It's a new year so I thought we should start off the year with a bang and go through an entire Couponing 101 series!
If you've followed My Memphis Mommy in the past some of the information will be the same but it will be updated and easier to follow. *Just be sure to subscribe or follow along on Facebook or Twitter so you don't miss the series.
So here we go!
A Valpak national study says close to half of us... 40% now search for deals or coupons before making a purchase. And 41% of coupon users come from households earning greater than $70,000! (Nielsen Online Research) That means we are all becoming savvy shoppers, wanting to hang on to our money rather than spending aimlessly on daily needs.
Many believe clipping coupons takes too much time or somehow looks cheap. The truth is, spending 20 minutes clipping coupons before you shop can save you up to 30% at the grocery store. What's not cool about that? Do you get paid that amount in 20 minutes working every day? There are so many online resources and deals found for you that saving money at the store doesn't take a lot of time. It just takes a person willing to follow directions on how to make it happen. If you buy only generics, that is a good savings tactic. But I know many who prefer national brands on certain items... if that is the case, using a coupon or two can OFTEN save you even more than generics and give you the ability to stock up and save when those brands go on sale.
Coupons are everywhere and more than likely available on ALMOST ANYTHING you use, and yes, you can even save going organic. The key is not buying things you won't use just because it's on sale and you have a coupon (or consider donating those items to the needy). I consider coupon money and treat it as such. Also, take heart in knowing that retailers don't lose money when you use a coupon. Retailers receive back the face value of a coupon in addition to a handling fee of 8 cents.
We will be sharing very valuable tips on how to coupon with you. First things first:
What Are Coupons & Where Do I Find Them?
I believe that the Dictionary sums up coupons to a tee - however to me they are free money. What's better then free money? Not much!
Now, How Do You Find Them?
1.Newspaper-
This is a little obvious, but with all the printable coupons available, it can be a little easy to overlook. *If you are a sassy couponer then you will be purchasing more than one of your paper. You can actually preview what coupons will be in the paper by clicking here, then you can buy more papers while you are out. *Keep in mind there are never inserts on holiday weekends.
For extras (for free) check libraries, restaurants and fast food places, doctor's offices, your next door neighbor, some newspaper offices have places for leftover ads, post offices (same thing), recycle places.
2. Printable Coupon Websites-
These are my favorite because you get to print just coupons you want, there is a good variety, and frequent changes. Make sure that you watch for coupons that may have a limit - you may only be able to print so many or you may miss out b/c others have printed them all.. sometimes the coupon will reset.
Coupons.com
Red Plum
Smart Source
Bricks
Coupon Database - you can use this to see if any product that you want to purchase has a coupon available 'right now.'
3. Store Website Printable Coupons -
Same as above, may only be for this particular store so pay attention to type of coupon and if they are good to use for stacking with a manufacture coupon.
Target
Dollar General
Family Dollar
4. Mobile Coupons -
Target
Kroger
iBotta
Shopkicks
5. Mobile/Card Coupons-
Text a code to the store and they will put the coupons on your loyalty card or use a site to do the same thing, for some stores you will probably have to sign up for their e-mails to get the code.
Cellfire
Upromise
Softcoin
6. Manufacture Websites-
Get it straight from the horse's mouth. Sometimes you have to sign up for a newsletter, they change each month so print your favorites when you see them.
Betty Crocker
Pillsbury
*For your favorite products check their website for coupon offers
7. In stores-
Look around! You can find lots of coupons on the items (peelies), next to the price, on the shelves, in the little coupon machines in front of the items. Keep your eyes open! Take a sales flyer when you come in the door! At CVS, use your card to check their coupon machine.
8. On/with your receipt-
Check all that stuff that prints out with your receipt and check the back of your receipt. Lots of good coupons come with that because lots of times it's based on what you have bought and many times they are instore coupons so they are stackable!
9. Facebook-
Become a fan (or "like") your favorite brands. I will always post these coupons as they become available.
10. Magazines -
I haven't seen a magazine with more coupons than All You. But, look through your favorite magazine, you'd be surprised to see coupons hiding among the ads!
11. Samples-
Most of the free sample offers that you sign up for will come with a coupon for the product, especially those from name brands.
12. Email or Call-
Your favorite companies and ask for coupons - many times they will send you coupons and often even free products!
Stay tuned in because tomorrow we will continue our 2014 Couponing 101 Edition!
Want to keep up with ways to save money? Follow along with all of the Coupons, Freebies and Deals by following along on Facebook!
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