Getting Started with Coupons

Knowing how to use your coupons will provide you with many times the face value of the coupon. Shopping sales and combining that with coupons will provide you with the best value for your coupon.

Getting started: Your local weekend paper should have one or more coupon inserts. Sometimes there is only one, but most generally there are two or three. These inserts are from Smart Source, Vlassis, and Valpak and contain coupons for grocery items, cosmetics, household products, and personal supplies. This is your initial source of coupons. (see part 3 for where to find coupons)

Sales Flyers: Your weekend paper also contains sales flyers for your local stores. This is your source of sale items. Take a few minutes to look through these papers, paying special attention to the items on sale. Look for items you normally purchase, as well as, those you have been wanting to try. Note the prices of these items.

Match coupons to sales: Look through the coupon inserts and match coupons with any special promotions and sales in the sales flyers.

Clip coupons: Cut out any coupons that match the current sales. Put the coupons in either a coupon organizer or an envelop and keep them with the sales flyer.

Check store policies: If you are serious about saving money with coupons, it is vital that you know your local store's policies on price matching. Many stores who are eager to get your business will price match items from other stores. Even if their price is higher, if you present the sales flyer from another store, they will sell you the item for that price. Use this to your advantage.

Coupon redemption policies: Check with your local stores on their coupon policies. What is their policy for using coupons on multiple items? Some stores allow you to use an unlimited number of "like" coupons to purchase items, as long as you are purchasing the required products listed on the coupon. Some restrict it to a certain number of like coupons that can be used in one purchase. Does your store accept Internet Printed Coupons? Many do, but there are some stores who do not.