Where can I get coupons? And how do some people have so many of the same ones?
If you live in a larger area where multiple newspapers are available, you may notice the different newspapers have different coupons in their inserts as well as different value amounts on some; even though the names of all inserts are the same (Redplum, SmartSource, etc.) In different areas, advertisers and local businesses may insert more coupons in the largest newspaper serving that market area. (supply & demand) And, often the coupons in the larger paper are of a higher value. Some couponers even have subscriptions to more than 1 paper and/or more than 1 Sunday paper delivered to their home for this reason. (check with your local paper as oftentimes a discount rate is available for multiple Sunday only subscriptions)
A quick trip to your local library on a Sunday (go early, some people DO walk off with those inserts!) to check out the different inserts for all papers available in your area will give you a good idea which and how many you may want to subscribe to. Or spend a few dollars and buy copies of all of your local newspapers on a Sunday at the convenience store / gas station. It will be obvious really fast which papers have the most coupons in them.
Online printable coupons tend to have a higher value over all than paper inserts which is why I like to gather mine from both sources. You can print your own online coupons directly from us, right HERE !!
And never under estimate the power of word of mouth! Once your friends, family and neighbors know you’re THAT crazy couponer, they will gladly hand over their unused coupons! I just LOVE when someone visits and brings me an envelope of “Grandma’s Gold” they’ve been collecting for a couple weeks! One last little tidbit to try… sign up directly at the manufacturer’s website! “Like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter! Becoming a super-fan has it’s perks. Perks they only let us super fans know about!
What’s the difference between a store coupon and a manufacture’s coupon?
Store coupons will state specifically ”Redeemable ONLY at “X” store” (Target and CVS are good examples that put out their own store use only coupons for example)
Manufacturer coupons will always say “Manufacturer Coupon” somewhere on it. Even if a coupon has a store’s name or logo making a suggestion as to where to purchase the product, if it says “Manufacturer Coupon” on there, it’s a manufacturer’s coupon and can be redeemed at ANY store.
The bonus obviously is going to a store who has a current coupon of their own out that you can ‘stack’ with your manufacture’s coupon. AND!!!! If said store has that item on sale, well collect as many of both as you can and stock up! This is how you not only start to build a nice stockpile but save the big $$ on those items doing it!
How do I tell which coupons my local stores accept?
Every store has a coupon policy that states in detail what kinds of coupons they accept. All the details – if they accept internet printable coupons, what and how many you can stack in a single transaction, and even if you’re lucky enough to live where they double coupons (Grandma Juice sadly does not) And some stores even accept competitor’s coupons or will price match a competitor’s current sale. (Walmart!!!) You can check your local store’s website, ask for a copy of their policy at the service desk or email them to send you a copy. And don’t be afraid to carry it with you in the store while you shop. some cashier’s just don’t know the policies and having that handy can get you in and out quicker with much less hassle.
Am I committing fraud by using an expired coupon?
Well, that depends. If a store’s policy states they don’t accept expired coupons, YES you definitely are committing fraud and I would not use them there even if you think no one is noticing. (photocopying internet printable coupons is fraud too! do NOT do that… EVER!) However, some stores actually do accept them!! Again, check the store’s policy on time frames etc but if they accept them, USE THEM! If you can’t find local stores that do, consider sending them to military personnel stationed overseas. Military commissaries accept expired coupons from our troops to use for up to 6 months in most cases. Click HERE to find out how! As a military family… we’d LOVE to see you participate here and not just toss them in the trash when they reach their expiration date.
