Some Basic Info...
1. Buy Saturday and Sunday papers that come out from larger cities, like the AJC.
2. In those newspapers, there are weekly ad sale papers. For example, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, etc. have weekly sale papers that contain the items they have on sale for that week. If there is a store that you didn't get a sale paper for, be sure to check their website for sale items. (I do this for Family Dollar and Dollar General if there isn't a sale paper, and other stores).
3.Southern Savers, RedPlum, and ShopatHome are some GREAT websites to visit for printable coupons, and couponing information. (websites for these are listed below)
http://www.southernsavers.com/
http://www.redplum.com/
http://www.shopathome.com/ (create account and download toolbar to print!)
http://www.coupons.com/
4. If you have a favorite item, then visit the website. Chances are you may find a coupon for that item there. If not, then contact the maker by phone or email to request coupons for it.
5.Look up the couponing/store policies on the websites of the stores you shop at, and get familiar with them. Print them and have them on hand in case you may need them..Not all cashiers are willing to help you.
Combine that Information with these simple steps for some efficient coupon shopping...
1. You can combine a manufacture's coupon with a store coupon for one item. You can multiply this combination if you plan on buying more than 1 of that item (up to the limit, if there is a limit, that is usually found on the coupon).
2. Most places will NOT combine 2 manufacture's coupons on 1 item, or 2 store coupons on 1 item.
3. Remember those sale papers? And checking store websites? Find where the items you want are on sale, and pair that with your coupons, and you can save even more money.
4. two words: PRICE MATCH. This is a secret in coupon shopping at Wal-Mart. They will price match. And it doesn't have to appear in an ad to be price matched. As quoted to me, "take a photo(on your phone is ok!) of the item, and its price. The item has to be identical size and brand to be price matched, and Wal-Mart will price match it" Yes, EVEN the Dollar Tree!!!!
6.Some stores will double coupons (up to certain face values, specified by each store. Some stores, like Harris Teeter periodically does Super Double Coupons, and in their program they will double any coupon up to $1.98 face value!). Publix and Kroger also doubles coupons(check their policies for doubling information). There are other places that do, too.
7. Some stores will accept competitor store coupons. (Kroger does, but check their policies for information and amounts).
8.If a store is running a "Buy One, Get One Free" special, you can:
Example- if the buy1 at $2.99/get 1 free is on Lysol disinfectant spray, and I have two coupons for $1 off Lysol disinfectant spray, I can use TWO coupons, because there are TWO products, and end up paying 99CENTS for the two Lysols!!!!!AWESOME deal!
9. Also, check stores "coupon stacking" policies.
Example- If a store has Bleach on sale for $1.99, and I have a buy one/get one free coupon for that item, AND two $.50 coupons, I could get TWO Bleaches for $1.00. Again, Check Store Policies!
Store Reward Programs...
OKAY. This part is where so many get confused, but I am going to do my best to simplify it!
~~Rite Aid- "+up rewards".You buy something that says it will give back $XX amount in +up rewards to use on the next purchase. How it can work- If there is a razor on sale for $9.00 and you have a coupon for $4.00 off, you pay $5.00 AND you get $3.00+up rewards (printed on your receipt) to go towards your next purchase. This is where the store ad may say, "it's like getting it for $2.00!" Personally, I think that's a form of false advertising. But you can combine those rewards or not, and deduct a substantial amount from your next purchase total.
~~Walgreens- "RegisterRewards". Works like +up rewards.
~~CVS- "Extra Care Bucks" rewards program.
Earn 2% back with every purchase in-store and online at CVS/pharmacy. Earn 1 Extra Buck for every 2 prescriptions purchased in-store and online at CVS/pharmacy.Every 3 months your Extra Bucks will print on your store register receipt, or visit CVS/pharmacy online to print your Extra Bucks. Spend your Extra Bucks at any CVS/pharmacy location or online the next time you shop.
NO rewards at any of these stores can be used to purchase prescription pharmacy medicines.
Most of the products we all use have coupons. Just visit the product/manufacturer's website.
Thanks to my sister in law, Aunt Van and Ms. Pam for teaching me all these couponing tips :)
