- First thing is gathering coupons and building your collection of them. It does take a little while but within just a few weeks you will be amazed at how many you will have.
- I usually buy 4 papers every Sunday (2 Elizabethton Stars and 2 Johnson City Press). This way when a good deal comes along I can stock up on an item.
- Printing coupons from the internet. You can get alot of good coupons from facebook and checking a products website. They usually have a link for coupons and promotions that allow you to sign up for samples and coupons. Alot of times when you get samples in the mail, you will get coupons too. Some tips on printing, I never use color ink because it is too expensive. I just use black ink when I print. Also, once a coupon prints you can hit the back button a few times and it will print another one. Usually, 2 is the max it will allow you to print unless otherwise stated.
- Friends and family may be willing to give you some coupons if they aren't a couponer.
- Stores such as Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Walmart have pages of coupons you can print from their website to use at their store.
- Walgreens puts out monthly coupon books in the store next to the weekly sales ads.
- Ebay has sellers that sale coupons. So if you know of a good sale coming up you can search for coupons on ebay. You can find sets of coupons for next to nothing. You are just paying for the sellers time and service of clipping the coupons. Also, you can do a google search for coupon clipping services. I haven't tried this but I have checked out some websites and it seems like a good deal I may try myself.
Coupon Organization
- Coupon binders work good. I currently have two. One for groceries, and one for health, beauty, and household supplies. I have labeled categories in each one. For example: Laundry, Razors, Shampoo/Hair, Makeup, Frozen Foods, Seasoning and Condiments, Cereals, etc.
- Some people like to use 3 ring binders with the plastic pages like you use for baseball cards.
- Just find the way that works best for you.
Store Coupon Policies
- It is good to know what stores double coupons. Right now I know that Kroger doubles coupons that are 50 cents or less. So if you have a coupon that is 50 cents off then you will get $1.00 off. Ingles doubles coupons up to 50 cents also.
- Familiarize yourself with each store by reading the coupon policy on the website. I have provided links to store's policy for you to check out. These links can be found on the right hand side of my blog by clicking on the store such as "Walgreens 101" or "Walmart 101"
- Stacking coupons can only be done at Target and Walgreens. Stacking means using 2 coupons for one item by using a store coupon that will have "Target Coupon" on it or "Walgreen Coupon" and a manufacturer coupon that will say "manufacturer coupon"
- Never use expired coupons
- Use coupons only for the intended item on the coupon. So read the fine print. Sometimes the coupon will have a picture of an item but will state what other items or sizes can be used with the coupon.
- Be patient the good deals always come around. You may get a good coupon for an item but if you check around and watch for the sales to come you can find the best deals. This way you can stock up on an item at a really cheap price and save tons of money.
- I can tell you from experience if you coupon, you should never have to pay hardly anything for razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, or laundry supplies.
- Don't be shy to try new items. Companies will put high value coupons out there when they are promoting new products. Another great chance to get a good deal and maybe find a new favorite product.
