Finding Coupons
Insert Coupons
Insert coupons are found inside the Sunday edition of many newspapers. They are published by SmartSource, Vlassis (Redplum) and Proctor & Gamble. There is usually at least one SmartSource and one Redplum insert each Sunday (excluding major holiday weekends). P&G Savers (Proctor & Gamble) are published 1-2 times per month. Other than internet printable coupons, insert coupons will be your largest source for obtaining coupons.
Printable Internet Coupon Sites
You can print coupons on-line. Coupons.com, SmartSource.com and Redplum.com are the most popular sources to find these coupon. These sites offer coupons for a variety of products from various manufacturers on a monthly basis. Coupons are updated and/or added at the first of the month. Sometimes new coupons will be added throughout the month. Most coupons stay up all month or according to the specific manufacturers print limits. Two of each coupon can be printed per computer.
Manufacturer Websites
Many manufacturers offer coupons through their websites as a regular feature or during special promotions. Some also make monthly emailed newsletters available which may feature one or more printable coupons. Basic personal information is required for registration. You will want to set up a separate email for couponing so that your regular inbox does not become overloaded. You may set up a gmail, yahoo or hotmail account for free. These coupons usually carry a print limit of two per computer.
Retail Websites
Many retailers, like CVS, Walgreens, Target and Homeland to name a few, offer printable coupons on their website. These coupons are a mix of store specific coupons and manufacturer coupons. The print limit is usually two per computer. CVS and Homeland use Coupons.com to power their coupon page so the manufacturer coupons are the same that you will find at Coupons.com and the print limits carry over. In other words, if you print two honey nut cheerios coupons from Coupons.com, you will not be able to print the same coupons from the Homeland website.
All You Magazine
This magazine is available only at Walmart ($2.49) or by subscription (as low as $1.00). It is full of valuable coupons. Sometimes the newstand issue contains coupons not found in subscription copies. Allyou.com also features exclusive coupons.com printable coupons.
Peelies
These are coupons that manufacturers attach directly to their product and you peel off at the time of use. Sometimes it may involve buying another product as well to receive the savings.
Catalinas
Catalinas are produced by Catalina Marketing, a company who connects manufacturers with vendor to bring the customer more savings. These coupons print from the small printers located by the register at stores like Homeland and Walgreens and are triggered by a specific product purchases or by a promotion. Sometimes they are coupons for specific products and sometimes they are for $x off your next order. They also carry advertisements for future “catalina” deals which feature $ off your next order when you buy certain products. These coupons are manufacturer coupons but are only valid at the store where they printed. You may not stack these coupons with other manufacturer coupons.
Tear Pads
These are booklets of coupons attached to special store displays or shelving.
Product Packaging
Occasionally manufacturers offer coupons as part of their product packaging. These coupons can many times be found on the back of the box/carton or on the inside. Always check before throwing out an empty box.
Mail Offers
Sometimes manufacturers make coupons available by mail through Internet offers. Proctor & Gamble does this through their monthly Home Made Simple coupon booklet as well as on their site, P&G Everyday Solutions. Also, some stores (i.e. CVS, Homeland and Target) will occasionally send store specific coupons for various products through the mail if you are on their mailing list.
Free Samples
Many manufacturers offer free samples through on-line promotions. These samples arrive in the mail and many times are accompanied by a coupon. Again, I suggest setting up a separate email account to sign up for these and other online offers.
Email Manufacturers
A great way to get coupons on products you love but do not see coupons for is by emailing the company. Just let them know how much you love their products (no need to ask for coupons). You’ll be surprised what you receive.
Hello, I'm Amanda...Christ follower, Wife, Mother, Step-mother, Frugalista and the person behind the blog. My goal is to help you practice frugality in the home by becoming a smarter shopper. Every day I'll show you how to save money on groceries and other household items by using store sales, coupons, customer reward programs, rebates and other shopping strategies. I'll also share ideas and encouragement for blessing others. So welcome! I am so blessed to have you here!