CVS 101

You will need to sign up for a free store loyalty card to get the sale prices and the Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) at CVS. You can use your phone number as a form of alternate id if you forget your card. Cashier has to input the phone number you provide. You will also receive homemailer coupons if you register your address to your card.

If you register your email account once you get your ECB card you will be sent an email coupon for $4/20 purchase to help get you started.

CVS accepts manufacture coupons including internet printable coupons as well as CVS store coupons.

CVS allows you to combine 1 store coupon with 1 manufacturer coupon per item. The number of manufacturer coupons cannot exceed the number of items in the transaction.  No limit to the number of like coupons in a transaction unless the coupons state a limit. (Manager discretion can be used to limit)

At CVS you are allowed to use 2 coupons on a buy one get on free sale.

Ex: Gillette bodywash is on sale for buy one get one free and you have 2 $3 off coupons. You can use both coupons, even though the sale already makes one of the bottles free.

You can also use a bogo coupon on a bogo sale

Ex: Gillette bodywash is on sale for buy one get one free and you have a buy one get one free coupon. You can pick up 2 Gillette bodywashes and use your bogo coupon. You will get 1 free from the bogo sale and 1 free from the coupon.

CVS offers three varieties of store coupons :

1. $ off a particular product

    Ex: Save $2 on a purchase of Suave bodywash (12 oz or larger) 

2. $/$$ purchase coupons 

    These can be $4 off a $20 purchase

Multiple $/$$ coupons can be used in the same transaction as long as you fulfill the terms of both coupons.

EX: you have a $4/20 and $3/15 purchase coupon. If you total is $35 or above before tax, you can use both coupons as the first $20 of your transaction fulfills the first coupon and the next $15 of your transaction fulfills the second coupon. 

You are also allowed to stack $/$$ off coupons with store and manufacturer coupons. Ex: You have a $4/20 purchase coupon, four $2 store coupon for Advil and a four $1 manufacturer coupon for Advil.

EX: lets assume the Advil is $5.   

       Purchase 4 Advil @ $5 = $20   

       -$4/20 purchase coupon          

       -$8 - four $2 store coupons    

       -$4 – four $1 manufacturer coupons    

       Your final cost would be $4 for the four bottles of Advil

3. Selective $/$$ purchase coupons- 

    These can be $4 off a $10 purchase of baby care items 

    

Multiples of these coupons may also be used in the same transaction as long as you fulfill the terms                                     of each coupon. 

You are also allowed to stack $/$$ off coupons with store and manufacturer coupons. 

Ex: You have a $4/10 baby care purchase coupon, a $2 store coupon on Pampers and a $2 manufacturer coupon for Pampers. For example sake, lets assume the Pampers are $11.99.

Purchase 1 Pampers @ $11.99 

-$4/10 baby care purchase coupon 

-$2 store coupons on Pampers 

-$2 manufacturer coupon on Pampers 

Your final cost would be $3.99 for the one package of Pampers 

There are also several ways CVS supplies store coupons 

1. Homemailers 

 Coupons that come via snail mail for having a registered CVS card

2.  Emailed coupons

 Coupons that come via email for having a registered CVS card 

3.  Reinventing Beauty Magazine 

This is a magazine available in the store for purchase for $0.99. Often inside are high value CVS store coupons 

4.  Scanning your CVS card at the coupon center at the entrance of the store 

Each store should have a red scanner machine, you can scan your card daily to get in store coupons. You need to scan your card multiple times until the screen says No more available coupons, check back tomorrow 

5. Printable

 Occasionally CVS will put a printable coupon on their website that is a CVS store coupon. You will know it is a store coupon because the CVS logo will be in the bottom left corner before you select the coupon. 

6.  CRT (Cash Register Tape coupons – ie your receipt) 

Occasionally CVS will have coupons that print at the bottom of your register receipt

7.  Facebook 

 Occasionally CVS wil offer a printable store coupon via their facebook page

Cvs has three other programs that work with your ecb account. 

1. Green bag tag 

You can buy a green bag tag in any CVS store for .99. Keep it with you when you shop at CVS and anytime you make a purchase and bring in your own bag, have the cashier scan your green tag. For every 4 scans you will receive $1 ECB back. Only the first scan in any store that day will count on your tally. Each time you reach 4 scans, an ECB will immediately print out on that transaction. 

2. Beauty club 

Beauty Club requires a whole separate sign up process. Once you sign up, it is attached to your card and you will start earning beauty club rewards. For every $50 spent on select beauty products you will earn a $5 ECBS. Each time you reach (or pass) the $50 mark you will receive a $5 ECB. This particular promotion resets on January 1 and tallies throughout the year. Also bear in mind, it takes 2 days for the ECB to print once you reach the threshold on the Beauty Club promo. 

3. Pharmacy and Health Rewards

This requires a whole sperate sign up process.  This appears to be new for 2013 and they advertise right now that if you fill 10 prescriptions you can earn $5 in ECBS. You do have to sign up each family member individually even if you use the same ECB card.

Three month refills give you 3 credits.

Other ways you can earn -

Get a flu vaccine or shot from CVS - earn 1 credit

Add prescription management and take care of prescriptions on CVS.com - 3 credits

Sign up for prescription text alerts on CVS.com - 1 credit

Sign up for refill reminder emails on Cvs.com - 1 credit

Once you earn 10 credits, you will get an ECB print in 10 days.  Credits are cumulative across all family members enrolled and using the same ECB card.

Ecb (ExtraCare Bucks) 

Each week’s ad will have ECB promotions listed that you are able to earn. ECBs are what I like to call CVS money with an expiration date. ECBs have exactly one month from the date they are earned until expiration with 2 exceptions- Beauty Club and Green bag tag ECBs expire in 2 weeks from date earned. 

You can use as many ECBs as you wish in a single transaction and you can combine them with all the type of coupons I have listed above. 

 You are also allowed to use an ECB for the same promo: 

Ex: There is a promo for buy Colgate toothpaste get a $2 ECB with a limit of 2. You can buy the first one in one transaction, earning the $2 ECB. Then you can complete a second transaction using the ECB you earned in the first transaction. 

You need to buy the items listed in the ad to earn the ECB. There are a couple different types of offers

 1. Buy a single item (or more) and get back $ 

Ex: Buy a Mars chocolate single for .75, get a .75 ECB 

This one is simple, buy any Mars/M&M product in the size range and you will get a .75 ECB making it free.  If there are coupons out, you can use those for overage since you will be getting more back then what you spend 

Quantities can vary but they all work along the same principle. 

2. Spending threshold on multiple items 

 Ex: Buy $10 worth of Colgate products listed, get $5 ECB 

This one allows any combination of the items listed to be purchased as long as your total BEFORE any coupons but AFTER any bogo sale is $10 (in most cases the ECB will actually print if you get to 98% of the spending threshold, so in this case $9.80. 

Again this can vary over the number of items included or the value but the principle is the same and again coupons can be used to lower your actual out of pocket. 

3. Buy $X get CVS gift card or gas card 

These come around from time to time and basically work like #2 except you earn an ECB that is redeemable for the gift card or gas card instead of a straight ECB. 

Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  

Some links provided in this post may help fund my blog - see my disclosure statement here.

Fiesta 101

Fiesta has locations in Houston, Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth. To find a store near you, go here.

Fiesta does not have an online coupon policy.

Fiesta is pretty straightforward on couponing.  Pretty much the old fashion way.

They take coupons but do not double or triple.

Fiesta does not accept internet printed coupons.

That is pretty much what you need to know :D

Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  

Some links provided in this post may help fund my blog - see my disclosure statement here.

Kroger 101

Kroger coupon policy can be found here.

You need to sign up for the free loyalty card at Kroger to get the advertised sale prices.
You offer a phone number on your account that acts as an alternate id in the event you don't have your card with you.  At checkout, you can either have cashier scan your card, give cashier your phone number to input or input your phone number on the credit card machine.

Kroger does not double or triple coupons in this region.  All coupons are redeemed at face value.

Kroger has catalina machines at the registers

Kroger does not allow a coupon to be used if the sale makes an item free.  An example is on a bogo sale, you cannot use a coupon on the item that is free in the bogo.  However, Kroger does explicitly state in their FAQ that a bogo coupon is allowed on a bogo sale, making both items free.
Ex: Suave shampoo is on sale for buy one get one free, you grab to and give cashier a buy one get one free coupon. The coupon makes 1 bottle free, the sale makes the 2nd bottle free.

Kroger will accept manufacturer coupons with other stores names and logos, like catalina etc, as long as they sale the item listed on the coupon.

Kroger pharmacy will accept competitor pharmacy coupons

Kroger will accept internet printed coupons with the following exceptions:
printable coupons having a value higher than 75% of the item price
Free printable coupons (no purchase required)

According to their policy, they accept coupons that exceed the value of the product and apply the overage to your basket purchase, or in the event the total goes negative, they are supposed to give you cash back.

Kroger offers loadable coupons to their card via their website here.
Most coupons offered are manufacturer coupons and cannot be combined with paper manufacturer coupons.  The exceptions to this are pretty obvious as they are usually $ amount off a certain department.
EX: Save $5 on Seafood, min. $20 purchase required.

You need to load the coupons to your card and they will apply at register upon check out.

If you load a coupon for an item to your card, it will automatically come off at the point of sale.  If you hand over a paper coupon, the register will reject the paper coupon.  Currently per their FAQ of digital coupons, your electronic coupon will take precedence even if your paper coupon is a higher value.  You would need to remove the digital coupon from your card to use your paper coupon.
Digital coupons are not eligible on close-out items on sale as "managers special" or if the value of the coupon exceeds the purchase price of the product.

Kroger will allow 1 store coupon and 1 manufacture coupon per item.  It is not very often you will find a store coupon for a particular item other then their own brand.

Kroger also participates in Upromise loadable coupons (details on that here), SavingStar (detail on that here), and ibotta app (details here).

Kroger has two types of clearance items.  The first is straight forward and priced on the shelf with a tag that says close out.  These are usually an item they are no longer going to carry and thus should be found in all stores.

The second is with manager special stickers over the barcode of the product, this is typically for damaged boxes, short dated product or holiday merchandise and will typically vary per store.

Kroger allows coupons on both types of clearance or marked down items.

Also, Kroger participates in a gas rewards program.  For each $1 spent in store, you earn 1 point toward fuel discounts.  Once you reach 100 points, that is a .10 discount per gallon of gas on a single fuel up, up to 35 gallons.
Purchase of participating gift cards will earn you 2 points for each $1 spent. Every prescription also earns you 50 points toward your fuel rewards.
Your $ spent is based after Kroger coupons but before manufacturer coupons.
Maximum savings of $2/gallon.

Kroger also has a scan right guarantee.  If an unmarked item scans differently from the shelf tag at time of purchase, you will receive one of that item free. *Item limit $25 retail, excludes beer, wine and tobacco products.

Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  

Some links provided in this post may help fund my blog - see my disclosure statement here.

Randalls 101

Randalls is a chain of Safeway and thus shares their main coupon policy with them.  You can find that policy here.

You need to sign up for the free loyalty card at Randalls to get the advertised sale prices.
You offer a phone number on your account that acts as an alternate id in the event you don't have your card with you.  At checkout, you can either have cashier scan your card, give cashier your phone number to input or input your phone number on the credit card machine.
You will want to offer your card BEFORE you hand over any coupons, as they will not double or triple if card is not scanned prior to coupon scan.

Randalls will double 1 like coupon up to .50 and triple 1 like coupon up to .39 in a transaction.

Randalls has catalina machines at the registers

Randalls does not allow a coupon to be used if the sale makes an item free.  An example is on a bogo sale, you cannot use a coupon on the item that is free in the bogo

Randalls will accept manufacturer coupons with other stores names and logos, like catalina etc, as long as they sale the item listed on the coupon.

Randalls will accept internet printed coupons with the exception of printed coupons for free items (no purchased required)

Randalls offers loadable coupons to their card via their Just4U program.  - you can read a more extensive post on that here, but here is the abridged version.
J4U offers loadable coupons and pricing offers to your card via their webpage or their mobile app.  You load the offers to your card and they will apply at register upon check out.  You can even load coupons while you are shopping and they will come off at checkouts.
There are various offers, such as $ amount off coupons, % off coupons, and personalized pricing.
Some of the $ amount off coupons are store coupons and some are manufacturer.  You can combine a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon but there is yet a proven fail safe way to find out prior to checkouts which is a store and which is a manufacturer coupon on J4U*.
% off coupons are always store coupons and thus can be combined with personalized pricing AND manufacturer coupons.  Personalized pricing is special pricing that can be cheaper than the current shelf or sale price for that item.  These are based partly on your spending habits but some are also universal. The value of personalized pricing can also vary from person to person. For example: once I had .39/lb pricing on bananas but a friend had .42/lb.  So keep in mind, not all will have the same J4U offers as you have.

If you load a coupon for an item to your card and it is a manufacturer coupon, it will automatically come off at the point of sale.  If you hand over a paper coupon, the register will either reject the paper coupon(if it is a lower value) or accept the paper coupon and remove the electronic coupon from that transaction.  Loadable coupons never double or triple, so sometimes a paper coupon is definitely better, but the register is programmed to give you the best deal.

Randalls ad also has in ad coupons which are store coupons you can combine with manufacturer paper coupons. In the event you have loaded a store coupon that is also in the ad, the register will kick out the electronic coupon and accept the paper coupon in its place (same coupon value).
There is a slight perk to having an in ad coupon also be a loadable coupon.  In the event the coupon has a limit restriction, you can double that limit in a single transaction by loading the electronic coupon in addition to handing over the paper coupon.
Ex: There is a loadable and in-ad coupon for Kelloggs cereal for $.99 with a limit of 3.  If you were to grab 6 Kelloggs cereal you can have the electronic coupon apply to the first 3 and the paper coupon apply to the remaining 3.  This comes in handy when you are trying to do a catalina deal or you are trying to reach a spending threshold.

Based on Randalls coupon policy, spending thresholds for rewards are calculated AFTER all Club card savings and store coupons but BEFORE manufacturer coupons.  The exception items are fluid dairy or dairy substitutes, alcohol, postage stamps, gift cards, tobacco, prescriptions, money orders, park tickets, hunting license etc
Ex: Randalls is offering a free loaf of bread with a minimum $10 purchase.  Your purchase without any savings is $12.  There is a 1.75 club card (or store coupon) discount and you have $1 manuf. coupon.  your out of pocket would be $9.25 but since they don't count the $1 manuf coupon against your total for the free bread offer, you are at  $10.25 for the promo giving you the free loaf of bread.

Randalls also participates in Upromise loadable coupons (details on that here) ,the endorse app and the ibotta app.

Another thing to understand is Randalls clearance, they have a few ways to clearance items.  The first is straight forward, they will just change the ring up price on the product or "reduce for quick sale".
The second is with 50 or 75% off stickers on products

Here is a picture of the 50% tags, 75% are green.  The item will ring up at the current shelf price and then when they scan the 50% off tag, it will take half off the price.  You can use manufacturer coupons on top of that and specialized pricing can take effect.

If is very possible to get paid to purchase items at Randalls after store coupon, manufacturer coupon and possibly personalized pricing.

Also, Randalls participates in a gas rewards program.  For each $1 spent in store, you earn 1 point toward fuel discounts.  Once you reach 100 points, that is a .10 discount per gallon of gas on a single fuel up, up to 25 gallons.
Purchase of participating gift cards will earn you 2 points for each $1 spent. Every $1 spent in the pharmacy also earns you 1 point toward your fuel rewards.
Your $ spent is based after Randalls coupons but before manufacturer coupons.
Maximum savings of $2/gallon.

Randalls also has a price right guarantee.  If an unmarked item scans differently from the shelf tag at time of purchase, you are to get the first of that item free and any additional quantity at the price marked.  There are some exclusions including alcohol and tobacco, and I believe there is an upper limit to the value (waiting on verification from Randalls)

Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  

Some links provided in this post may help fund my blog - see my disclosure statement here.

Foodarama 101

Foodarama has 10 locations in and around the Houston area. Find the store nearest you here.
Foodarama coupon policy can be found here.

Foodarama does not accept competitor coupons

Foodarama does issue store coupons that can be combined with manufacturer coupons.  When you see a statement in the ad about an in store coupon, those are typical store coupons.

Foodarama will accept internet printed coupons.

Foodarama's online policy states they have a right to limit quantities at their discretion.

Foodarama is very straightforward shopping when it comes to couponing.

Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  

Some links provided in this post may help fund my blog - see my disclosure statement here.

Food Town 101

Food Town has about 26 locations in and around the Houston area.  Find out if you are close to one here.

Food Town coupon policy can be found here.

Food Town does not double or triple coupons

Food Town will accept internet printed coupons but they have to be valued $2 or less

Food Town's online policy states they have a right to limit quantities of coupons, in most stores I have been in, they have a posted policy that limits 6 like coupons.

If you are not close enough to a Food Town to be already on their ad mailing list, you can get on the mailing list by going to the customer service booth and filling out a form, or sending an email to clientdirect@yahoo.com.
In subject line write: Food Town AD
Include your name
Address, City State Zip
Food Town location you shop

The homemailer ad always has a store coupon for an item on sale that week.  You can combine this store coupon with a manufacturer coupon for added savings.  This coupon is NOT found in the instore ad.  It does have a minimum purchase requirement to use, usually $10.

Food Town usually has really great produce prices

Select Food Town stores do have catalina machines at the registers, but be sure to check before trying a catalina deal there as not all stores carry the machines.

Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  

Some links provided in this post may help fund my blog - see my disclosure statement here.

HEB 101

Heb coupon policy can be found here.

Heb accepts manufacturer coupons with the following exceptions:
Invalid Start Date (coupon offer has not started- this happens sometimes when you get early edition papers)
Expired coupons
Competitor coupons without "manufacturer coupon" printed on the coupon
Coupons without a barcode
Coupons listed as counterfeit on the CIC website.

Heb does not double or triple coupons so all coupons are redeemed at face value

Heb offers a variety of coupons in store - referred here as YQ (yellow coupon due to their color)
   

You will need multiple YQs if you are purchasing multiple products.
EX: If you want two of something, just like paper coupons, you need a yellow coupon for each.

There is no stated limit of how many like coupons you can use in HEB policy so you just need to follow the terms written on the coupon

There is no stated rule against using coupons on clearance items at HEB

*Manager does have the right to refuse any coupon for any reason

Heb has no scan right guarantee offering a free product so if something rings up incorrectly, tell your cashier and they will adjust the price down to the displayed price.

Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  

Some links provided in this post may help fund my blog - see my disclosure statement here.

Lesson #5 - How to coupon - Shopping!

For those readers, just joining me, please read lesson 1 - 4 before this one.

Now you are ready to shop!

Start SLOW!  If you try to do all stores at once you will become overwhelmed and possibly confused since each store has their own programs, coupon policies and procedures.

Start with one or two stores at a time and once you have mastered those, move on to the next store.  I suggest saving Walgreens for last seeing as they have become the most confusing to shop in our region.

Before you go out shopping, browse the store circulars you receive in the mail, the paper or online.  It helps to know what is on sale ahead of going to the store so you can be sure to pull those coupons and have them ready for your trip.

This is also a great time to decide what store(s) you will consider shopping for the deals you would like.  For example, many times the smaller grocery chains (Seller Bros, Food Town, Foodarama) have GREAT produce prices.  If you don't want to hit all those stores for a few items each, learn what items you can price match at Target and/or Walmart to save you extra stops.

Make a list -
Going in the store with your list in hand is a great way to save money.  Don't allow the grocery store to win with the tricks they pull on unsuspecting shoppers.  Grocery stores are there to make money and they will use many marketing tactics to get as much of your money during your visit as they can.  Stick to your list and don't fall for the "impulse buys".

BUT, don't walk into your store with blinders on either.  Make sure to check out the clearance section as you might be able to score a free item with coupon.  Many stores will discount open or "damaged" packages.  The HEB closest to me will mark cereal 50% off if the box is banged up.  You can see the bag inside the box is 100% intact why not buy that box?  Even without a coupon, that is 50% savings just by checking the clearance section.

Keep an eye out for tearpads and blinkies while you are there.  Even if it is an item you never thought you'd buy, grab one or two, you might just use them or you will have them available for trade.

Finally SMILE!  Couponing can get very frustrating and that is why it is so important to know coupon policies of the stores you shop.  Cashier's are not always aware of the coupon policies so you might have to explain it to them.  Smiling and speaking with a normal range tone of voice goes a long way to getting issues remedied.  I know I tend to be more responsive to someone asking me politely then someone yelling at me and telling me I am stupid.  Save your rant and yelling for your coupon bud our your spouse to hear about, lol.

Now on to the store guides.
Working on the Store 101 and will post links as soon as I get them posted.


Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  

Some links provided in this post may help fund my blog - see my disclosure statement here.

Lesson #4 - How to be a Couponer -When is a deal a deal?

For those readers, just joining me, please read lesson 1 - 3 before this one.

Start a price book!

Whether you keep this in your head, in your smart phone or written down, if you don't know what you are currently paying for items, how will you know what is and is not a deal.

Keep in mind what is a deal for some people might not be great for you.  Don't trust a blogger (including me!) to tell you what is and isn't a deal, this is what your price book is for!  Sure Blogger X says wow, print this coupon, then run to Walmart to pick up this Glade spray for .25.
Great price agreed, but if your allergies won't allow you to use air fresheners, why waste that .25 on a can?  Buying anything you don't need is NOT saving and is not the deal for you.  There is ONE huge exception to buying things you won't use.  If they are 100% free and the coupon is going to just go to waste otherwise, by all means pick up that free item and donate it to someone who can use it.

Another deal, Blogger Y says wow, toothpaste for just $1 a tube, RUN!  Well if your price book says you only pay .50 a tube, I would hope you would pass on that deal.

One thing to note is that you will need to break down the price by a comparison unit so you can compare different size packaging to determine if it is your buy price.

BASICALLY - Know you prices by a comparison unit.

Ex: Package of diapers - know your PER diaper price so you can compare the Jumbo back to the boxed packs.

Wipes - know your per wipe price, I know I won't pay more than .01 a wipe so if that 76 count goes on sale, it better cost me under .75 to even get me interested.

Toilet Paper - this is a tricky one, some people use the per sheet price but you can't always know that figure without physically looking at a package(and it can and will change over time).  For this reason I like to use the per roll pricing, for double roll packages I double the number - so a 12 pack double roll I calculate as being 24 rolls.  If you are not brand loyal to your toilet paper then keep in mind you can typically pick up a 4 pack at Walmart for ~$1 so anything more than .25 a roll seems excessive to me.

I can add more examples for those that would like, just leave questions in comments or email me.

Also, this is a great time to determine how brand loyal you are and to what products.  The more products you add to your "any brand" list the more you will save overall.  There is nothing wrong with being brand loyal, but it will cost you extra on that item(we still have about 5-6 items in our house that we are extremely brand loyal).

Don't understand my lingo? Go here.  

Some links provided in this post may help fund my blog - see my disclosure statement here.

Reader Spotlight - Two Great Lessons!

I woke to a really funny email from a reader. This one speaks for itself, so here is the body of the email in its entirety:

I am a Dad and husband joining with my wife to find great deals on stuff I like too! Anyways, I came accross a Johnsonville coupon for their new Italian Sausage patties $1/1. Found them at Walmart, paid $5.98 after coupon. They are not cheap or free, but they were delicious. The interesting part came when I was looking the box over as they were on the grill cooking. A small tab that read "Special Offer", well having been properly trained by my wife I immediately peeled back the sticker to reveal whatever wonderful offer awaited. I was very surprised when I saw it was for a $20 survey. Indeed it was a bonafide survey for the new Italian patties my family and I had hardily consumed. So in the end I spent what my wife was certain was too much for the new patties, and actually will come out $14 ahead! This is a quick way to try out some really great tasting sausage (might I recommend serving on a toasted HEB bun, with coupon acquired Ragu marinara, with sauteed on sale onions and green peppers) and maybe make $14 on the back end! Feel free to share.

Ron
Spring (I did delete last name for privacy)

WOW!  Awesome deal (and I love the way this is written, lol.  Even better, thanks to Ron's wife for sharing our sometimes crazy zaniness for savings.)
What I love is the two lessons that Ron has reminded us of in his email (he may not even know there were lessons here, lol)

1. You NEVER know when a little "deal" you find is gonna be a much BETTER deal then you bargained for.  Gotta love those suprise deals.
2. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS review you packaging before disposing(or recycling).  Sometimes there are coupons, sometimes rebates and sometimes (as Ron has proved) SURVEYS worth real money!

Thanks Ron for your email and I sure hope I find a box of these too :)  Sounds yummy.

don't understand my lingo? Go here.
see my disclosure statement here.

How to be a Couponer : Lesson 3 - How do I organize all these coupons!

For those readers, just joining me, please read lesson 1 and 2 before this one.

Ok, hopefully by now, you have loads of coupons. Well, now you need a system to organize those coupons. If you can't find your coupon for a sale, it does you no good.
There are many ways to sort coupons and you might have to test drive a few methods until you get what works best for you.  As is true for most things, no one way works for everyone (shoot, one way alone doesn't even work for me!  I use a mix of these methods!)

A few of the deciding factors in your method of organization are:
How much time do you really have to clip and sort?
How many inserts do you get a week?
Do you have a smart phone? (more explanation on this later)
How much couponing do you want to do?

If you only get 1 insert a week and a few scattered coupons here and there, then the binder method, mixed with possibly the envelope method is probably best for you.  If you get upwards of 10 or more inserts, you might want to do the filing method mixed with the envelope method.  Let me explain each method and you will really need to decide what is easiest on you.

Folders with inserts

You can use a filing cabinet, an empty drawer, a pile on a desk, or as I have a bankers box. I personally use the bankers box because I got it FREE out of a recycle bin. My pocket folders were also free salvage!
With this method, you basically take your Whole insert and place it in a folder with other whole inserts for the same week.  Depending on how many like inserts you get, you could have as many as 5 folders for the week(this past weekend had 5 inserts!)  Some couponers write in marker on the cover the date of the insert.  Others(like myself) just write the date on the folder I put it in.  I put the date the insert was in the Sunday paper and what insert it is (SS, RP, P&G or GM).  If the inserts are thin, I sometimes combine two types (GM in same folder as RP)
Depending on time constraints, I most often go one step further and decollate  my inserts (put like pages together, this makes it easier when I go to pull a coupon and when I am pulling out expired pages)
This method really works well if you get 10 or more like inserts.
With this method however, it certainly helps to have a smart phone or internet access in the event you stumble upon a hidden sale, clearance or going out of business sale! (more on this later)
With this method, you few the ads(or blogs) and clip what you need and go.  This method works GREAT with the envelope method or accordion file.

Accordion file/Envelope method

 The accordion file can be a purse size like this(my husband bought this for me when I FIRST started couponing, lol)  You can have each section "house" the coupons for a particular store. Or

The envelope method.  The upper picture is basically just a paper envelope for each store, with the coupons inside for deals that week.  This one works real well since you can write your shopping list directly ON the envelope.  Also, envelopes like this are FREE.  Think junk mail, credit card applications, bills come with return envelopes(if you use online bill pay, save this for this method), your bank has envelopes at the drive thru etc.  When it gets too cluttered or worn out, chuck it in the recycle bin and grab a new one.
Or, the bottom pic shows my revised "envelope method"  I have a zipper pouch for each BIG store I shop with my coupons, loyalty cards, lists, coupon policy etc, all tucked inside (I got these zipper pouches FREE from a Sunsilk trial size money maker deal at CVS about 4 years ago!) 

With any of these 3 pictured ways, you most likely will need to clean out the envelopes weekly and refill those coupons you ended up not using for easy access later.
I also suggest if you use this method and shop several "similar" policy stores, have a generic envelope for those coupons on items you know will be free somewhere.
Ex:  Both Randalls(Safeway) and Kroger in my area double up to .50 and triple up to .35.  I know if I get a .35 Softsoap coupon, eventually ONE of those stores is gonna net me free Softsoap.  I keep these coupons in the misc. envelope so they are clipped and ready when I stumble upon that deal, unadvertised or not.

Binder Method

Those of you that watched Extreme Couponers got several glimples of those coupon binders! I used to be 100% binder method, but that takes a lot of time and devotion to clipping, sorting, filing, and maintaining. Don't get me wrong, I still use a binder, but I use it for the tearpads, blinkies, and clipped coupons.
If I clip a coupon for a deal that I am not able to take advantage of, rather than refile in the folders with full inserts, I sort them into a binder. (this is actually a picture of one of my binders)
Most couponers that use the binder method use either baseball card inserts(can be purchased at most Walmarts, Toys R Us, or baseball card stores), photo sleeves or CD sleeves or a combination of the three.
You will need to sort your binder into categories that make sense for you:
Some shoppers like to sort by aisle if they are partial to a particular store, some alphabetical(I could never make that one work), and some by just general category (deodorant, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, breakfast aisle, etc)
I sort by category and have a zippered pencil holders in each binder for the larger coupons or tearpads that just don't fit well in the baseball card sleeves.  You can start out with just a run of the mill binder, but if you choose to stick with the binder method, I suggest you get a zippered binder with a shoulder strap. (I have the Case-It brand I got on 90% off clearance at CVS after back to school sale)

There are TONS of products out on the market too that you might see advertised on blogs and online as the ultimate couponer tool.  I recommend you hold off purchasing any of these products until you find a system that truly works for you.  Don't waste your money on the hype!  You are here to save money, not spend it and I guarantee once you start couponing and stick with it, you will find what works for you and most likely find it at 90% off!!!!

Hopefully now that I have you prepared to shop your stores, you have your coupons and you have them organized, I can finally show you HOW to put all these tools to use!  Stay tuned for Lesson #4

How to be a Couponer : Lesson 2 - Where do I get coupons?

For those of you just joining me, please go here first to read Lesson 1.

There are coupons EVERYWHERE!  The most obvious source is the Sunday paper.  The paper varies on how many inserts they have, but they could have a SmartSource (also called SS)

A RedPlum (also called RP)

A Proctor and Gamble (also called P&G)

and occasionally, a General Mills (also called GM - picture to be added later).
If you want to know ahead of time what inserts are coming out that week, you can see the schedule here.


There are many other sources for coupons, and each of these coupons has a name in the couponing community.
They include:
Coupons you can print from the Internet (called Internet printables or IP's)  These can be straight off the manufacturer sites, or from sources like coupons.com, smartsource, or redplum, to name just a few.  Typically these sites require you to install a printer and cookies so they an limit you to 2 coupon prints (per computer).  Keep in mind, you CANNOT make copies of these coupons on a copy machine, that is considered coupon fraud!

 Peelies - these are coupons directly on the product that you "peel" off to redeem.

Home Mailers(also called HM) - these are coupons or booklets of coupons mailed directly to your house via snail mail.  (Remember me telling you to give your correct address for your loyalty cards!)

Catalina - (also called cat) These are coupons that print out of a machine next to the register.  The company name is Catalina Marketing, hence the name.  Cashier should hand these to you with your receipt and change.
If they don't, do not be scared to ask for them, they are earned by YOUR purchases.

Blinkies - These are coupons hanging from the shelf in little machines or holders.  They all used to have flashing lights on them, hence the name "blinkies"

 

Tearpads - These are coupons on a pad attached to the store shelves or displays.

And Finally - Electronic Coupons (also called EQ, ecoupons, loadables)
These are paperless coupons that you load to your loyalty cards before going to the store.  When you make the required purchase, they "should" come off your transaction automatically, except for Upromise (see information on that site here)
The following sites offer ecoupons:
Cellfire, Shortcuts, PG Esaver, Kroger, Randalls, and Upromise.


Obviously, the goal is to get as many of these coupons as you think you need, for as little out of pocket(oop) as possible.
For Sunday inserts, papers can get expensive!  This is where you need to be resourceful.
Ask friends, neighbors, coworkers and associates if they subscribe to the paper.  Perhaps they do not use the coupons and will be willing to save them for you.
Also, several local venues get newspapers they put out for their patrons enjoyment.  You might be about to get a few copies of the coupons from these places.  (Starbucks, Chick Fil A, Hooters, etc)
Some local high school libraries subscribe to the newspaper, ask the librarian if you can have the coupons.
Your neighborhood recycle bins.  Take a walk down your street on recycling day and help your neighbors by recycling their coupons!
The 99c only stores here in Houston sell the Sunday paper for $1.50.  Beats the $2 price elsewhere.
Or, right now, the paper is offering subscriptions for just .50 a week.  Call and ask if you can have 5 subscriptions!  Be creative.
(any of my regular readers wish to share ways you get your Sunday coupons cheap, feel free to leave a comment)
If that doesn't  work, or you are in dire need of several of one particular coupon, you can always use a coupon clipping service, ebay, or trade for them on online forums.
I have two links for clipping services on my right column.  These are both in TX so quicker delivery for my location since they are sent via snail mail.  If you are not in a state close to TX, you might want to consider other clipping services.

How to be a Couponer : Lesson 1 - Becoming Familiar with your Stores

Whether you are looking to be an "extreme couponer" or just to save a good chunk of money off your grocery bill, you will have to start the same.

You need to become familiar with the stores in your area and if available, sign up for their loyalty cards.

Just go to the courtesy desk at your local store and ask for a card.  They will give you a card with an application you can send out and leave with them or mail in.  You can start using that card immediately.  With this step alone, you have probably just saved yourself about 5-10%.  Without a store loyalty card, you do not get advertised sale prices at most stores AND even more importantly, your coupons will not double (at applicable stores).
(This might seem like common knowledge, but I am amazed at the number of people I see that do not use loyalty cards)

If you live in my region (Houston), you will want to consider getting the following cards:

Kroger
Randalls
CVS
Petco
Petsmart

You will want to give them your proper address, phone number and email address as on occasion they will send you coupons based on your shopping habits.  Also, if there is an option, make sure you opt-in to mailings as this is what gives them permission to send you mail and coupons. (I was personally told by the Kroger plus card administrator that they cannot mail you coupons unless you opt in to mailings)
Most stores have an option to enter an alternate id at check out in the event you did not bring your card.  This is typically your phone number, so make sure you if you don't use a real one, you use one you can remember.

While, at the courtesy desk, this would be a good time to ask the store about their coupon policies.  Does the store double or triple coupons?  If so, what days?  Do they offer a scan right guarantee?  What are the restrictions?  Is there a limit to the number of coupons that can be used?  That are doubled?  (I will go into more details on this later and provide you with some answers for the stores in my region)
Some stores have finally put their acceptance policies online, which is GREAT and I highly suggest you print these and carry them with you in to stores in case an issue arises.   Each stores policies vary, even by region, so you may find some differences and it is best to know ahead of time then get an unexpected surprise at the register.

For your convienance here is a list of online store policies of some stores in my region:
Walgreens
Target
Randalls (also Safeway and Tom Thumb)

In addition to asking about the coupon policy, be sure to ask if they offer special discounts and when these are available.  Some stores offer discounts to senior citizens (eligibility age varies by store), military or students.  Be sure to ask if you need to fill out any extra forms to get these discounts.

Stayed tuned HERE for full lesson plans (Sorry, I am working from a power point and have to type up everything I normally just say in my classes, but I will try to get all the lessons up throughout this weekend)

TLC - Extreme Couponers, one saving grace of the show

I just finished watching Extreme Couponers on TLC and this post is for my normal readers as well as all you folks that are just googling wanting to know how to coupon.  This show certainly did show the "underground" of couponing, lol, but in all the EXTREMES they showed, I was most taken by Joyce from Philadelphia.

Joyce was what MOST of us couponers are actually like.  Joyce was the couponer you need to look and say, I can do this.  The creation of this blog was originally to advertise coupon classes myself and a few coupon buddies held and to have a sign up sheet.  Since then, life has gotten busy (hey we are moms, full time employees, and couponers!)  and we no longer do the classes due to scheduling issues (and venues :)

What does this mean to you?  Well, I originally wanted to expand this blog as a way to expand your knowledge of how to use coupons, and yet I don't have a beginners guide on here.  I do try to "show the math" as much as possible, but unless you really know how to start or rather "how to coupon" or "how to be a couponer", this is of little assistance.

So, in an effort to help you get started, I am going to post our class presentation.  I will post a little at a time to not overwhelm and I will have a permanent link to all these posts on my header bar.

I truly hope this will help some of you cut your budget in half.  You don't have to be extreme and get $500 worth of stuff for $2, but just think of not paying for personal care items again (or at least getting them at a fraction of what you are paying now!)

So if you are new, stick around and hopefully I can teach you how to be a couponer.  And for those that are already my readers, no worries, all my surprise finds and deals will still be posted for your reading enjoyment :)

For those just starting out, please click the link on my tab bar(right underneath my blog picture) on How to be a Couponer. I will be adding to this as time allows.