This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
Now that we covered the basics of knowing what a real sale is and starting a stockpile, lets talk coupons. Okay, first let say one last thing. Just buying what’s on sale and buying enough of it to last until the sale will cut your grocery budget in half! The coupons are icing on the cake. If you don’t have time to coupon, then don’t! Buy what’s on sale and add in the coupons later.
Okay, that said, where do we find the most coupons?
Newspapers:
Grab the Sunday paper and get coupons almost every weekend. Not every newspaper is the same, so get the biggest paper available to you. I would recommend getting two papers each week, any more than that and you’re increasing the time required quite a bit.
Printable Online:
In the last 5 years the number of online coupons has increased exponentially. Most sites will let you print 2 of each offer listed. Check out my list of top printable coupon sites or search the coupon database to find even more on various sites like Facebook.
Magazines:
It may surprise you, but lots of magazines put coupons in each issue. Some have just 1-2 while others (like Better Homes & Gardens or All You) have $20-$30 worth of coupons in every issue. These require subscriptions, but most we can get for around $5 a year on sale.
In-Store:
While you are grocery shopping be on the look out for booklets, flyers, tearpads (post-it notes stick near products) and dispensers (the little red boxes filled with coupons). These are on the honor system normally so be sweet and just take 2 rather than emptying it. If you don’t see anything in your store you can ask customer service if they have any coupons. Also look for coupons that print after you check out in some stores (called Catalina coupons).
eCoupons:
Almost every store now offers there own coupons that load straight to your store loyalty card or phone number. You’ll head to the stores website to find these. Be careful though, 99% of the stores do not allow you to use another manufacturer coupon with these. To start the hunt head the coupon database again, we list all of the stores current eCoupons.
From the Company:
Have a product you love, hate or just want to try? Call, write or email the company. Most companies will send you coupons just for asking. It doesn’t even matter why you asked, they will send coupons! Personally calling is the easiest since the companies phone number is the on the back of every product you buy.
Mobile Apps:
Folks with a smart phone or tablet device can save a bit more off their groceries thanks to the plethora of mobile apps popping up. These can all be used on top of every coupon you use in the store and are more like rebates back on your purchase.
Just with these you should be set! Organization can get tricky so head over and see my recommendations on how to organize.
Tomorrow I’ll share how to make your own coupon organizer!
