0 Comments