Understanding Coupons: The Basics

Where to Find Coupons

• Newspapers: Weekly Sunday newspapers often have coupon inserts from manufacturers or retailers.
• Magazines: Some magazines, especially those related to cooking, home, or lifestyle, may contain coupons.
• Store circulars: Many stores issue circulars or flyers, typically near the store entrance, with store-specific coupons and promotional offers.
• Coupon websites: Websites like Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, and SmartSource offer printable and digital coupons.
• Store apps: Major retailers have mobile applications where you can find digital coupons and exclusive offers.
• Direct mail: Look for coupons in the direct mailings that you receive, such as flyers and ads from local stores.
• On-package coupons: Some products come with attached coupons or include offers inside their packaging.
• Social media: Follow your favorite brands and stores on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, as they often promote exclusive discounts and offers.

Tips for Organizing Your Coupons

Choose a Coupon Organizing System

• Coupon binder: Use a binder with clear plastic pockets or baseball card holders to store and organize your coupons.
• Coupon box: Use a small box or container with labeled dividers to sort your coupons by type or category.
• Envelope system: Keep your coupons sorted into labeled envelopes for easy access and transport.
• Digital organization: Use mobile applications like SnipSnap or mobile wallets to store and manage digital coupons.

Sort Your Coupons

• Product type: Sort by food, health and beauty, household items, etc.
• Store: Organize coupons by specific stores, especially if you frequently shop at a limited number of retailers.
• Expiration date: Arrange coupons by expiration date, so you know which ones need to be used first.
• Value: Order your coupons by potential savings or discount offered.

Keep Your Coupons Updated

• Remove expired coupons.
• Add new coupons to your organizing system.
• Keep an eye on your inventory and take note of any coupons that need to be used soon.

Smart Shopping Tips

Create a Shopping List and Plan Your Trips

• Stick to your budget.
• Avoid impulse purchases.
• Use your coupons effectively.

Match Coupons with Sales and Promotions

• Sales events: Use your coupons during store-wide sales, clearance events, or holiday promotions.
• Weekly deals: Many stores have weekly deals or discounts on specific items. Pair your coupons with these deals to save even more.
• Store-specific promotions: Keep track of promotions unique to specific stores, like BOGO deals or discounts on certain product categories.
• Price matching: Some retailers offer price matching guarantees, where they will match a competitor's lower price. Use a coupon to increase your savings even further.

Understand Store Coupon Policies

• Double or triple coupon days: Some stores have designated days when they will double or triple the value of manufacturer coupons.
• Coupon stacking: Find out if a store allows stacking, i.e., using both a manufacturer and store coupon on the same item.
• Limits on coupon usage: Be aware of any limitations on the number of coupons or total discounted amount allowed per transaction.

Track Your Savings

Using Technology for Smarter Shopping and Saving

Mobile Apps

• Rebate apps: Apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51 allow you to claim rebates after purchasing specific items. Scan your receipt, and the rebate will be credited to your account.
• Digital wallet apps: Applications like Google Pay and Apple Wallet help manage your digital coupons and loyalty cards in one place.
• Store apps: Use major retailers' apps, like Target's Cartwheel or Walmart's Savings Catcher, to access store-specific discounts and deals.
• Barcode scanners: Apps like ShopSavvy or PriceGrabber help scan product barcodes and compare prices with other retailers, potentially finding a better deal before you use a coupon.

Coupon Aggregator Websites

Ethical Couponing Practices

• Avoid taking all the available coupons from a display or newspaper stand, as this limits other shoppers' opportunities to save.
• Do not misuse coupons or use them in a way that the manufacturer did not intend.
• Understand and respect the store's coupon policies and any limitations they may have.
• Be considerate of other shoppers and store employees, especially during checkout. If you have a large number of coupons, let those with fewer items go ahead.