Couponing 101

Couponing 101

Welcome to the world of couponing. Here are a few steps to follow to become a successful couponer:

>>Step 1: Where do I find coupons?

• Coupons.com
• Smartsource.com
• Redplum.com
• Target
• Rite Aid Video Values
• Retail Me Not
• Mommy Saves Big (stores/restaurants)
• Sunday newspaper inserts (SmartSource, P&G, RedPlum, General Mills)
• Magazines (AllYou, Good Housekeeping, etc.)
• Company websites
• Store coupons 

 

>>STEP 2: Know Acronyms and Definitions

RP: Redplum (insert in Sunday newspaper)
SS: SmartSource (insert in Sunday newspaper)
PG: Proctor & Gamble (P&G) brand saver (insert in Sunday newspaper)
GM: General Mills (Sunday insert)
Mfg: Manufacture coupon
psa: Prices starting at
B1G1/BOGO: Buy one get one
BOGO 50%: Buy one get one 50% off
WYB: When you buy
MIR: Mail in rebate
OOP: Out of pocket
$1/2: $1 off of 2 items
MQ: Manufacturer's coupon
MM: Moneymaker
OYNO: On your next order
SCR: Single Check Rebate (RiteAid)
ECB: Extra Care Bucks from CVS
PP: Price plus from ShopRite
RR: Register rewards (Walgreens)
CAT: Catalina
IP: Internet printed coupon
MM: Moneymaker
OYNO: On your next order
UPC: Universal product code
DND: Do not double
NLA: No longer available

Free: FREE!

Catalina: These are the coupons that print out at the registers after you pay. They are usually coupons for specific items or dollars off your next purchase. Pictured on the right ----->

A Catalina

Blinkie: Red Smart Source machines in stores

>>STEP 3:

To maximize your savings, the best way to do it is: Sale + Manufacturer's coupon + Store Coupon/Store Rewards Program = Best Prices!!! (Or even FREE!)

Example:

Crest toothpaste - $2.99 sale price

use $1.00/1 Manufacture's coupon

Pay $1.99

Get $1.99 back in Rewards = FREE

Most stores accept a store coupon with a manufacturer's coupon for the same item.

Most grocery stores, such as Shoprite, will double coupons up to $.99

Example:

If you have a coupon for $0.75, Shoprite will double the coupon to $1.50!

>>Here are a few tips I would like to share: 

• Know what stores you want to follow. Example - choose one drugstore and one grocery store.

• Know the store's policy. Here they are: Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Shoprite (Please email me to add other stores)
• Don't buy stuff just because it is cheap. (Unless you plan to buy it and donate it)
• Decide your stockpile prices (how much your willing to pay for certain items including toiletries, food, diapers, etc.)
• Make a list before you go to the stores. I usually write down the prices, the coupons used, any rewards recieved, and the final price.
• If a deal is causing you to stress, it is not worth it.
   
• NEVER EVER EVER EVER COPY COUPONS. It is considered fraud so please DO NOT copy or abuse them.
• Organize your coupons - whether its using a binder, a coupon organizer (dollar store sells them), or envelopes, label them and it will make your life a little easier! (Food, Toiletries, Baby, Clothes, Etc)
• Happy shopping!