Coupons can be a money savers best friend and they can be a “newbies” worst enemy. Coupons can seem confusing, overwhelming and time consuming when you first begin. Knowing how to get the most out of your coupons will put even more money in your wallet and that is what we all want, right? Over the next few weeks we would like to offer you some tips to help you Coupon Smartly!
First we would like to start by talking about Coupon Sources. There are several different ways to get coupons. Here are some of the main resources we use to obtain my coupons.
Newspaper Inserts/Magazines
We are all familiar with the Sunday Inserts. These coupons vary by region. There several different inserts to look for such as Red Plum, Smart Source, and Proctor & Gamble. They all contain valuable money saving coupons. Depending on what coupons are available that week, I will pick up 2-3 papers.
Magazines also contain high-value coupons. All You is one of the most popular magazine of couponers and can be found at Walmart or through subscriptions on places like Amazon. Some of my other favorites for coupons are Family Circle, Parents, Family Fun and Rachel Ray.
Printable Coupon Websites
Coupon websites are popping up all over the place. I have my favorites based on reliability and the quality and quantity of the coupons available.
Coupons.com: This is my favorite source and you can usually print two or more of each coupon offered. They offer coupons for lots of different needs like pet care, household, food, entertainment, toys and more.
CouponNetwork.com You will find printable coupons as well as any Catalina/Your Bucks offers that are currently going on.
Cellfire.com: Offers coupons the you can download directly to your store card or mobile device. You then redeem them in store by scanning your card or showing your phone to the cashier. Some of the stores available are Vons, Bakers, and more. They also offer printable coupons as well.
RedPlum.com: Offers a lot of the same coupons that Coupons.com offers as well as online codes. You can also find more printable RedPlum Coupons HERE.
Smartsource.com: Offers a lot of the same coupons that Coupons.com offers.
Coupon Clipping Websites
Coupon Clipping websites allow you to purchase the coupons you need based on what is available. This comes in handy if you frequently buy an item or do not get a coupon in your Sunday Newspaper Insert. One of the most popular sites is TheCouponClippers.com
Brand Websites
You can find valuable coupons right on popular brand websites. Tide, Colgate, Green Works, Oscar Meyer, Nestle and lots more periodically offer coupons directly on their homepages! You can also sign-up for newsletters on the website and those often contain valuable coupons as well. Some of the most popular sites to get these are:
Target.com: Target offers lots of different coupons for Target Products as well as National Products. The nice thing about Target Specific Coupons is that you can stack them with a manufacturer’s coupon for even more savings!
Right At Home: Sign up for the Right @ Home Newsletter for valuable money saving coupons for brands like Glade, Ziploc, Pledge and More!
PG Everday Solutions: offers coupons and samples that you can request quarterly. Sign-up for newsletters and special offers as well.
Kraft First Taste: offers a community environment to get recipes and Kraft tips and information as well as members only offers. They have sent out lots of free items in the past year so I highly recommend signing up to stay in the loop!
Recyclebank: offers points for tasks and you can redeem those for money saving coupons and even free coupons.
Facebook is becoming more and more popular to brands trying to reach fans. They have been offering everything from discount coupons for products, free product coupons and even free sample and full size products by mail. Follow your favorite brand on Facebook to stay up to date with offers and giveaways they are providing!
Online Coupon Codes and Cash Back
Online Coupon Codes can save you a nice chunk of change when shopping your favorite retailers online. Codes for discounts, free shipping, and earning cash back are ways to put money back in your wallet.
ShopAtHome.com: Offers new users a $5.00 sign up bonus and cash back to TONS of online retailers. They also offer Wild Deals each day to offer you even more savings.
eBates.com: Offers new users a $10 gift card if a purchase is made within 30 days of signing up. You will find coupon codes and cash back to lots of online retailers.
Retailmenot.com: Offers online coupon codes to lots of retailers that range from discounts, to free shipping and more.
iPhone/iPad Apps
There are lots of apps surfacing that are offering exclusive deals, coupons and more right on your iPhone or iPad! These can come in handy especially when you are a busy, on-the-go person. Check out THIS POST for my top ways to earn money using apps.
