To take the best advantage of your coupons, save them for when things are on sale and stock up. Obviously, there are times when you'll need something and it's not on sale, maybe even at it's highest price, by all means use a coupon. But if you have multiple coupons, hang on to the rest of them and watch for a sale on that product and stock up. That way you'll never be forced to buy a product when it's at its most expensive.
The bulk of the work is being done for you by bloggers like me who will post lists of "Match Ups" based on a store's current sale and available coupons.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Couponing: Printable Coupons
There are a number of places to print coupons online. Some people decide to forgo the Sunday paper, opting only to coupon with those available online. Usually, this will consume all the money you're saving by couponing, because you're paying for the ink and paper to produce the coupon. The cost per-page to print is between $0.10 and $0.20 on most at-home printers. Keep that in mind when printing.
Coupons.com, Smartsource.com and Redplum.com are the three primary places to print coupons. But when you'll quickly discover there are lots of other places as well. Target, CVS, Kmart and many other stores offer printable coupons on their website.
The first time you print your coupons you will need to install a coupon printing software. This is what generates the unique barcode that will print on your coupon. It will also send the coupons directly to your printer without printing prompts, so that you cannot print more than the maximum allowed (usually 2 per computer).
Coupons.com, Smartsource.com and Redplum.com are the three primary places to print coupons. But when you'll quickly discover there are lots of other places as well. Target, CVS, Kmart and many other stores offer printable coupons on their website.
The first time you print your coupons you will need to install a coupon printing software. This is what generates the unique barcode that will print on your coupon. It will also send the coupons directly to your printer without printing prompts, so that you cannot print more than the maximum allowed (usually 2 per computer).
Couponing: The Lingo
When you start reading coupon blogs, including mine, it might look like a foreign language. Here's how to interpret it.
$1/1 or $.25/2 is the coupon value. $1/1 means $1 off the item. $.25/2 means $.25 off two items.
RP, SS or PG is for which insert from the Sunday paper. RP=Red Plum, SS=Smart Source, PG=Proctor & Gamble. These abbreviations will be accompanied by the date.
WYB means when you buy.
So, now you know that when you see $.25/2 (P&G 7/4) it means $0.25 off two and the coupon is in the July 4, Procter and Gamble insert.
$1/1 or $.25/2 is the coupon value. $1/1 means $1 off the item. $.25/2 means $.25 off two items.
RP, SS or PG is for which insert from the Sunday paper. RP=Red Plum, SS=Smart Source, PG=Proctor & Gamble. These abbreviations will be accompanied by the date.
WYB means when you buy.
So, now you know that when you see $.25/2 (P&G 7/4) it means $0.25 off two and the coupon is in the July 4, Procter and Gamble insert.
Couponing: Using Your Filing System
Here's how to use the supplies listed in the Starting Your Filing System post.
*Filing "Cabinet" - this is probably self explanatory. You're going to file your coupons and you need a place to put them. Organize by date.
*File Folders - Pull all the coupon inserts from the Sunday paper. Place them in a file folder labeled with the date. Put files in the Filing Cabinet.
*Envelopes - You'll start to acquire loose coupons because you'll find them in product packages, tearpads in the store, peelies (the ones you peel off a package), clipped from magazines and many other places. Plus, you'll have printable coupons too. You need one envelope to take with you to the store with all the coupons you plan to use. The other envelopes will be used to organize your loose coupons. Create categories similar to the sections in a store, health & beauty, baby, household (cleaning, paper products, etc). Sort your loose coupons into these envelopes. Some people prefer to use a 3-ring binder with baseball card holders so they can see the coupons as they flip the pages.
*Filing "Cabinet" - this is probably self explanatory. You're going to file your coupons and you need a place to put them. Organize by date.
*File Folders - Pull all the coupon inserts from the Sunday paper. Place them in a file folder labeled with the date. Put files in the Filing Cabinet.
*Envelopes - You'll start to acquire loose coupons because you'll find them in product packages, tearpads in the store, peelies (the ones you peel off a package), clipped from magazines and many other places. Plus, you'll have printable coupons too. You need one envelope to take with you to the store with all the coupons you plan to use. The other envelopes will be used to organize your loose coupons. Create categories similar to the sections in a store, health & beauty, baby, household (cleaning, paper products, etc). Sort your loose coupons into these envelopes. Some people prefer to use a 3-ring binder with baseball card holders so they can see the coupons as they flip the pages.
Couponing: Building Your Stash
Once you have a filing system in place, you need to start filling them.
Here are the best places to get coupons:
Sunday Paper - save all the coupon inserts not just the coupons you think you'll use
Printables - many coupons can be printed online (see Printables post)
Samples - many companies offer free samples of their products and usually provide coupons with them
Here are the best places to get coupons:
Sunday Paper - save all the coupon inserts not just the coupons you think you'll use
Printables - many coupons can be printed online (see Printables post)
Samples - many companies offer free samples of their products and usually provide coupons with them
Couponing: Starting Your Filing System
In one afternoon last week, I purchased over $300 in grocery and health & beauty items, but paid about $100 out-of-pocket. I also left with $15 in store credits (Walgreen's Register Rewards and CVS Extra Care Bucks) and qualified for a $10 mail-in-rebate!
Anyone can do the same thing.
The first thing to do is start saving your coupons - all of them!
Next, start your coupon file.
Don't put in a big investment starting out. I recommend finding what you have around the house and working with that until you know your couponing style, which will determine how much stuff you need for a filing system.
Supplies:
* File “Cabinet” - Find something you can turn into your coupon cabinet, a copier paper box, a file crate, space in a filing cabinet drawer or anything else that can be your filing "cabinet."
*File Folders – use basic manilla file folders. If you don't have any, this is the only supply I would recommend buying at the beginning, but get the cheapest ones available.
*Envelopes - save empty used envelopes. Slit envelopes at the top and then hang onto them to use in your filing system. If this is a little too extreme saving for you, using a blank envelopes is fine.
*Coupons – start saving all your coupons. Keep the entire insert(s) from the Sunday paper - not just the coupons you know you'll use.
I’ll explain how to organize them using the above materials in another post.
Once you get the hang of couponing, you'll develop preferences. Maybe you would rather use hanging files instead of basic manilla or maybe you prefer a plastic coupon "wallet" instead of envelopes. Many people use the "Couponizer." I don't because I didn't want to spend the money!
Anyone can do the same thing.
The first thing to do is start saving your coupons - all of them!
Next, start your coupon file.
Don't put in a big investment starting out. I recommend finding what you have around the house and working with that until you know your couponing style, which will determine how much stuff you need for a filing system.
Supplies:
* File “Cabinet” - Find something you can turn into your coupon cabinet, a copier paper box, a file crate, space in a filing cabinet drawer or anything else that can be your filing "cabinet."
*File Folders – use basic manilla file folders. If you don't have any, this is the only supply I would recommend buying at the beginning, but get the cheapest ones available.
*Envelopes - save empty used envelopes. Slit envelopes at the top and then hang onto them to use in your filing system. If this is a little too extreme saving for you, using a blank envelopes is fine.
*Coupons – start saving all your coupons. Keep the entire insert(s) from the Sunday paper - not just the coupons you know you'll use.
I’ll explain how to organize them using the above materials in another post.
Once you get the hang of couponing, you'll develop preferences. Maybe you would rather use hanging files instead of basic manilla or maybe you prefer a plastic coupon "wallet" instead of envelopes. Many people use the "Couponizer." I don't because I didn't want to spend the money!
Coming Soon - Weekly Coupon Matchups
There are a number of women doing a fabulous job doing coupon matchups for national chain stores and stores in the St. Louis area.
When trying to help my friends in Oklahoma find similar pages, I haven't been able to, so I'm going to focus on stores in Oklahoma and try to work out an arrangement with some of the St. Louis area bloggers to repost their matchups for national stores like Target and Walgreens.
I plan to post weekly matchups for the following stores: United Supermarkets (using Kingfisher, OK ad), Homeland (using OKC ad) and Dollar General. Please post your favorite supermarket in the comments area and I'll see what I can do about matchups for that store.
When trying to help my friends in Oklahoma find similar pages, I haven't been able to, so I'm going to focus on stores in Oklahoma and try to work out an arrangement with some of the St. Louis area bloggers to repost their matchups for national stores like Target and Walgreens.
I plan to post weekly matchups for the following stores: United Supermarkets (using Kingfisher, OK ad), Homeland (using OKC ad) and Dollar General. Please post your favorite supermarket in the comments area and I'll see what I can do about matchups for that store.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Kmart Double Coupons - Match Ups for the Couponless
Kmart Double Coupon Events are something avid couponers get very excited about. Kmart will double 5 coupons per customer per day, with a value of up to $2 per coupon. (Some stores will allow multiple transactions to help you get around the 5 coupon limit). You will need to present your Shop Your Way rewards card. If you don't have one, you can sign up in the store. Not all Kmart stores participate, so call ahead to find out if your store will. Find the number here.
If you don't have a coupon stash, this is the list for you. The matchups listed are either printable coupons or available in Sunday's (July 4) paper! Prices are based on those found at my local store so prices could vary from store to store. The matchups are limited to Health and Beauty because right now that is all we know will be doubled.
Updates are highlighted in YELLOW. Thanks Jeri at CouponSTL!
FREEBIES:
Always 20ct pantiliners $1.49
use: $1/1 (P&G 7/4) [translation: Procter & Gamble insert in July 4th paper]
final price: free
Revlon Emery Boards $1.49
use: $1/1 printable
final price: free
Revlon Nail Clippers $1.79
use: $1/1 printable
final price: free
Revlon Tweezers $1.99
use: $1/1 printable
final price: free
Other Savings:
Advil 24ct $3.99
use: $1/1 printable
final price $1.99
Always 36ct dryliners $3.79
use: $1/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.79
Always 60ct pantyliners $3.79
use: $1/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.79
Arm & Hammer Toothpaste 2/$6
use: $1.00/1 printable
final price: $1.00
Children's Benadryl Perfect Measure 10ct $3.50
use: $1.50/1 printable
final price $0.50
Carefree 22ct Liners $1.69
use: $0.50/1 printable
final price: $0.69
Covergirl Lipslicks $3.99
use: $1.00/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.99
Covergirl Eyeshadow (singles) $2.99
use: $1.00/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price:$0.99
Crest Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste $3.29
use: $.75/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.79
Dr. Scholl's Corn Cushions $3.89
use: $1.00/1 printable
final price: $1.89
Johnson's First Touch Gift Set $9.99
use: $2.00/1 printable
final price: $5.99
Johnson's Baby Lotions, Shampoos and Oils $3.79
use: $1.00/1 Any Johnson Baby Product printable
or any of the following:
$1/1 Any Lotion printable
$1/1 Moisture Care Lotion or Body Wash (pink package) printable
$1/1 Shampoo or No More Tangles printable
$1/1 Shampoo printable
$1/1 Head to Toe Lotion printable
$1/1 Bedtime Bath printable
$1/1 Baby Oil printable
$1/1 Baby Bubble Bath printable
final price: $1.79
Nivea Lip Care $2.69
use: $2.00/2 printable
final price: $0.69 each wyb 2
Olay Astringent $3.79
use: $1.00/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.79
Pantene Stylers 2/$7 (two for $7)
use: $1.00/1(P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.50 ea
Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner 2/$7
use: $1.00/2 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $2.50 each wyb (when you buy) 2
Tampax Pearl 20ct $4.69
U by Kotex Liners or Tampons $3.99
use: $1.00/1 printable
final price: 1.99
Venus Shave System $8.99
use: $2.00/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $4.99
VO5 Shampoo or Condition $1.00
use: Kmart Special printable
final price: $0.79
If you're new to couponing, you'll be able to get lots more FREEBIES when you build your stash. I actually started couponing because of one of Kmart's double coupon events.
If you don't have a coupon stash, this is the list for you. The matchups listed are either printable coupons or available in Sunday's (July 4) paper! Prices are based on those found at my local store so prices could vary from store to store. The matchups are limited to Health and Beauty because right now that is all we know will be doubled.
Updates are highlighted in YELLOW. Thanks Jeri at CouponSTL!
FREEBIES:
Always 20ct pantiliners $1.49
use: $1/1 (P&G 7/4) [translation: Procter & Gamble insert in July 4th paper]
final price: free
Oral B Advantage Toothbrush - $2.99
use: $2.00/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: free
Revlon Emery Boards $1.49
use: $1/1 printable
final price: free
Revlon Nail Clippers $1.79
use: $1/1 printable
final price: free
Revlon Tweezers $1.99
use: $1/1 printable
final price: free
Right Guard Total Defense 5 - $2.50
$1.50 Right Guard Total Defense 5 printable coupon
or $1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 printable coupon HERE and HERE
final price: free to $0.50
$1.50 Right Guard Total Defense 5 printable coupon
or $1 Right Guard Total Defense 5 printable coupon HERE and HERE
final price: free to $0.50
Other Savings:
Advil 24ct $3.99
use: $1/1 printable
final price $1.99
Always 36ct dryliners $3.79
use: $1/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.79
Always 60ct pantyliners $3.79
use: $1/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.79
Arm & Hammer Toothpaste 2/$6
use: $1.00/1 printable
final price: $1.00
Children's Benadryl Perfect Measure 10ct $3.50
use: $1.50/1 printable
final price $0.50
Carefree 22ct Liners $1.69
use: $0.50/1 printable
final price: $0.69
Covergirl Lipslicks $3.99
use: $1.00/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.99
Covergirl Eyeshadow (singles) $2.99
use: $1.00/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price:$0.99
Crest Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste $3.29
use: $.75/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.79
Dr. Scholl's Corn Cushions $3.89
use: $1.00/1 printable
final price: $1.89
Gillette Deodorant $4.39
$2 - (P&G 7/4)
Final price: .39 each
$2 - (P&G 7/4)
Final price: .39 each
Gillette Body Wash - $4.59
$2 - (P&G 7/4)Final price: .59 each
$2 - (P&G 7/4)Final price: .59 each
Johnson's First Touch Gift Set $9.99
use: $2.00/1 printable
final price: $5.99
Johnson's Baby Lotions, Shampoos and Oils $3.79
use: $1.00/1 Any Johnson Baby Product printable
or any of the following:
$1/1 Any Lotion printable
$1/1 Moisture Care Lotion or Body Wash (pink package) printable
$1/1 Shampoo or No More Tangles printable
$1/1 Shampoo printable
$1/1 Head to Toe Lotion printable
$1/1 Bedtime Bath printable
$1/1 Baby Oil printable
$1/1 Baby Bubble Bath printable
final price: $1.79
Nivea Lip Care $2.69
use: $2.00/2 printable
final price: $0.69 each wyb 2
Olay Astringent $3.79
use: $1.00/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.79
Pantene Stylers 2/$7 (two for $7)
use: $1.00/1(P&G 7/4)
final price: $1.50 ea
Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner 2/$7
use: $1.00/2 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $2.50 each wyb (when you buy) 2
use: $2/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $0.69 U by Kotex Liners or Tampons $3.99
use: $1.00/1 printable
final price: 1.99
Venus Shave System $8.99
use: $2.00/1 (P&G 7/4)
final price: $4.99
VO5 Shampoo or Condition $1.00
use: Kmart Special printable
final price: $0.79
If you're new to couponing, you'll be able to get lots more FREEBIES when you build your stash. I actually started couponing because of one of Kmart's double coupon events.
I'm BAAAACCCCKKKKKK!
I've been gone for a while but I've decided to give this "mommy blogging" another go. I'm still thinking through how I'm going to make this work, so hang in there while I work it all out. You might see a mishmash of stuff until I find my "formula."
Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me!
Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me!
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