Couponing 101: Kinds of Coupons

If you are a coupon pro, you know all the tricks by now. If you are a coupon newbie,  though, you might be a little overwhelmed at first when trying to start using coupons.  Today, let's just talk about what kinds of coupons there are and where to find them.

The Sunday paper is the biggest source of free manufacturer coupons.  Manufacturer coupons are put out by the manufacturer and can be used at any store that accepts coupons.  There are three types of coupon inserts in the paper:  Proctor and Gamble, Red Plum, and Smart Source.  Each Sunday is different; Some weeks you might get one of each insert, some weeks there might be as many as 5 total inserts, and on Holiday weekends, there are usually no inserts.

The internet is the next best source of manufacturer coupons.  Coupons.com, RedPlum.com and  Smartsource.com all offer printable coupons.  Typically, you can print each coupon two times per computer.  If there is a great coupon, I'll print 2 copies each from my laptop, Hubby's laptop and our PC.  I found that if I print on Fast Draft, I use less ink and the coupons are still accepted by the stores.  If you print on Draft, though, the bar code is too faint for the store scanner to read and your coupon will be useless.

Coupons.com, Red Plum and SmartSource all change their coupon offerings frequently, and have new coupons available at least at the beginning of each month--often more often than that.  If there is a coupon you want, print it out and save it--don't wait.  The manufacturers set a TOTAL number of prints they allow their coupon to be printed, so if there happens to be a great sale on one item, and there is a coupon for it, often it reaches its print quota quickly and is removed from the coupon site.  We couponers refer to that as "being pulled", so if I ever mention to hurry and print your coupon before it is pulled, that's what I mean.

Company websites are another great place to find printable manufacturer coupons.  Usually the company will request your name and email address before you can print--annoying, I know--but the coupons DO save money.  I have a separate email address  from Gmail (Google Mail) I use only for coupons and when I request freebies, so I won't get spam in my personal email inbox.  If there is a product  you really like, check their site for coupons, and also CALL them and ask for coupons.  Many times they will mail you some.

Catalina coupons are those long and skinny paper coupons that print out when  you check out.  They usually reflect your purchases (but not always).  If I buy Dannon yogurt, I might get a Catalina coupon printed out for Dannon yogurt, or I might get one for Yoplait trying to get me to switch brands.  Before you toss these coupons out, look through them first.  Also--Catalina coupons can be for $$ off  your next in-store purchase.  These are the best Catalinas!  Stores and companies will team up to offer Catalina deals--if you buy a certain quantity of a product, you'll get a coupon for X $$ off your next purchase.  Catalina coupons usually have the store logo on them and are meant to be used only at that store.

Blinkie coupons are the ones you take from the little box on store shelves.  These are placed right next to or above the item.  These are manufacturer coupons and are good at any store.

In addition to manufacturer coupons, Blinkie coupons and Catalina coupons, there are STORE coupons.  Sometimes these are for store brand products, sometimes they are for name-brand products.  Some places, like Target, lets you use a store coupon AND a manufacturer coupon on the same item! For example, when I was shopping for Easter candy, I used a couupons.com coupon for $1.00 off two Nestle bags of candy, and I also used a Target coupon for $1.00 off 2 bags of Easter candy for a total of $2.00 off 2 bags of candy that were also on sale.  Target has store coupons here. Look over the list of coupons before you head to Target.   Kroger mails store coupons to people who have registered their Kroger Plus Cards.  These are nice coupons and often include a coupon for a free item like Kroger brand bagged salad, yogurt, or bacon.

Walgreens also has store coupons.  You can find some here online, there are usually several in the ad each week, and in the Walgreens monthly coupon booklet you can find in-store.  Because these are store coupons, you can double dip and use them WITH manufacturer coupons.  Yesterday I got four Starbucks Frappucinos for $.25 each by using both a store coupon and manufacturer coupons.

So whether from the Sunday paper, online, Blinkie machine, Catalina machine, or store ads, coupons can really be a great asset in saving money.  If you only use one source of coupons, stretch yourself and try using another one or two kinds of coupons.  Your budget will thank you!  :)

Happy couponing!