Let's Talk Coupons

I am no coupon queen and I have lots to learn.
However, let me share with you a few things that I know.

1.  Internet Shopping:

If you are going to purchase things online, take 2 minutes and look for a company coupon code.

There are great deals out there online and you can easily find coupons for free shipping, 5-20% off your order.  These deals are usually not on the company's website.  The fastest way to find a coupon code?  Google it.  Then during the checkout procedure, apply the code.  It is so easy and it can really save you some bucks!

2.  Buying coupons on Ebay:

I am pretty new to this little gem but it has save me some dough lately.

For instance, I wanted to print off some pictures of the little man on Shutterfly.  However, my bill was coming to over $50.  I looked for coupons online and didn't find any that worked for what I was purchasing.  I searched Ebay and found 2 good coupons ($20 off my order and also 200 prints free).  My bill ended up being 49 cents plus shipping!  I looked for a free shipping code but couldn't find one.  :(   I wasn't certain at the time if Shutterfly would take both coupons but it was worth a try and it worked!  I paid $2 for each coupon on Ebay.

More great coupons to get on Ebay are formula coupons and checks.  This has REALLY saved me some money.  I signed up on Enfamil.com and they sent me Enfamil checks to use when I buy formula until the baby was about 4 months old and then they stopped.  Every now and then, I get a coupon but no checks.  What is the difference you ask?  You can use both a coupon and a check at the time of purchase.  The coupon is a regular coupon but the check is used just like a personal check you write.  Yeah, it takes a little bit longer at the checkout but if I can knock $10 off my formula purchase, it is worth it to me. 

3.  Newspaper Coupons

Of course, the newspaper is a great place to get coupons.  However, I am never at the store on Sunday morning and I rarely remember to buy a newspaper.  Some may go dumpster diving for discarded newspapers and its coupons.  However, I am into easy.  If it is an easy process and I can save a few bucks, I am in.  I don't want it to become a hassle. 

4.  Matching Ads

My mom matches ads a lot because the grocery stores are limited in her area and this helps to save money.  A few dollars can really add up over time!  However, I must tell you a secret, I don't even look at ads.  It is a hassle to me nowadays.  I barely have time to myself and during that time, I don't want to be looking at ads.  It is hard enough to make a shopping list!

5.  Printable Coupons

I admit that I like this option.  Nowadays, stores will take printable coupons and I rarely have any troubles using them.  For instance, if I need cream cheese, I may get on the Kraft website to look for a coupon.  A lot of coupons out there you can find on the company's website and then just print it off.  Usually, the printable limit is 2 coupons.  Also good places to look for coupons are the following websites:

www.coupons.com
www.couponmom.com
www.printablecouponsanddeals.com

so many, many more...

6.  Sign up!

Sign up on a website if you use the product a lot and usually the company will email you (or mail) coupons to you.

For instance, we drink a lot of eight o'clock bean coffee in our house.  I sign up on the website and they periodically send out coupons by email.  They used to have a rewards program too and I wish they would bring that back...