Basics to Couponing
A coupon is just a piece of paper or so it
seems.... Sometimes they are more than just the $.50 cents value on it.
It's all about timing -- When you should use the coupon and when to
hold onto it.
One big tip is.... try to NEVER use a coupon if the item is not on sale, unless of course you absolutely need that item. If you can wait, it's likely you can get that same item for much less on sale... with a coupon!
Sales rotate throught the store every 6-12 weeks
For this reason, try to buy atleast 2 papers (or as many you feel your family would need to last you to the next 6-12 weeks) -- This also comes in handy if you hit a BOGO sale!
Printable coupons usually allow you to print atleast 2 coupons, print one and then click the back button on your browser to print another (if you get an error try clicking the inital coupon link again). If you have another computer in your house, you can print 2 more the same way on the 2nd computer (for a total of 4 coupons)!
Know your stores
Does Your Store Double or (Triple) Coupons?
My 2 local grocery stores double coupons up to $.50cents (so a $.50cent coupon becomes $1.00!) In some cases you may have to show your grocery/club card before you hand over your coupons!!
Does Your Store Take Competitor Coupons? Ask!!!
Know your Coupons
Is it a store or a manufacturer coupon?
It will tell you on the top left near the expiration date whether it is a store or a manufacturer coupon. If it does not say then most likely it will be a store coupon, usually these will have a store logo somewhere on the coupon.
Store coupons don't double (atleast near me... again ask your store for specifics) but you can "stack" the store coupon with a manufacturer coupon!
**some stores still allow you to ALSO use a e-coupon with these 2 coupons)**
Most of the time the specifics are in the text and NOT the picture, so if it says ANY Tide Product that would mean ALL types and sizes of Tide (sometimes you have to point this out to cashiers)
Keep a mental note - Know what coupons you have. If you come across a closeout or clearance item ask if you REALLY need that item or if you are just buying it for the "deal" If you need it... pick it up since you have your coupon!
Know that you have a coupon but don't have it with you? My most common saying when shopping with my hubby! His impluse buying can be very stressful to me!
Example: Hubby (or Kid) finds cereal that he HAS to have, but it was not on you list and didn't bring your coupons for cereal...
Another Example is, you need Laundry detergent today and find a coupon in tomorrow's paper.
Luckily, my stores allow me to go back (depending on the store) up to 2 weeks with a coupon I "forgot" to use! Each store store is different so ask your store if they do this... it relieves A LOT of stress! :)
Can I buy Just one? (data local to the Atlanta area... Check your local stores to verify this! )
10 for $10.00... You don't need to buy 10... you can buy just one!
BOGO... Yes you can buy just one!! (in this case having 2 of the same coupons pays off!!)
BOGO
BOGO+BOGO=2 Free!
Here are a couple of examples
One big tip is.... try to NEVER use a coupon if the item is not on sale, unless of course you absolutely need that item. If you can wait, it's likely you can get that same item for much less on sale... with a coupon!
Sales rotate throught the store every 6-12 weeks
For this reason, try to buy atleast 2 papers (or as many you feel your family would need to last you to the next 6-12 weeks) -- This also comes in handy if you hit a BOGO sale!
Printable coupons usually allow you to print atleast 2 coupons, print one and then click the back button on your browser to print another (if you get an error try clicking the inital coupon link again). If you have another computer in your house, you can print 2 more the same way on the 2nd computer (for a total of 4 coupons)!
Know your stores
Does Your Store Double or (Triple) Coupons?
My 2 local grocery stores double coupons up to $.50cents (so a $.50cent coupon becomes $1.00!) In some cases you may have to show your grocery/club card before you hand over your coupons!!
Does Your Store Take Competitor Coupons? Ask!!!
Know your Coupons
Is it a store or a manufacturer coupon?
It will tell you on the top left near the expiration date whether it is a store or a manufacturer coupon. If it does not say then most likely it will be a store coupon, usually these will have a store logo somewhere on the coupon.
Store coupons don't double (atleast near me... again ask your store for specifics) but you can "stack" the store coupon with a manufacturer coupon!
**some stores still allow you to ALSO use a e-coupon with these 2 coupons)**
Most of the time the specifics are in the text and NOT the picture, so if it says ANY Tide Product that would mean ALL types and sizes of Tide (sometimes you have to point this out to cashiers)
Keep a mental note - Know what coupons you have. If you come across a closeout or clearance item ask if you REALLY need that item or if you are just buying it for the "deal" If you need it... pick it up since you have your coupon!
Know that you have a coupon but don't have it with you? My most common saying when shopping with my hubby! His impluse buying can be very stressful to me!
Example: Hubby (or Kid) finds cereal that he HAS to have, but it was not on you list and didn't bring your coupons for cereal...
Another Example is, you need Laundry detergent today and find a coupon in tomorrow's paper.
Luckily, my stores allow me to go back (depending on the store) up to 2 weeks with a coupon I "forgot" to use! Each store store is different so ask your store if they do this... it relieves A LOT of stress! :)
Can I buy Just one? (data local to the Atlanta area... Check your local stores to verify this! )
10 for $10.00... You don't need to buy 10... you can buy just one!
BOGO... Yes you can buy just one!! (in this case having 2 of the same coupons pays off!!)
BOGO
BOGO+BOGO=2 Free!
Here are a couple of examples
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