Sale Lingo
OOP – Out of pocket expenses. Essentially what you are paying after coupons.
ONYO – On your next order.
BOGO - Buy One Get One
WYB - when you buy
MIR - Mail In Rebate
BOGO or B1G1F - Buy one get one free
Q – Coupon.
ETS - Excludes Trial Size!
Stacking Coupons – Combining store OR competitor coupons with a manufacturer’s (MFG) coupon.
Types of Coupons
ECB or Extra Care Bucks – Coupons that print out attached to your receipt from CVS.
RR - Register Reward (Walgreens)
Peelie – Coupons that are attached to a package that you “peel” off.
Blinkies – A red blinking box attached to the shelf that spits out coupons at the store.
Catalina or Cat – These print out at checkout, and are usually rectangular in shape.
Tearpad – Coupons attached to a shelf or wall that your tear off. Sometimes appears in form of a rebate.
IP – Internet printable coupon.
Mfg – Manufacturer coupon.
P&G – Sunday newspaper insert found once a month from Procter & Gamble.
RP – Sunday newspaper insert, Redplum.
SS – Sunday newspaper insert called SmartSource.
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a PURCHASE=1 item
a TRANSACTION= a COLLECTION of items
A coupon that says limit 1 per purchase means you can use 1 of that coupon per item. A coupon that says limit 4 like coupons in same transaction, means that you can only use up to 4 of that exact coupon in 1 enitre transaction.
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Tip No.1 Plan, Plan, Plan
Check your local stores’ ads for what’s on sale and plan your meals and purchases around those items. Making a detailed plan avoids impulse purchases and saves time by avoiding unplanned trips to the store that can break a budget.
Tip. No.2 Know Your Stores Savings Policies
To maximize savings, it is crucial to understand how your stores’ savings program and coupon policies work. For example, does the store except double coupons? Do they have other promotions? Do they accept competitors’ coupons? Can you use two coupons with a ‘buy-one, get-one-free’ deal? It’s important to know what is allowed so you can plan your list and shopping strategy.
Tip. No.3 Pair Up for Biggest Savings Punch
It is important to actually use your grocery coupons when the items are on sale. Remember that more than half of available coupons are for non-food items (toothpaste, razors and shampoo, etc…) that are easy to get for free if you coupon correctly, the experts say. Don’t use the coupon unless something’s on sale. For beginners, that’s a big idea,
Tip No.4 Know When to Stock Up
Study the pricing habits of stores (they often repeat sale cycles) to know when an item has hit its lowest price point and stock up. Don’t wait until you need something. Freezing on-sale items like chicken can save also be a big money saver.
Tip No.5 Forget About Loyalty
Be flexible about brands and stores. “Do you really care if it’s Kraft dressing or Wish Bone? Does it matter that much?” Switch to shopping at stores that offer better discounts or have less stringent coupon policies, it will help your budget go further.
Manufacturer coupons will sometimes masquerade as store coupons by featuring the name of a particular store along with the words “redeem at.” For example, a manufacture’s coupon may read “Redeem at Publix.” Please note, that this is only a suggestion, not a requirement. In this case, Publix may have struck some sort of deal with the manufacturer to get their name featured on the coupon in an attempt to drive traffic to their store, but that doesn’t mean you have to play along. As you’ll learn later in this guide, using a coupon at one store may save you
more than it would at another even though the face value remains the same. So, although your cashier may give you a hard time, you are perfectly within your rights to use a manufacturer’s coupon at any store you wish.
Manufacturer coupons will sometimes masquerade as store coupons by featuring the name of a particular store along with the words “redeem at.” For example, a manufacture’s coupon may read “Redeem at Publix.” Please note, that this is only a suggestion, not a requirement. In this case, Publix may have struck some sort of deal with the manufacturer to get their name featured on the coupon in an attempt to drive traffic to their store, but that doesn’t mean you have to play along. As you’ll learn later in this guide, using a coupon at one store may save you
more than it would at another even though the face value remains the same. So, although your cashier may give you a hard time, you are perfectly within your rights to use a manufacturer’s coupon at any store you wish.
Virtual Coupon Classes by WE USE COUPONS
Beginner Couponers - watch these videos
Why Coupon?
Virtual Class # 1
Because this is a class here is your homework:
On Sunday buy at least 5 papers (make sure the coupons are inside)
Get organized. Read about organizational strategies.
Use one coupon on an item that is on sale that you buy normally.
On Sunday buy at least 5 papers (make sure the coupons are inside)
Get organized. Read about organizational strategies.
Use one coupon on an item that is on sale that you buy normally.
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Simple Tips for Coupon Newbies
Virtual Class # 2
TIPS:
- On Sunday Buy 5 Papers
- Buy a Binder or Folder for Organization
- Obtain your Weekly Shopping Circulars by Calling Promotions like RedPlum and Have Them Delivered if Your in a Major Urban Area
- Get to Know Your Store Policies
TRICKS:
- Be Prepared to Spend Time Planning out Deals, and in Line at the Grocery Store.
- Make Two Shopping Lists Every Week, One for Essentials (Matching Coupons) One for Almost Free, or Free Items.
- Learn to do Price Comparisons Between Stores.
- Avoid Impulse Buying.
- Relax, Saving Isn’t That Hard
Are Coupons Worth It.
Virtual Class #3
“Is it really worth it to buy things with coupons?”
I get that question quite often from friends, family members, and even complete strangers in the stores.
My answer usually astonishes them because I tell them "yes and no." I think they were looking for me to say unequivocally... YES!
I get that question quite often from friends, family members, and even complete strangers in the stores.
My answer usually astonishes them because I tell them "yes and no." I think they were looking for me to say unequivocally... YES!
BUT…
There is a method to using coupons effectively.
Here are a few more tips.
1. Know your store’s coupon policy.
Does your store double coupons? If so, to what amount and are there any limits on how many of the same coupon/or like item you can purchase in one order? Example: Let’s say the Canned Dole Pineapple is $1.50 and your store will double that .50 off coupon. You just reduced your cost to .50 for that item and it does indeed end up costing less than the generic brand for which you don’t have a coupon for. Ask the stores if they double coupons if you don’t know if they do or not. Some don't but many stores do. Remember though, just because a store doubles coupons doesn't mean you're going to get the best deal with your coupon there. We'll get to that in a minute.
2. Watch your sales and DON’T stick to just one store for all your needs.
Being “store loyal” can be a detriment to your wallet. Watch the store sale ads and put your coupons to double work by using that coupon on the sale item to make it even lower in price. Once you get to shopping around, you’ll notice that what may be $2.49 at Walmart may actually be $1.99 at your regular grocery store and if you have a double coupon store, your cost can be even lower. And that's what I allured to in #1... Know your prices. Keep a price book if necessary on the items you buy frequently. BUT don’t rush out to use those coupons immediately.
3. Hold ‘Em.
Just because you have it doesn’t mean you have to use it immediately. Hold on to those coupons because the stores know in advance what coupons are coming out in the Sunday inserts and they put those items on sale. That sale price is not the lowest sale price that will be on that item before those coupons expire. Usually the week that the coupon expires is when that item will go on sale for it’s lowest price. (Or at least that has been my experience over the years.)
4. Buying in multiples.
When you find a good deal and you have coupons for the items, buy more than one (up to the store’s limit if there is one). This is commonly called stockpiling. You can get extras of coupons by asking friends and family to save the coupon inserts for you, order them online for a small shipping and handling charge from places like The Coupon Clippers, Coupons & Things By Dede, and The Coupon Master. Of course, if you're a daring individual - scope out the paper recycling bins for extra inserts.... just be sure to ask someone before you do as many areas are not allowing this to be done now.
By buying multiples of items, I am:
There is a method to using coupons effectively.
Here are a few more tips.
1. Know your store’s coupon policy.
Does your store double coupons? If so, to what amount and are there any limits on how many of the same coupon/or like item you can purchase in one order? Example: Let’s say the Canned Dole Pineapple is $1.50 and your store will double that .50 off coupon. You just reduced your cost to .50 for that item and it does indeed end up costing less than the generic brand for which you don’t have a coupon for. Ask the stores if they double coupons if you don’t know if they do or not. Some don't but many stores do. Remember though, just because a store doubles coupons doesn't mean you're going to get the best deal with your coupon there. We'll get to that in a minute.
2. Watch your sales and DON’T stick to just one store for all your needs.
Being “store loyal” can be a detriment to your wallet. Watch the store sale ads and put your coupons to double work by using that coupon on the sale item to make it even lower in price. Once you get to shopping around, you’ll notice that what may be $2.49 at Walmart may actually be $1.99 at your regular grocery store and if you have a double coupon store, your cost can be even lower. And that's what I allured to in #1... Know your prices. Keep a price book if necessary on the items you buy frequently. BUT don’t rush out to use those coupons immediately.
3. Hold ‘Em.
Just because you have it doesn’t mean you have to use it immediately. Hold on to those coupons because the stores know in advance what coupons are coming out in the Sunday inserts and they put those items on sale. That sale price is not the lowest sale price that will be on that item before those coupons expire. Usually the week that the coupon expires is when that item will go on sale for it’s lowest price. (Or at least that has been my experience over the years.)
4. Buying in multiples.
When you find a good deal and you have coupons for the items, buy more than one (up to the store’s limit if there is one). This is commonly called stockpiling. You can get extras of coupons by asking friends and family to save the coupon inserts for you, order them online for a small shipping and handling charge from places like The Coupon Clippers, Coupons & Things By Dede, and The Coupon Master. Of course, if you're a daring individual - scope out the paper recycling bins for extra inserts.... just be sure to ask someone before you do as many areas are not allowing this to be done now.
By buying multiples of items, I am:
- Less likely to run out before the next sale which means I don’t have to pay full price.
- Have a readily available stock so I’m not having to make special trips to the stores for an item.
- I have things on hand to make quick baskets as gifts for someone or be able to donate to someone who may either be sick, out of work, or house burned, etc.
5. Get acquainted.
Get to know your store’s policy, upcoming sale ads, Good Deal Alerts (GDA), and much more by frequently reading online forums that cater to people who wish to save money with coupons, sales, etc.
Get to know your store’s policy, upcoming sale ads, Good Deal Alerts (GDA), and much more by frequently reading online forums that cater to people who wish to save money with coupons, sales, etc.
6. Make a List.
Now that you have the coupons in hand and the sale flyers, go through each one and make a list of the “best deals” you can use then match them accordingly to coupons while keeping in mind #3 above.
7. Don’t be brand loyal.
Now that you have the coupons in hand and the sale flyers, go through each one and make a list of the “best deals” you can use then match them accordingly to coupons while keeping in mind #3 above.
7. Don’t be brand loyal.
We all probably have our favorites when it comes to an item. My husband prefers Heinz ketchup but we rarely get coupons for that but he will compromise with me if I have a coupon for another brand of ketchup that makes it cost less than his favorite brand. By being “brand flexible” I have more leeway to save with the coupons than if I was to stick to one brand.
So “Is it really worth it to buy things with coupons?”Yes and no.
So “Is it really worth it to buy things with coupons?”Yes and no.
Yes you can save a lot of money by using coupons BUT at the same time, if you're buying something just because you have a coupon or don't need the item.. then no that's not really saving you money. If you are diligent and observant, you can get your main toiletry items free after coupons. Items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, razors, etc. can usually be gotten for free or for pennies. Stock up when you find those time deals ... even if it's enough to get you through until the next sale cycle on those things comes back around. I don't know about you but I think the health & beauty items alone really rack up a grocery bill in a hurry if you're not using coupons for them.
Coupon Organization
Double Coupons 101
