Newspapers
- If you don't get the Sunday newspaper now, you need to start.
- I found a coupon code online to get the Sunday edition delivered for only .50 an issue.
- I also go to the local gas station on Sunday night and they give me the leftover inserts for free!
- Ask nicely (don't just expect them to give them to you) also, giving them freebies that you have scored now and then really goes a long way.
- I've had a few people ask me why I have a newspaper subscription when you can just print coupons for free. If only it were that simple. There are a lot of great coupons online, the majority of ones I use come in the Sunday paper.
- Coupons usually have a print limit of 2 per computer (print, click back and print again). Photocopies are not valid and are coupon fraud.
- Some stores (well cashiers) make up their own coupon policy as they go along and once in a while they stand firm that their store "does not accept IPs" although their coupon policy states otherwise. If this happens, don't cause a scene. If there isn't a line I will ask for a manager to come over. If there is a line I will just pay for the item and then take it over to customer service and ask. If they won't take the coupon I can return the item and be done with it. You can always stop by CS prior to shopping and ask if they will take the coupon, so if there is a issue you can have the cashier call that CSM over to give approval.
- Coupons.com
Store Coupons
- Stores often have their own coupons in their sale flyer, or in store. These coupons can be combined with manufacturer coupons for even bigger savings!
- Example: Mascara is $6 at Walgreens there is an in ad coupon for $1 off and you have a coupon for $4 off, this makes the item $1!
Finding the Deals!
- I use AFULLCUP to see upcoming and current deals for the stores I frequent. (link goes to my referral, please use this if you sign up)
- After you sign up, click FORUM to see all of the stores.
Where did you get that coupon?
- You will see coupons referenced like this "$3/1 RP 6/20" $3/1 means three dollars off of one item, RP means Red Plum which is the name of the insert it was in, 6/20 is the date of the Sunday issue it was in. This comes in handy when you organize your coupons
- If someone is referencing a coupon but they leave out where or when it's from you can use the AFULLCUP coupon database to find more information on it.
How to get free stuff!
- Example 1 (just pay tax): spaghetti goes on sale for $1.00 and you have a coupon for $1/1 the item then becomes free! The forums on AFC often will have posts on freebies and good deals.
- Example 2: Spaghetti is on sale for $1 and when you buy it you get a catalina for $1.00 off your next purchase (of anything, some exclusions apply) this technically makes the item free.
- Example 3 (bogo): Spaghetti is on sale for buy one for $1, get one free (BOGO) and you have two manufacturers coupons for $.50/1 some stores will allow you to use two coupons even though the one item is considered free. This scenario can make it free, cheap, or a money maker!
Get paid to shop!
- Example 1: Body wash is $6 at walgreens and when you purchase it, you receive a RR for $6 off your next purchase (this makes it free) but if you have a Manufacturers coupon (MQ) for three dollars off then this is considered a $3 Money Maker (MM) because you are paying three dollars out of pocket and receiving a coupon for six dollars.
- Example 2: Body wash is $6 and you have a MQ for $8 dollars off. This makes it a $2 MM (considered overage and you need a $2 item to purchase because they won't give you cash back).
- This scenario varies because some stores will adjust the coupon value down to the value of the item.
