P R E S E N T E D BY:

M I C H E L LE H U L L C R A I GC OU P ON I S TA 4 1 1

&KE L LY N E F F

C OU P O NE R’ S C OR N E R

Basic Couponing

Where to Find Coupons

Sunday PapersOnline-from trusted sites, eCoupons On Facebook (product pages)In the stores/gas stations (peelies,

blinkies,catalina, CVS coupon machine)Magazines (All You)Company email lists/websitesClipping Services Coupons are EVERYWHERE!

Creating A Binder

Baseball card sheets Scissors CalculatorPencil HolderNotepadPen BinderStore Policies (found at

www.couponerscorner.com)

Building a Coupon Wallet

Coupon Wallet or Envelope (Dollar Tree)ScissorsPenNotepadCalculatorStore Policies (found at

www.couponerscorner.com)

The File Method

Some prefer to file inserts by date. In my opinion, this is a great thing to do with “misc. coupons”. In other words, file (by date) the coupons that you know your family wouldn’t normally use. In the event that a sale pops up before they expire, you have the potential to get freebies or possibly even a money maker. Just don’t forget to date them! This is important for Coupon Database usage.

*Coupon clipping and organization shouldn’t cost tonsof time to be worthwhile. Find what works for you and go with it!

Coupon Database

You can use the coupon database at www.couponerscorner.com

This database will allow you to search for ANY coupon at anytime.

This tool is 100% free to use! Enter the item and click search, it will show you all

coupons available. For example, $1/1 Crest (1/1/12 RP). This means there is a $1 off any 1 Crest product coupon in the 1/1/12 Red Plum insert. *This date is important if you use the “file method”.

Store Ads, and Match Ups

You will want to look at your local store ads every week.

This will help you memorize “good deal prices” or “stock up prices”.

Compare your coupons to store ads to see if you can spot a good deal! *coupon database is very handy here!

Use our store match ups each week to “aid” your own. You may find deals we missed!

Say What? Basic Coupon Lingo

RP-Red PlumSS-Smart SourcePG-P&G Product SaverPM-Pepsi MomentsGM-General Mills

ECB: ExtraCare BucksEXP: Expiration DateIVC: Instant Value Coupon, Walgreens' store coupons found in ads and monthly bookletMIR: Mail-in rebateOYNO: On your next orderOOP: Out of pocketRR: Register Rewards, Walgreens' Catalina couponsStacking: Using both a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon on one itemUPC: Universal product code, bar codeTearpad: Pad of coupons attached to a display, shelf, or refrigerator door.+UP Reward: Rite Aid reward programWYB: When you buyYMMV: Your mileage (or manager) may vary, meaning some stores might give you a deal but others might

not

Deal Example #1

Gain Dish Liquid $0.99Use: $0.50/1 Gain Dish Liquid Coupon (1/1/12

SS)$0.49

Translation:Gain is on sale for $0.99. There is a $0.50 off 1

coupon in the 1/1/12 Smart Source insert. If you use it, you will only have to pay $0.49

Deal Example #2

Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue $6.99Use: $3/1 (2/4/12 RP)Get $1.00 ECB $2.99

Translation:Tissue is on sale for $6.99, CVS will give you $1

Extra Credit Bucks if you buy it. You have a $3 off 1 coupon from the 2/4/12 Rep Plum insert. You will pay $3.99 OOP (Out of Pocket), and you will get $1 ECB back on your receipt.

Deal Example #3

Pepsi $5.00Use: $1.50/1 (www.target.com printable)Use: $0.75/1 (3/5/12 PM)$2.75

Translation:This is a “stack”. You can use a store coupon

with a manu. coupon at some stores, in this case: Target.

This is a GREAT way to maximize savings!

Coupon Tips

Wait until your item is on sale unless you must have the item now. Patience pays off

Use a BOGO coupon with a BOGO sale. Stack Store Coupons with Manufacture's

Coupon (Target, CVS, Dollar General, etc)Go by the text description, not the picture on

your coupon. Follow Store Policies, bring it with you!

Shopping List

After you have prepared your own match up (or used ours) make a shopping list to take to the store.

List the store first, then the items that you want to buy. List the coupons under each item.

Pull your coupons as you prepare your list-this saves time in the store. I keep mine in the pencil holder of my binder, but a simple envelope will do!

Some label multiple envelopes with the store name, and put the coupons in the correct envelope. (example: CVS, Kmart, Kroger). These can be used over and over.

Check Out Time

Watch every item price as it rings up, be sure you are getting the right price.

Watch every coupon as it is scanned, be sure you are receiving the correct discount (If your store doubles, ensure that it did).

If there is a discrepancy, be polite and respectful. Always adhere to the store policies, and expect the same in return.

Expect a delay, it happens from time to time. Cashiers are more cautious than ever about coupons. Understand their point of view as well.

Stockpiles

Learn the sales cycle for your area (usually 6-8 weeks) and begin to plan for it…this takes time.

Learn “stock up prices” so you know when to buy extras, keep track of your purchases, so it’s more clear to you, if needed.

Keep your items in rotation, so nothing goes bad. Always check expiration dates (preferably in the store) and organize your “stockpile” at home accordingly.

Closing Notes

Remember that couponing is suppose to help you save…not cost you time and money. It takes a little to get started, but in the end, you will LOVE the benefits!

If you are able to make donations, please do! There are so many people that could benefit from your abilities as a couponer!

Confused? Just ask!