7 REWARDS PROGRAMS WORTH YOUR LOYALTY

If you are going to be brand loyal then you might as well earn rewards, too. Here are some popular brands that you might want to check out:

1. KELLOGG'S FAMILY REWARDS
Collect:  codes from Kellogg's boxes marked with Kellogg's Family Rewards logo.
Enter: those codes using the Kellogg's website or mobile site
Redeem for: high-value internet printable coupons, sweepstakes, donation to a charity and other special offers

Notes: You can redeem 1000 points for a $1.50/1 off any Kellogg's cereal internet printable coupon.  Also, wait to enter your codes when they have the double points offer. You'll receive double points on any code or code from specific products you enter within a certain time frame. Here are some codes to get you started:

LOVEANDCHOCOLATE: 100 points
SPECIALK5BONUS4U: 50 points
EARNGREATREWARDS: 20 points
GETKELLOGGPOINTS: 20 points
GIFTOFMUSICBONUS: 20 points
GRAINSDAIRYFRUIT: 50 points
KELLOGGSFREEBOOK: 50 points
HOWITWORKS20PNTS: 20 points
HEALTHYRETURNS20: 20 points
GREATSTARTSBONUS: 20 points

2. PAMPERS GIFTS TO GROW
Collect: codes found inside each package of diapers, training pants and wipes. You'll find a small label with the rewards code. Wipes have the codes printed directly on the packaging.  Individually sold wipes package do not have codes.
Enter: codes via Pampers site,  mobile app or text messaging (you have to sign up for this on your account)
Redeem for: coupons, special offers, Shutterfly prints, sweepstakes, toys, books, digital downloads, magazines

3. ENJOY THE RIDE REWARDS
Collect: codes found inside each package of diapers, training pants and wipes. You'll find a yellow label with the rewards code.
Enter: codes via Huggies, mobile app or text messaging (you have to sign up for this on your account)
Redeem for: free diaper coupons, Shutterfly prints, special offers, sweepstakes, toys, books, gift cards (Amazon or Starbucks!), donate your points or diapers!

4. EARTH'S BEST REWARDS
Collect: product UPCs
Enter: last 5-digit of the UPC code via the website
Redeem for: coupons, sweepstakes, Kiwi magazine subscription, and Kiwi bucks (gift card for Kiwi shop)

5. MY COKE REWARDS
Collect: codes located under caps, inside tear-off on 12-packs or on multi-pack wraps found on the following brands:
Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Sprite, DASANI, POWERADE, Minute Maid, Fanta, Barq's, Fresca, Pibb, Mello, Yello, FUZE, Seagram's, TaB
Enter: codes via website, mobile app, Facebook or text messaging (you must sign up)
Redeem for: movie tickets, Shutterfly prints, All You magazine subscriptions (loaded with coupons), gift cards, sweepstakes, special offers, apparel, accessories

6. DISNEY MOVIE REWARDS
Collect: magic codes from Disney Movies (Blu-ray & DVDs, & digital Disney movies) or earn points from Disney CD's purchase and Disney Movie tickets
Enter: magic codes via the website. For Disney CD's, insert CD into your computer to get points. For movie tickets, you must upload a photo of the ticket via the website to get points.
Redeem for: coupons, collectibles, memorabilias, clothing, dvds, toys, novelty items and more.

7. MY STARBUCKS REWARDS - Buy a Starbucks gift card. Register it for the My Starbucks Rewards program.
Collect: codes from marked Starbucks packages to earn a star. you'll earn a star whenever you use your registered Starbucks card.
Enter: codes via the site or Starbucks app
Redeem for: free drink, free refill or treat depending on your member status:

• 0-4 stars: free drink or treat on your birthday and exclusive offers
• green level - 5-29 stars: free refills while in the store and exclusive offers
• gold level - 30 stars: earn 30 stars within a year to reach this level and receive a personalized gold Starbucks card (fancy!) earn 12 stars while on this level and get a free drink or food.

Can you tell I love the Huggies Rewards program? I've redeemed my points for free diaper coupons and used them at CVS with Huggies spend $30 get $10 ECB for a really sweet deal!

6 FREE MONEY-SAVING APPS THAT ARE WORTH YOUR TIME

In addition to coupons, you can maximize your savings even more by using the following apps:

1. IBOTTA 

compatible with: ios, android

what is it: Similar to a rebates program, this app let's you earn cash back on things you buy by submitting your receipt.

how it works: 

• Unlock offers by completing tasks such as completing a survey, watch videos or taking a poll.
• After purchasing those items, redeem your rebate on the app by scanning your receipt and the item barcode.
• Ibotta reviews your receipt and sends you cash via Paypal or Venmo when you reach at least $5. Also if you prefer a gift card you can start cashing out at $2.

2. SAVINGS STAR 

compatible: ios, android, desktop

what is it: This service is similar to Ibotta but instead of submitting a receipt you only need to link your loyalty cards to your Saving Star account.

how it works:

• Activate the offer in the app or online.
• Buy in one trip or many at any store where you have a card registered with SavingStar. Be sure to have your loyalty card scanned at checkout for your purchase to register in your account.
• You will receive an email alert after you've made your purchase and another email when you've earned your reward.

3. CHECKOUT51

compatible with: ios, android, desktop

what is it:  Same as Ibotta, the only difference is that Checkout51 offers are only valid for 1 week and new ones are posted every Thursday. Also, there is no need to do anything to unlock the offers.

how it works:

• Pick the offers that you'll be purchasing that week.
• Purchase them at any store.
• Upload your receipt by midnight on Wednesday to earn the cash back.
• Receive cash back when you reach $20.

4. TARGET CARTWHEEL

compatible with: ios, android

what is it: Additional savings at Target that can be used with mobile coupons and internet printable coupons.

how does it work:

• Select an offer you'd like and add to My Cartwheel.
• When at the register, select My Cartwheel to view a barcode.
• Have the cashier scan the barcode to receive the discount (like a mobile coupon). 
• Cartwheel is scanned after all Target coupons have been applied and before manufacturer coupons.

5. WRAPP

compatible with: ios, android, desktop

what is it: This app allows you to send and receive free and/or paid gift cards from many of your favorite retailers via text, Facebook or email.

how does it work:

• Send FREE gift cards to friends/ family when they become available.
• Send paid gift cards to friends/family by selecting your desired denomination amount.

6. SHOPKICK

compatible with: ios, android

what is it:  An app that rewards you just by walking into stores and/or scanning product bar codes. You also earn rewards on your purchases when you link your card with your Shopkick account. Kicks are rewards you earn and can be redeemed for gift cards.

how does it work:

• Be sure your GPS is on and then, launch the shopkick app on your mobile device.
• Walk into a store to receive your kicks (Shopkick rewards).
• Scan items that are currently featured to earn more kicks.
• Redeem kicks for gift cards (500 kicks can be redeemed for a $2 Target gift card)

Be sure to check these apps out! That's extra money for your piggy bank. Keep in mind that offers from all of these apps can be used simultaneously. For example, if Ibotta and Checkout51 are both offering $0.50 cash back on a gallon of milk, you can upload your receipt to both apps and earn $1.00 total. Pretty cool, huh?

I use all of these apps but I must admit that there are times when I get lazy scanning my receipts. 

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. 

WHERE TO GET COUPONS

You'll need coupons if you want to start couponing. I've listed many different sources below.

Sources

PAPER COUPONS
Sunday Paper inserts - This should be your main source of coupons. I recommend at least 2-4 Sunday papers to start and use printable coupons as supplements.

Blinkies - Grab several from a blinking small machine that spits out coupons at the stores; many are found at the grocery stores. Some machines require you to wait several minutes before spitting out another one.

Tearpads - A pad of coupons usually found on products displays, free-standing or on the shelves by the products.

Peelies - These are coupons found attached to the products.

Catalina - Coupons that print at the register. It looks like a receipt printer. Grocery stores, Target, Walgreens and Kmart have catalina machines. Some are store coupons and some are manufacturer's coupons.

Store Booklets - Many stores have free booklets that has coupons in them. They are normally found at the store entrance, by the Pharmacy or at the Customer Service area. Target, Walmart and Walgreens usually have them.

Magazines - There are tons of free magazine subscriptions out there! All You magazine contains the most coupons and it's exclusively sold at Walmart. Parade Magazine is found in the Sunday paper and will sometimes contain coupons.

Home Mailers - These are coupons sent in the mail by companies. I get baby home mailers from Target because I signed up for a baby registry several years ago. CVS will sometimes send coupons in the mail, too, so be sure to opt-in for home mailers at cvs.com.

TOP PRINTABLE COUPON SITES

Smart Source - www.smartsource.com

Red Plum - www.redplum.com

Coupons - www.coupons.com

Target - www.coupons.target.com
Procter & Gamble - http://www.pgeveryday.com/tag/coupon

ADDITIONAL PRINTABLE SITES

Common Kindness - www.commonkindness.com

Box Top 4 Educations - www.boxtop4educations.com

Very Best Baking - www.verybestbaking.com/coupons-promotions

Live Better America - http://www.livebetteramerica.com/coupons

All You Magazine - http://www.allyou.com/coupons-deals

Betty Crocker - www.bettycrocker.com/coupons-promotions (you must log -in)

Pillsbury - http://www.pillsbury.com/coupons (you must log -in)

STORE PRINTABLE COUPONS (coupons that can only be redeemed at the specific store)

Whole Foods - www.wholefoods.com/coupons

Target - www.coupons.target.com (some are manufacturer coupons)

Cvs - www.cvs.com click on  in-store coupons found on the very bottom of the page (website footer) Internet Explorer browser is recommended and most are manufacturer's coupons from coupons.com

Rite Aid - www.riteaid.com/video-value (you must log-in) and www.facebook.com/riteaid (click on exclusive deals)

E-COUPONS/MOBILE COUPONS

Target Mobile coupons http://m.target.com/sms/coupon-alrts/form (sign up to get Target mobile store coupons)

Rite Aid - https://www.riteaid.com/wellness/load2card (these are manufacturer's coupons that can be loaded onto your card)

Tools
Coupon Database - Meet every couponer's best friend! Use this to locate a coupon or see if there's a coupon available for a specific product.

Sunday Coupon Preview - Preview the upcoming coupons here www.sundaycouponpreview.com

Read the next post: 6-Money Saving Apps That Are Worth Your Time

COUPONING CODES AND DEFINITIONS

Here are additional terms and definitions:

WAGS -  Walgreens

BLINKIES - these are coupons found in small (usually) blinking box near the product

RED MACHINE - CVS coupon center machine where you can price check a product and scan your card to print CVS coupons. It is also referred to as Red Box and Red Machine

PEELIE - coupons you can peel off products at the store

STACKING - many stores allow you to combine a store coupon along with a manufacturer's coupon on a single item.

DOUBLE COUPON, DOUBLING - some stores double the coupon value (no doubling in California (T_T) )

TEARPAD - a pad of coupons found on store displays or by a product

For a beginner all these terms and abbreviations can get really confusing. The only terms you really need to know now are the inserts SS, RP and PG because you'll need to know where the coupon is located in a deal post (see example below). You will just come to know the rest as you gain more experience.

DECIPHERING THE LOCATION OF A COUPON IN A DEAL POST:

$2.49  Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers
-2.00   use the $2/1 Garnier coupon found in SS 3/2 <---COUPON LOCATION
Pay: $0.49

$2/1 means save $2 off 1 item purchased (ie. you are only required to buy 1 item to use the $2 coupon)
SS 3/2 means SMART SOURCE insert that came out on March 2nd.  You can find the date of an insert on the spine. Be sure to look carefully because it's very tiny.

Read next post: Where to Get Coupons

HOW-TO READ A COUPON

Knowing how to read a coupon is obviously the most essential part of couponing. So here is a simple breakdown that will help you identify the basics.

1. TYPE OF COUPON  -  This indicates whether the coupon is manufacturer's coupon or a store coupon.

2. EXPIRATION DATE - You have until midnight to use the coupon on the day it expires. 

3. DISCOUNT AMOUNT - The dollar amount that the register will take off when the coupon is scanned.

4. ITEM TO BUY - This area includes the following important information and overrides the product picture on the coupon. 

•  quantity of item you need to purchase - if no quantity is stated (sometimes it will say "ANY" then it is assumed as ONE item
• specific product covered by the coupon
• size of the product

5. BARCODE - The cashier scans this. (obviously, hahaha)

6. BARCODE NUMBER - If the barcode doesn't scan the cashier will key in this number.

7. RESTRICTIONS AND FINE PRINT - This particular coupon has 2 restrictions

• limit 1 coupon per purchase: use 1 coupon per item you are purchasing
• limit 4 like coupons per transaction: you can only use 4 of the same coupon in a transaction

8. STORE REDEEMING INSTRUCTIONS - You don't really need to know this. (not really).

Not too complicated, right? Ready for the next post, Couponing Codes and Definitions?