Coupon experts, give your tips and tricks!!!

[t1lersm0m]

I really need to start saving money. I'm going to school (practically) full time, working full time plus overtime, but I am having a hard time living life. I have no money in savings, no emergency fund....etc etc.

I'd like to spend more effort/time couponing (is that a word?) and some of the posts on here are very informative. I was wondering if everyone would mind putting all of their coupon tips in this thread. I understand the concept of using coupons, I should buy an item when it's on sale, and use a coupon, and see if the coupon can be doubled/tripled. But I don't know all of these nifty sites like afullcup.com (which I just found on the Skippy thread LOL).

I am just amazed when I see some of the deals people get on here. No, I'm not asking everyone to do the work for me, just list some of the sites you use to get coupons, or to find out about deals.

Couponmom. com doesn't list the deals in stores in my area (NE PA). Otherwise that would be a great source for me.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Leigh

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

hotcouponworld.com is the best!!!!!!! That site has saved me SOOOO much money!!!!!!

 

[Cindy B]

If you going to buy something online (anything) check www.retailmenot.com first. Once you get to the site, look for merchants. You should be able to find codes for % off, free offers, free shipping, etc.

Here's some general grocery tips:

Take your cut newspaper coupons all the time with you. I always buy things on sale. If it isn't on sale, I get another brand. If it's on sale and I use a coupon it's maximizing the savings.

Realize that stores have a cycle of things that go on sale. If you miss a sale this week, it will come around again. Certain items go in a three week cycles here.

I don't buy coupons from any site. Check your local library. Our library throws all the coupon inserts from the paper in a bin so you just grab the inserts.

Check to see if your store has "mistake" pricing. If an item is rung up wrong, you get your money back and the item. One store in particular around here never has the pricing correct. I've gotten so many things for free because of that policy.

 

[Mickeyorbust]

Also, when ordering things online use a rebate site like ebates.com or mrrebate.com.

Check your grocery store website and sign up for a member card, called different names by different stores, if you haven't done so already.

Join a coupon swap, I think there's one here, on the budget board. You may be able to trade the Kitty Litter coupon for a coupon you do need.

Read the fine print on the coupon. So you'll know if it can't be combined with specials or store coupons.

Carry a calculator with you so you can figure out the unit price to know if you're getting the best deal...bigger package is not always the best deal.

 

[zoie101]

Use Only When Item Is On Sale To Really Get The Full Savings!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cindy B]

Carry a calculator with you so you can figure out the unit price to know if you're getting the best deal...bigger package is not always the best deal.

Most stores have the unit price labeled. However, watch the type of measurement in the printed unit price. You could be looking at identical items (say cooking oil) and one unit price for one brand is measured in gallons and one is measured in quarts.

 

[Sethsmom]

When stores have buy one get one free, use 2 coupons if the store allows. I know Publix will let you use a coupon on each item and you can also use a manufacturer coupon as well as a store coupon.

Publix will also take other competitor coupons that you receive.

 

[t1lersm0m]

Wow, thanks so much for the great advice. I love HCW, thanks for recommending it. I am now in love with shopping at CVS and Walgreens, two stores I barely walked into before.