Becoming A Coupon Superstar Day 5: It Says That?- Know Your Coupon

Ever looked at a coupon? See all those little words on the bottom, otherwise known as the fine print? Well, I can't stress enough how important it is to read and know what it says.

Some of the info that can be found on them:

Size and product specifications- For instance you have a coupon for V8 but it may say you can only use it on the 20 oz, Vanilla flavor.

Limit usage-

• One Coupon Per Purchase- This means you can use ONE coupon for EACH item purchased. Let's say you buy a bottle of juice and use a coupon, this is okay. Now, let's say you buy one bottle but have two coupons, you cannot use both. It is one manufacturer coupon per item. What you can do is buy 2 and use 2 coupons.
• One Coupon Per Transaction- This means you can only use one coupon on the intended item for each transaction. To be able to use two you would have to separate your order, buy one use your coupon and pay. Now do it again.
• One Coupon Per Customer/Household- Pretty much what it says you can only use one. If you want to use another you'd have to make multiple trips.

Do Not Double- It is not meant to be doubled. Although if the coupon starts with a 5 it will double automatically, if it starts with a 9 it won't.

Reading and following what your coupon says will help your check-out process go smoothly. Plus, if there is a problem you can stand there with confidence knowing you have used your coupon correctly.

Go to Day 6.

About/Contact

Thank you for visiting my blog!

My name is Lynn. I'm a wife, mother of two and a follower of Christ. I love saving money, reading, learning new things, a good laugh, trying new recipes and most of all sharing great deals with others. I consider it a blessing to be able to help others save, it truly is a joy and what motivates me to keep blogging! Visit often to save more as you spend less and live well!

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Becoming A Coupon Superstar Day 4: Coupon Organization

Now that you know where to get coupons from you'll need to know how to organize them all. Because let's face it they are no good to you if you can't find them quickly and easily. There are several ways to go about it and you may find that you try a few before you find the one that you like. Remember there is no wrong or right way, it's all about what works the best for you and saves your sanity.

Coupon Box- Just what it says a recipe box, storage container, or a plain old box categorized with dividers or envelopes. To read more about this system or to see an example go here.

Accordion Folder- The coupons are cut out, categorized and then simply placed in the accordion folder. Some people will have for food and one for everything else. Others like to have one for each store and only put in them the coupons they will be using for that trip. To learn more about this method go here.

Filing System- With this method the coupon inserts are kept intact and filed by date (some cut out the coupons they know they will use). They are then cut out as needed. For more info on this idea go here.

Professional Coupon Systems- The Couponizer is somewhat like a binder. It contains 18 category pockets, customer loyalty sleeves, coupon tracker, scissors, category cards to use when clipping and sorting, and it's own carrying bag. Check out their site site to find out more.

Coupon Binder- For this method you will need a sturdy binder preferably one with a zipper (you don't want your coupons flying everywhere when you drop it), baseball card holders, dividers or tabs. The coupons are then cut and placed into the baseball card holders according to your sorting preference. Some people do categories, some alphabetically, others by insert & date. You can clip all your coupons and place them in your binder or only those you know you're likely to use, but keeping the others, or not. Again, it's all about preference.

Go to Day 5.

Becoming A Coupon Superstar Day 3: Coupons, Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are

Have you ever wondered just where all the coupons can be found? I know I did. So, I'm hoping to save you from racking your brain and some time by sharing all the different places you can get coupons from.

The Sunday Newspaper- I know this is the obvious one. However, it's still worth a mention simply because it's where the majority of coupons come from. The amount of coupon inserts in them will vary from week to week. So on those weeks when there's lots of inserts or just really good coupons, I suggest you buy several. A good place to buy papers is at your local $ store.

Peelies- These are coupons that our stuck onto the product.

Blinkies- Coupons spit out by those blinking machines attached to the shelf at the grocery store.

Tearpads- Pads of coupons located near the product usually on a display.

Internet Printable- Coupons printed online, most have a limit of two per computer. These tend to be of higher value however not all stores will take them.

Home Mailers- Once you sign up with various companies they will send you coupons in the mail.

Winetags- Coupons found hanging around the neck of a wine bottle. Most of the time a wine purchase is not necessary to redeem the coupon.

Inside Products- Sometimes there are coupons inside the product package and other times it's on the package itself and will need to be cut off.

All You- This is a magazine sold at WalMart and is filled with tons of coupons.

Walgreens Beauty Counter- They are constantly being sent coupons, all you have to do is ask if there are any available. Note that newer stores won't have very many.

Go to Day 4.

Becoming A Coupon Superstar Day 2: Huh, what did you say? Coupon Lingo Translated.

$1/2 = $1 off of 2 items
2/$5 = Two items for $5
AC = After Coupon
AR = After Rebate
B1G1/BOGO = Buy one get one free
Blinkie =In-Store SmartSource coupon dispensed near product, usually from a red blinking box.
Catalina/CAT = Coupon dispensed at register after purchase
CRT = Cash register tape (Receipt)
DND = Do not double
ECB = Extra Care Bucks, rewards earned at CVS for purchases made.
FAR =Free after rebate.
GM =General Mills Newspaper Insert
K = Kellogg’s Newspaper insert
Hangtag =A coupon or form found hanging from a tag around the neck of a bottle or jar.
IP/Printable =Internet printable, a coupon or form you can print from the internet.
MIR =Mail in rebate.
MM =Money Maker. A deal where after coupon or rebate you make money due to overage.
MQ = Manufacturer Coupon, a coupon issued by a manufacture (as opposed to a store coupon, which is issued by a store).
OOP = Out of pocket
OOS = Out of stock
OYNO = On your next order, wording on Catalina or register reward coupons for which you purchase an item and receive a coupon that is for money off your next order.
PG/P&G = Proctor & Gamble Newspaper insert
Peelie = A coupon that you peel off the package.
RC = Rain Check a slip of paper that a store issues when an item is out of stock allowing you to purchase that item at a later date at the sale price.
RP = Red Plum newspaper insert
RR = Register Reward (Walgreens)
SS = SmartSource newspaper insert
Stacking = Some stores allow the use of a store coupon and manufacturer coupon on the same item.
Tear pad = A pad of refund form or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display.
WYB = When you buy
YMMV = Your mileage may vary - the success of the attempt may vary at your store.

Go to Day 3.

Becoming A Coupon Superstar Day 1: So You Want to Save Money?

You're probably thinking "Is it really worth it?". YES! I know the thoughts you have; "it's just a few cents, it takes too much time, store brands are cheaper, I don't want to be one of "those" people..." been there.

I counter those thoughts with:

• That .35¢ coupon triples at Kroger for a savings of $1.05.
• Yes, it does take time, but it will go quicker once you find what works for you and the savings will be worth it.
• Store brands are generally cheaper, but that name brand can be way cheaper or FREE when you use a coupon combined with a sale.
• "Those" people can't believe they use to shop any other way and wish they could enlighten YOU! Plus, I'm sure you would rather pay thier bill then your own.

As I said before I've been there. Now, I'm a coupon clipping, money saving diva! And I wouldn't have it any other way. The best part is you can be too. Just follow along with me on my Couponing 101 series.

Go to Day 2.