Couponing 101

Maximize your coupon savings with a few of these couponing basics brought to you by Discount Queens very own authors.

Collect Your Coupons

• The best and most efficient way to collect coupons is by purchasing three to four Sunday newspapers a week. Wal-Mart sells them for $1 all week long. Keep your eye out for a sale on home delivery for an even better deal.
  
• Another source of coupons is the internet. Sometimes this type of coupon is referred to as an Internet Printable (IP) and can be printed from your own computer.

• Occasionally, your grocery store will provide coupons called “blinkies” or “peelies.” Blinkies are distributed from small machines placed next to the coupon item. Peelies are pasted onto the actual product but can sometimes be used for other items as well.

Get Organized
You’ve got a stash of coupons now what? There are a variety of coupon organizing methods so choose one that seems to fit your organization style best. Here are some suggestions:

• Coupon Binder: Use baseball card holders /sheet protectors and dividers to organize clipped coupons by topic.

• Accordion file folder: Organize clipped coupons by topic or store.

• File folders: Organize complete, non-clipped coupon packets by the Sunday date and type (Smart Source, P&G, Red Plum, etc).

Combine Coupons with Sales
This is where Discount Queen comes in handy. We let you know the best sales and the coupons that match. This is how you will turn a $1 off coupon into a free item! When an item goes on sale, stock up! This is how you will begin to trim your budget item by item.

Know Your Store Policies
Each store may be different in the types and quantity of coupons they will accept. See here for details. Carry one for each store with you as you shop and be sure to show cashiers or managers if you run into an issue.

Be Friendly
You catch more bees with honey than you do with vinegar – or something like that. Cashiers have all the power so be nice! Make sure to choose your cashier carefully – some are more willing to work with you than others.

Tips and Tricks
Here are some great couponing tips from another great site, pinchingyourpennies.com:

* When an item is Buy One Get One Free, often two coupons can be used.
* If the coupon says "off any size", its often more profitable to use it on the smallest size.
* If the store is out of an advertised sale item, get a raincheck. Use it later with coupons.
* Keep a list of needed items.
* Plan your meals around items in your food storage.
* Avoid trips to convenience and corner stores.
* Don't shop when hungry. This will reduce impulse buys.
* Remember one store does not have the lowest prices on everything.
* Check expiration dates on food items, especially when stockpiling.
* Watch for price discrepancies as checkout. Make sure all coupons are deducted.
* Try different brands. Eliminating brand loyalty increases savings.
* Have fun and be proud of the savings!