Using Coupons

Coupon clipping always conjures the same mental picture. Endless cutting of paper coupons that never seem to save you enough to be worth it. In truth using (and even clipping) coupons can be much more rewarding than you might think. Thanks to the advantages of technology it’s easier too!

First things first: Confused what all the acronyms and abbreviations are referring to in the coupon posts? Check out this list for definitions!

Blinkie – These are coupons found in Smart Source machines. They are red plastic devices attached to shelves that spit out one coupon at a time. Usually they have a flashing light and are located somewhat near the product they are for. Most common in grocery stores.
BOGO – Buy one get one free. This term refers to either a coupon with this offer, or a sale run by a store.
Catalina (or CRT) – Catalina coupons or Cash Register Tape. These print out at the bottom of a receipt, or more commonly separately from your receipt and will be handed to you by your cashier. These are good towards future purchases and are often store specific, but occasionally are manufacturer coupons.
Hangtag – Coupon found hanging from a tag around a product.
IP – Internet Printable Coupon; coupons you can print online!
OOP– Out of Pocket; price you pay after coupons are applied.
OYNO – On Your Next Order
PP – Participating Products
Peelie – Coupon found on the package of a product that can be peeled.
Tearpad -these are coupons that are on a tearpad usually located on a display or shelf near the item.
WYB – When You Buy
YMMV – Your Mileage (or Market) May Vary; refers to deals being regional and that you may not find them in your local store.

Type of Coupon Inserts found in your newspaper:
PG: Proctor and Gamble
RP: Redplum
SS: Smart Source
GM: General Mills

Example:
So if you see a layout that looks something like this

Colgate toothpaste:
Org. $3.99
-Marked down to $1.99
-$1/1 from 8/8 SS
Final price = $0.99

What it’s telling you is:

Colgate toothpaste was orginally $3.99; has been put on sale for $1.99; use the $1 off 1 product coupon from the Smart Source insert that came inside the August 8th newspaper; your final price will then be $0.99!

Now that you know WHICH coupons are being referred to, how do you get them?

Coupons don’t just come in the Sunday paper anymore. Many retailers and third party sites offer printable online coupons, electronic coupons that attach to your store card, Facebook exclusive coupons and even coupons you can use from your cell phone. Taking the time to clip coupons, whether they are printed online or come in the Sunday paper, can be immensely valuable for your family budget.

Many major retail grocery chains will automatically double (at some stores even triple) your coupon, leading to more savings. While you can’t use two manufacturer’s coupons on one product, you CAN combine one manufacturer coupon and one store specific coupon to further your savings. So where to start?

1. Be sure to set aside a time each week to clip coupons. This ensures you don’t miss coupons for products you regularly use. It also ensures you make a regular habit of coupon clipping to maximize your savings. Either purchase your Sunday paper on a weekly basis or sign-up for a Sunday only subscription and have it delivered to your door!

2. Check online sites like Shortcuts,  P&GeSaver and Cellfire regularly. If you do so, you can take advantage of the many printable coupons available. Many of these sites also allow you to type in your store card number and attach the coupons directly to your grocery store card. (Note: If you use this method, be sure to pay close attention at the register to make sure they actually go through.)

3. Organize your coupons in a way that works for *you*. Whether this is by product type (Beauty, Household, Food, etc.) or store brand (Target, Walgreens, Kroger, etc.) make sure it is a system that is easy for you to use. The simpler it is to find the coupon you’re looking for, the more likely you are to use it! Julie over at Clever Couponing has a wonderful article about why she doesn’t physically clip each coupon and instead uses websites to search through the newspaper inserts to find the coupons she needs.

4. Check your store ads for sale items that you also have coupons for. Not only will this double your savings, it ensures you have a shopping list before leaving the house. This will minimize impulse buys and keep your family within your budget. Combining store and manufacturer coupons is the BEST way to get maximum savings on products you already use and buy. (For example: I was able to purchase two SoBe drinks for $0.25 each by combining the Target sale price, a Target coupon and a SoBe coupon together.)

5. Sign up for your favorite store newsletters! Many times stores offer special coupons and discounts to email newsletter members only. (See my tips over on the Getting Started article for the best way to get newsletters without swallowing up your email inbox.)

6. Don’t forget about coupon codes for online retailers. Sites like Ebates allow you to earn cash back for online purchases. If you’re new to Ebates you automatically get a $5 reward to get you started. Ebates pays via check in the mail or Paypal, four times a year. My husband and I use this to make all our online purchases, then use the cash back rewards to supplement our Christmas shopping budget. (Be sure to stay on the look out for the Daily Double – Each day Ebates highlights one store and offers twice the cash back that your purchase would normally earn!) Also, check sites like RetailMeNot for lists of current coupons codes to use at your favorite retailers.

Combined with email coupons you can receive large discounts, earn cash back on your purchase and even get free shipping. Remember you are in control of your budget. Using coupons, codes, and discounts to spend less money on products you already buy makes you a savvy consumer and can save your family lots of money.

Happy Savings! ❤