Advice for coupon newbies

[Barb]

Hi guys,
I want to put together a newbie coupon guide. Please give me your best tip for a newbie below!!

Thanks for your help

[couponingnewbie]

Being a newbie to the whole couponing thing, i could tell you that i'm never sure how many coupons i can use for a particular item. i've also had some problems with using online coupons at some stores. ANY ADVICE

[Toni-Lynn]

1 item = 1 coupon ALWAYS :)

Some stores will allow 2 on a B1G1F and others will not. You have to find that out at your store for yourself ;)

The printables there is really no help with. All stores vary on that one. Some will take them no problem, others will take them but after giviing you a hassle and others will not take them period.

[Ashley]

Don't worry if you miss a deal, they come around again, and again, and again. :)

[Barb]

On the whole how many coupons thing, some stores do limit how many coupons you can use. Unfortunately, you have to ask at each one because they all vary

[couponingnewbie]

Thank you!!! I just found out that one of the shoprites in my area DOES take the online coupons. They said that they have a list of the ones they can't take. I just have to stop at the customer service counter, if I"m not sure!!! This is great, b/c the other shoprite down the road won't take them at all!!!!

[Toni-Lynn]

Thank you!!! I just found out that one of the shoprites in my area DOES take the online coupons. They said that they have a list of the ones they can't take. I just have to stop at the customer service counter, if I"m not sure!!! This is great, b/c the other shoprite down the road won't take them at all!!!!YEA!! That's great!

[Tisha]

i am new to couponing and it tok me about a week to get the hang of things. it seemed so hard at first but i think that i am on the right track.

i can tell you this is the best site to read and learn to coupon. everything is explained in its simplest form. i have not posted much. but i have read every single thing there is to read.

the things that i am still at duh with.... is how to store the coupons. some say file, some say clip.
and the best way for me to get multiples.

good luck.

[skyesmom]

Tisha - It takes practice and time to find a system that works for you. We try to keep things simple here just because there is no reason couponing and saving money should be hard!

[Toni-Lynn]

Bumping :)

[sadiesky]

1 item = 1 coupon ALWAYS :)

Some stores will allow 2 on a B1G1F and others will not. You have to find that out at your store for yourself ;)

The printables there is really no help with. All stores vary on that one. Some will take them no problem, others will take them but after giviing you a hassle and others will not take them period.

Just wanted to say that my Walgreens & local grocery store let me combine a store coupon & a manufacture coupon on the same item. :)

[justusseven]

My best advice for a couponing newbie: I guess I'd start at the beginning with the purpose of stockpiling. My goal is to have 6-12 months of non-perishables, paper products, toiletries, snacks etc in my stockpile. This way, I eliminate buying items out of necessity - which is when you pay the most. If I'm out of toothpaste, I'll be paying whatever the asking price is. But if I have a 4 month supply in my closet, I can wait to buy it until it's at it's rock bottom price! Since I live in an area that does not double coupons, I've found most of my stockpile items at drug stores (CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid).

For a couponing newbie, I'd say:

1) Set a goal to establish a stockpile

2) Start your coupon stash - best place to start is sunday inserts and printables.

3) Learn the rules of each of the drug stores. Check the threads under DRUG STORES here at TCC.

4) Consider emailing each major store and asking specific questions about their couponing, sale, and price match policies. Print off their reply and carry it with you just in case. You'll be suprised how many cashiers (and even managers) are not familiar with the corporate policies of their store! Some questions to ask:
-if you have a BOGO sale, may I use a BOGO coupon and get both for free?
-what if there is a BOGO sale and I have two coupons, may I use two or just one?
-do you have a limit on how many coupons customers may user per visit?
-do you accept internet printables?
-do you match competitors sale ads? Do you match competitors sale ads on prior purchases (for example, my local meijer will honor a competitors sale price on an item I have bought from the last 30 days. I just bring my receipt and the sale flyer to customer service and get my cash).

5) Remember that there is a learning curve. I was frustrated at first because it was taking me SOOO much time to organize coupons, make shopping lists, etc. But after awhile, I learned shortcuts and got the hang of it & now it's a breeze.

HAVE FUN!

[funkyluke]

well i am getting the hang of it, like to cut the hours i put in on the pc printing coupons..trying to get more on one page of paper..lol.. but saving around 100 dollars a week

[curveygirl]

Does anyone know or heard of where you can send expired coupons over seas to the military where they can use them there? I am looking for the address.

[Littlemissknowitall]

Does anyone know or heard of where you can send expired coupons over seas to the military where they can use them there? I am looking for the address.

A bunch of us here in Cincinnati send them to a friend in Germany, who distributes them to other moms on her base. I know there are organizations. Check her blog, catsmuse.blogspot.com and ask her. She'll know just where they should be sent. Her blog is only for moms on bases.

[carogonza]

How do you get started? Right now I am looking to start using coupons but I am doing it willy nilly and have no real system. I look int eh sunday paper and the circulars but how to you find those really good deals?

[Daviers]

Manufacturer Coupons from Reinventing Beauty magazine have 'CVS' marked on them. My question is can they be used in other stores?

[Barb]

How do you get started? Right now I am looking to start using coupons but I am doing it willy nilly and have no real system. I look int eh sunday paper and the circulars but how to you find those really good deals?
The best way is to follow your stores in their areas here. The store experts will tell you the best deal/coupon matchups and where to get them. Before you know it you will be making your own deal matchups

[Barb]

Manufacturer Coupons from Reinventing Beauty magazine have 'CVS' marked on them. My question is can they be used in other stores?
People have different opinions on this so YMMV (your mileage may vary) but I have never had a problem using a MANUFACTURER coupon at another store even if it is stamped.

[lgardiner]

I have been using coupons for a few months now and I have fallen into the spiral of buying things I don't need or don't need 10 of!

[skyesmom]

I have been using coupons for a few months now and I have fallen into the spiral of buying things I don't need or don't need 10 of!

My theory is that if it is free (or pennies), I will take it and donate it to my local food pantry if it is something my family doesn't like/need. This way you get the "high" from getting the great deals, but you don't wind up overwhelmed with items you are not going to use.

[Toni-Lynn]

I have been using coupons for a few months now and I have fallen into the spiral of buying things I don't need or don't need 10 of!
There is always someone out there who can use it. If you are doing this on products that are NOT free then you need to get out of the habit NOW lol I used to bring all of my coupons to the store with me and found that I was buying more stuff because I thought it was a "deal" Now I only take what I need for that trip and maybe a few others for things I want to check the prices.

As Dawn said, if it is free, get it anyway and give it to friends, family, food bank or shelter. Also, think about a yard sale. many of us make a good profit selling out overstock :)