I have been thrilled to see so many new readers jump on board with money saving lately. Getting started in the art of money saving can seem tricky though. New definitions to learn, organizational systems to put in place, “tricks of the trade” to master… It can appear overwhelming at first. I understand these challenges. I just started couponing and shopping the bargains about eighteen months ago myself. The struggles of learning to save money are still fresh in my mind.
With so many now looking to save some extra money, I thought it might be a good time to get back to the basics here at Frugal in Virginia. Over the next week or so, I plan to share some tips for beginners. We’ll cover everything from coupons to stockpiling to drugstores.
If you have a question you would like answered during this series, please ask! You can send your questions via email (mrsadams84@yahoo.com) and Twitter (@frugalinva), or by leaving a comment below.
Now, without further ado… The Art of Money Saving, Part 1.
Coupon Sources
1. Sunday newspapers
Most Sunday papers include coupon “inserts” (booklets of coupons) for an ever-changing variety of products. RedPlum, Smart Source, and Proctor & Gamble are the major companies distributing inserts currently. Occasionally other companies, such as Kellogg’s, will also include a brand-specific insert.
Insert coupons
While the Sunday paper does cost, I have found it well worth our money to get at least one paper each week. The savings gained by the Sunday paper coupons far surpasses the cost of the paper.
I suggest calling your local newspapers and asking for a trial period Sunday subscription. I was able to get an amazing 6-month trial deal with a major metropolitan paper last year. At the end of the trial you can determine whether to the cost of continuing your subscription is worth it.
I also recommend asking friends and family to pass along their unwanted coupon inserts. Many consumers still do not make use of these coupons, so you may be surprised to find how many are more than happy to share theirs.
2. Internet
The internet is a wonderful source (my favorite!) for coupons. All you need is your computer and a printer. There are several reputable sites from which to print coupons.
For starters, you can print coupons straight from this site. Just check out the right sidebar, and scroll down a bit until you see the pink Coupons.com widget. If you select “see all coupons” within the box, you will be able to see all available coupons and select which you wish to print. Easy as pie. Currently, in addition to many other major national brand products, you can print a $5 off coupon for Huggies diapers.
Some of my other favorite internet coupon sources:
RedPlum
Smart Source
Betty Crocker
Eat Better America
Retailers have also begun sharing store-specific internet coupons. Target and Food Lion, for example, have easy-to-use coupon sites.
If you are looking for a specific product coupon, I suggest visiting the product website. A quick Google search will point you in the right direction. Arm & Hammer is just one of many companies directly offering coupons for their products.
While an occasional store decides not to accept internet coupons, I have found most retailers gladly accept them. Internet coupons are now becoming a couponing norm. And don’t bother wasting color ink on these coupons. Black and white will do just fine!
A few internet couponing rules do apply, however. Never photocopy an internet printed coupon. This is coupon fraud. Each printed coupon contains a unique barcode, while a photocopied version no longer has this characteristic. Also, only print coupons from reputable sources. Occassionally individuals will take it upon themselves to edit and distribute coupons using image editting programs, resulting in coupon “fakes”. And this should go without saying, but I will say because I love to hear myself- Don’t edit coupons on your own either!
3. eCoupons
Several companies now offer coupons that you can download directly to your customer cards. These coupons are all electronic, so there’s no need to clip or organize anything. The discounts are taken off your total at checkout. Shortcuts, P&G eSaver, and Cellfire.com are a few of my favorites. UPromise, while it doesn’t give product discounts, offers coupons that allow you to save for college when you purchase particular items.
4. Samples
If you request samples from companies online, the manufacturer will often include a coupon with you sample. Walmart has a wonderful sample program that often includes coupons mailed with the product. Several times a week here at Frugal in Virginia I also share available samples.
5. Store Aisles
Grocery stores are a great source for coupons. Just look for tearpads and small “blinkie” machines offering coupons. Just because you don’t plan to use the coupon on that particular shopping trip doesn’t mean you can’t take coupons for later. Nearly everytime I see coupons offered in stores, I will grab at least two copies for future use.
6. Magazines
Most magazines will offer at least a coupon or two, and on occassion, several. Nicole shared just last week how the April issue of Good Housekeeping has over $23 in coupons, and Tara shared the lengthy list of coupons available in April’s All You magazine. Very rarely do I buy a magazine for its coupons. I have found that free magazine subscriptions are easy to find, and I make it a point to share those free mag offers on this site as well.
7. Email companies
If I really like a product, I have found that a quick “thank you” email to the manufacturer will often result in coupons.
8. Cash registers
Nearly everytime I shop at a grocery store, coupons will print out alongside my receipt. While you often must use these coupons at the store that gave them to you, some retailers will accept competitor coupons.
Now it’s time for you, my readers, to pitch in! Please share your favorite coupon sources. I’m sure I missed a great source or two!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post! Thanks for helping us newbies!
how often do the internet coupons change (coupons.com)?
thanks for the post!
If you have access to a military base the commisary will give out free manufacture coupons usually at the begining of the month on the weekend.
What is your opinion on the various sites that allow you to buy coupons that have been published in the Sunday inserts? Is this a good value considering you don’t have to pay for the newspaper? If so, which of the sites do you recommend?
Anon- Good questions! Online coupon clipping services are a bit of a gray area in my opinion, so I don’t use them or encourage them. It’s against the law to sell coupons, so the coupon clipping sites slide around the law by saying they are selling the actually clipping work rather than the coupons themselves. I guess I have a hard time with that reasoning since I would also be receiving the actual coupons that I didn’t own before too. And those coupons are the very thing I would want/need, not someone to clip them out for me.
I know people have different opinions on whether these services are legit or not. But since I’m just a bit uncomfortable with them personally, I don’t participate. It can be tempting though since buying coupons could save you loads of money in the long run.
Dana
Another great source of coupons is a coupon trading forum. These are different from the sites that sell coupons; they are strictly barter. You simply join the forum and post a message saying what you’re looking for and what you have to offer. I got tons of great coupons this way. I used to feel bad throwing out all the coupons I never used, and this was a great way to avoid that while also gaining coupons I did use! Lately I’ve gotten too busy to do coupon trading anymore, but if you are organized with your coupons, it’s a fantastic addition to your frugal living techniques.