In the beginning, it will seem like you are trying to learn a new language and a new way of life all at once- don't get too frustrated! You will get the hang of it. If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please email me!
One of the first things that I suggest that you do is to make a new email address. I did not get this tidbit of information and now coupons have taken over my inbox. This is the address you will use to subscribe to this blog (teehee!) and get lots of money-saving deals emailed to you daily from websites I have showed you!
Sunday Newspaper
Now, you need to get a hold of some coupons. I suggest buying a Sunday only subscription to the largest regional paper. The regional papers are:
- The Baltimore Sun - newsstand price $2.00 - Sunday-only subscription price $0.99/ea
- The Harrisburg Patriot-News - newsstand price ??? - Sunday-only subscription price $2.00/ea.
- The York Sunday News - newsstand price $1.50 - does not offer Sunday-only subscription
- The Hanover Evening Sun - newsstand price $1.00 - does not offer Sunday-only subscription
Coupon Inserts
There are four different coupon inserts. Each insert will carry different brands of products. One or more inserts are distributed each week.
- Proctor & Gamble - also known as P&G
- Smartsource - also known as SS
- General Mills - also known as GM
- Red Pump - also known as RP
Internet Coupons
Internet coupons, also known as Internet Printables (IP) are found on many different websites. These coupons are generally accepted without issue, but make sure that when you print them your printer is turned on and stocked with paper. Also, you can usually hit the back button to print a coupon twice. (Note: Be sure and read the fine print!)
Here are some of my favorite Coupon sites:
- Coupons.Com
- Smart source
- Red Plum
- Coupon Network
- Cellfire
- U Promise
Where else can I find coupons?
Nearly anywhere where products are sold! Look for coupons...
- In magazines. My favorite magazine is All-You- they have over $50 worth of coupons each month. The magazine easily pays for itself and it is chock full of great money-saving tips, cheap & quick recipes, and coupons!
- Store circular. Check out the weekly circular for coupons good at that store! (I know Giant typically offers coupons once in a while in the circular!)
- In stores. There are four different types of coupons available in stores.
- Peelie - a coupon that is directly on the product.
- Blinkie - The small blinking coupon machine (typically located right next to the product!)
- Tear pad- Usually located on special displays or located right next to the product.
- Catalina's - also known as the "magic coupon machine" this prints out a coupon (occasionally) on a separate machine at check-out. It is called a Catalina because it is manufactured by the Catalina corporation
- Inside the product (usually there will be a statement on the box stating there is a coupon inside!)
- "e-coupons" are a relatively new way to load coupons onto your store savings card, either through a third-party website or your store's website. There are also mobile coupons.
- Coupon trade, coupon trains
Coupon Lingo
Here is a wrap-up of all the "lingo" we have discussed so far and some new stuff thrown in that we will discuss soon!
- q - coupon
- mfr q- manufacturer's coupon (or Man q, mfr q, mc)
- IP - internet printable coupon
- B1G1, B1G1F, BOGO - Buy one get one free!
- B2G1, B2G1F - Buy two get one free!
- $1/1 - One dollar off one item
- $1/2 - One dollar off two items
- x, exp - expiration date of coupon
- OOP - out of pocket cost - the cost you pay after store sales, and coupon deduction
- MIR - mail in rebate
- Freebie - item that is free after coupons or rebate
- GC - gift card (often stores offer promotional gift cards)
- Beep - when a coupon beeps it usually indicates either a problem or the cashier needs to take an action
- wyb - when you buy (for example $1 off wyb 2)
- ONO - on next order
- YMMV - your mileage may vary - this means that this deal may vary depending on how the store works. (Try at your own risk!)
Store Savings Card
A store savings card is usually a requirement for getting the store sales in most stores (excluding club stores and supercenters) . These programs usually have little incentive to join other than the availability of store sales.
The following area grocery stores offer store savings cards -
- Giant PA
- Weis Markets
- Food Lion
- Nell's Shurfine
Also, large chain convenient stores offer store savings card. Here are a couple that are in the area.
- Rite Aid
- CVS
- Walgreens
Now... you are ready to begin!
Go through your small stash of coupons (we will discuss coupon organization later), and look for a couple coupons for products that you and your family use. Set these aside and paperclip them onto your grocery list before you go shopping. .
While you are shopping, look for the products that match the coupons. First, is the item on sale? If no, compare the price of the item with the price of the coupon. (that $1/1 coupon brings an item that costs $1.87 down to $0.87, whereas a $1/2 brings that same item down to $1.37/each.)
If yes, compare the regular price and the sale price first. Is the regular price $2.99 and the sale price $2.89? Well, that is really not a sale is it? Unless you sorely need an item, I would recommend skipping items like this. If the sale price is significantly cheaper, then move on and compare the cost of the item with the coupon.
The goal here is to lower your out of pocket cost as much as possible and become familiar with the prices of the items you and your family buy.
This is not a process that will happen over night. When I first started using coupons, I would go out and "price shop" and examine the price of the item.
The overall goal of coupons is to stockpile the items that you and your family will use to keep you from buying the item at full-cost and to save the most amount of money. I support responsible couponing, and do not encourage shelf-clearing. If there is a great deal (or freebie), please use responsible limits and leave some product behind so other savers can feel just as lucky as you!
Advanced Couponing
Now that you have your feet wet, here is a more in-depth look at some more topics:
