Couponing101 - Part 2: Coupons & Where to Find Them

Just joining the Couponing 101 series? Catch up here:

• Inroduction
• Part 1: Menu Planning

What are coupons and where can I find them?

Manufacturers Coupons

Manufacturer's coupons can be used like cash to purchase the item indicated on the coupon. Stores are reimbursed by the manufacturer of the product for the amount shown on the coupon.

You can find manufacturer's coupons in numerous locations, including those listed below:

• Sunday Papers
  Dallas Morning News Double Issue $5.00
  (a double-issue newspaper is two papers bound together usually by a bright yellow paper)
  Dallas Morning News Single Issue $3.00
  
  Inserts you will find in the Sunday Paper include:
  Smart Source (SS for short)
  Red Plum (RP for short or sometimes called Valassis (V for short))
  P&G (Proctor & Gamble)
  
• Coffee Shops
  
• Newspaper Recycling Dumpsters
  Find a newspaper recycling location near you here.
  
• Ask friends/family/neighbors for their coupons
  
• Purchase coupons on websites:
  http://www.thecouponmaster.com/
  best prices
  $3.00 minimum order
  http://www.thecouponclippers.com/
  best variety
  $3.00 minimum order
  
• Internet Printable Coupons
  http://www.softcoin.com/Sites/Unilever_MoreValue/Page/HomePage
  http://www.coolsavings.com/
  http://www.smartsource.com/
  http://www.redplum.com/
  http://www.boxtops4education.com/
  http://www.bettycrocker.com/
  http://www.couponcatnet/
  
• Blinkies - the red boxes mounted on the shelves at grocery stores
  
• Peelies – found on products
  
• Catalinas - coupons that print from a receipt-like box along with your receipt from the grocery store
  
• Store Online Coupons
  www.softcoin.com/Sites/Unilever_MoreValue/Page/HomePage (Adds coupons to your Kroger card)
  http://www.cellfire.com/ (Adds coupons to your Kroger or Tom Thumb card)
  http://www.shortcuts.com/ (Adds coupons to your Kroger or Tom Thumb card)
  http://www.pgesaver.com/ (Adds coupons to your Kroger or Tom Thumb card)
  http://www.upromise.com/ (Adds coupons to your Kroger card)

So, step one in jumping on the coupon bandwagon is to simply START SAVING coupons!

Here is a schedule of when there will be coupon inserts in the newspapers. Often, on holiday weekends, there are no inserts.

We'll talk about how to organize those coupons next!

As always, feel free to ask any question. I'll be hanging out in the comments section to talk deals and steals!