Rules to Couponing

Here are a couple basic rules to couponing to hopefully get you started!

1. You can use 1 coupon PER item - which is the same as "1 coupon PER purchase". An item is a "purchase", a bunch of items is a "transaction". Example: 5 soaps can go with 5 coupons for soap, but 5 coupons can't go with 1 soap.

** Exception - There are different types of coupons in which case you CAN use a "manufacturer" coupon WITH a "store" coupon on a single item USUALLY which will make it super cheap. **

2. Types of coupons:

- Manufacturers coupons - Ones given by the maker of the product. Available in newspaper inserts or "Internet printables" (IP).

- Store coupon - Usually in weekly circular for store, advertises price for an item when store coupon is presented. Safeway does this a lot. There is almost always a limit on the number of items you can get, i.e. "limit 2 paper towels".

- $/$$$ (or x amount of $ off if you spend X amount of $). These are nice and some stores will take competitors coupons for these - Albies for example.

- Internet Printables - Manufacturer coupons but with own rules. CANNOT be photocopied because of unique bar codes each time you print and can usually print up to 2 of same coupon on 1 computer. Some stores are anal about accepting due to fraud. Today's coupon printing programs have security "features" like faint background images, tiny print borders, etc. Beware these SUCK ink and generally expire 30 days after printing.

http://www.couponsense.com/ is a great site. You can try different zip codes to get a few different coupons.

- Rebates - Can be "instant" or may require you to send in form, proof of purchase, receipt, etc. Not really a coupon but rather $$$ back. I throw gift cards in here too as some stores (Target) offer gift cards if you buy say 2 of an item.

3. You NEED to get a newspaper (or two or three or four). For the price of a Sunday subscription, the coupons you get are absolutely worth it. MOST coupons come in the Sunday inserts, called Smart Source and Red Plum.

If you say really like Eggos (my family), and want to stock up and get 3 boxes for .50/ea, you will need 3 coupons - 1 coupon per box. Thus, you need to get 3 Sunday papers, or a family member/neighbor who donates their coupons to you. Many papers have "multiple Sunday deals" just for couponers.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for a manager. A LOT of cashiers have little to no experience with coupons or can just be jerks. If you know you're right about your coupons and someone is refusing them, get a manager for clarification! Most of the time the manager will make the customer right.

5. PICK you cashier carefully. "Krazy Couponers" know that some of the best cashiers are young males - yes we profile! They are generally interested in getting you through quick rather than scrutinizing every coupon. If a coupon says "do not double", most will allow it to double anyways. Stores generally make $$$ on coupons because they get reimbursed for the full item cost versus sale price.

6. Buy only what you need (or what is CHEAP or FREE). Coupon is only saving money if you are saving money. Most couponers go through a "honeymoon" period where they buy items because they have a coupon - don't! Unless you need something (think Eggos again for us or maybe diapers), only use coupons to stock up on AMAZING deals or free items!

7. Be FLEXIBLE. This means in what you eat and what brands you buy. Store brands are often more money then a national brand on sale and with coupon. Also, a lot of experienced couponers plan their meals around what they have stocked up / what's on sale.

8. Coupon are more than groceries! Being a cheap-ass extends to more then just the grocery store. We use coupons at stores and restaurants too!

9. Shop around, that means you may have to hit multiple stores each week. Coupon is time consuming for sure!

10. Be organized - get a binder for you coupons. I will show off mine and explain how to make one in another post.

HAVE FUN and ENJOY!