how-to coupon: a quick guide

Couponing can be overwhelming but I promise you it isn't difficult to do. Here's a 5-Step basics to get you started:

1. GET COUPONS - You 'll need coupons, of course!

• Sunday paper - You can purchase them at a Dollar Store, gas stations, grocery stores or subscribe to Sunday paper only.
• printable coupons - You can find those here - link!
• ecoupons - Some stores have them available when you log onto your account online
• mobile coupons - Coupons that are sent to you via text messaging service to your mobile phone.

Check my How-to Read a Coupon  and Where to Get Coupons posts for a more detailed information.

2. ORGANIZATION METHODS - Keep coupons together.

• envelopes - This is only best to keep coupons and written/printed transaction details together otherwise it becomes useless after a few weeks into couponing.
• mini accordion file - You can find these are Target Dollar Spot and Dollar Stores. The longer ones are ideal and are perfect to organize the coupons into separate categories.
• filing method - This method requires you to file the coupons by the date of the insert. You'll need to use a coupon database to locate a coupon you need.
• binder method - You'll need to clip the coupons and file them in a 3-ring binder using baseball card holders for this method. A very time consuming process but you can take your coupon binder with you when you go to the store.
• mini binder - Same idea as the binder method but more travel friendly.

3. KNOW THE STORE POLICIES - Keep away from trouble.

•  store policies - Be sure to know your store polices. You can find those at the store websites or ask the store. Print and read them carefully. Here are some links: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target Policies.
• loyalty cards - Many stores require you to have a loyalty card to get the sale prices. Loyalty cards are FREE!
• double coupons - Some stores may double the coupon value or some will take any value of coupon and raise to a certain value (ex. Fry's grocery store will take a $0.20 value coupon and raise it to $1). This is done at the register.
• stacking coupons - Many stores allow you to combine manufacturer's coupons along with store coupons for even more savings!
• printable coupons - Be sure that your store accepts printable coupons and know the limitations, if any.
• competitor coupons - Some stores accept other stores' coupons.
• expired coupons - A very rare privilege but I do know that some CVS stores accept expired coupons. Don't hesitate to ask your store.
• price matching - If you're going to do this be sure to check the store's price matching policy.

4. PLAN YOUR TRIP - Preparation is key.

• weekly ads - If you didn't get weekly ads in the Sunday paper, you can find them on the store website. Here are the links: CVS, Walgreens, Target, Rite Aid
• coupon match-ups - Match store sales with coupons that are available. Look for sales with additional rewards back for maximum savings. Check my weekly shopping list here.
• make a list - Create a list to help keep track of what you need to buy, what coupons to use and how much you are supposed to pay at the register (with or without tax calculated). You may have to modify this list accordingly when you are at the store. 

5. GOOD THINGS TO KNOW - Don't start just yet.

• one per purchase - Most, if not all, coupons have this restriction stated on the fine print. This means you need to use 1 coupon per item you are purchasing and not 1 per transaction. This is to enforce that you are not using 2 manufacturer's coupons per item. Here is a good example. It states 1 coupon per purchase but allows you to use 4 like coupon per transaction. However, sometimes a coupon will require you to buy 2 items (eg. Save $2 when you buy 2 items, etc) so just be sure to carefully read the coupon.
• 10/$10 - This means buy 10 for $10 which makes an item $1 each. You don't always necessarily need to buy 10 to get the $1 price unless the sale sign says you must.
• deal limits - Many drugstores have limits on rewards that you get back. Be sure you are aware of this and read the weekly ad carefully.
•  rainchecks - If the item you want is out of stock you can get a raincheck. Staple the piece of the ad you got the raincheck for to your raincheck slip. CVS and Walgreens rainchecks NEVER expire!
• watch the cashier - This is crucial especially when you are doing a big transaction. They might miss a coupon because it got stuck, coupons didn't scan properly or the item didn't ring up on sale.
• check your receipt - Before leaving the store make sure all your coupons were scanned and everything rang up accordingly. Step 4 (planning your trip) should give you an idea of how much you are suppose to pay out of pocket. If there is a problem it is much easier to get it fixed right away rather than going back to the store days later.

So, that's it! Begin with small transactions and I highly recommend starting with CVS first because they have the best customer service, easiest rewards program and a well-written coupon policy. Be sure to check my shopping list for weekly cheap/free deals for you to try.