How about some good couponing news? (It's about time!)
As of August of 2009, Macey's will accept printable coupons . Their policy allows most legitimate coupons. The one type they have excluded are "free" coupons (BOGO are fine). As always, be sure to follow the general printable coupon rules (see post here).
You may want to check with your local Associated Foods store to verify if they will accept printables. I'm not sure if the whole chain has changed its policy, or just Maceys.
Showing posts with label coupons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coupons. Show all posts
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Kraft Coupon Booklet
found this on PYP...
Sign up now to receive your Kraft Smile Savings Booklet & Calendar.
Get 2 $20 Rebates + $15 in coupons on Kraft Favorites including Nabisco, Planters, Capri Sun, Ritz Bits and Easy Cheese.
Sign up now to receive your Kraft Smile Savings Booklet & Calendar.
Get 2 $20 Rebates + $15 in coupons on Kraft Favorites including Nabisco, Planters, Capri Sun, Ritz Bits and Easy Cheese.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Double Coupons
Sometimes stores offer to double coupons. Some stores even have it as their regular coupon policy. (Unfortunately, none in Utah do to my knowledge.) Recently, Albertsons started including a few double coupons in their Sunday ads. Here is what you need to know about double coupons...
* Double coupons will double the discount of a manufacturer coupon. Ie: $.50 off will be doubled to $1 off.
* Double coupons have specified limits. Usually, they will double up to $1 or $2. The Albertsons doublers are limited to $1. So, if you have a $.25 coupon, it would be doubled to $.50. A $1 coupon would be doubled to $2 off. But, a $1.10 coupon is above the limit and would not double. Some stores would adjust the $1.10 coupon to the max $2. But, Albertsons doesn't allow doubling on coupons over $1.
* Give the cashier the coupons that you would like doubled with the doublers before the rest of the coupons. That way you know you get the biggest discount. You'll want to double the highest value coupons you are using that day, that are within the limit.
Rumor has it that there will be doublers in the Albertsons flier on Sunday. :)
* Double coupons will double the discount of a manufacturer coupon. Ie: $.50 off will be doubled to $1 off.
* Double coupons have specified limits. Usually, they will double up to $1 or $2. The Albertsons doublers are limited to $1. So, if you have a $.25 coupon, it would be doubled to $.50. A $1 coupon would be doubled to $2 off. But, a $1.10 coupon is above the limit and would not double. Some stores would adjust the $1.10 coupon to the max $2. But, Albertsons doesn't allow doubling on coupons over $1.
* Give the cashier the coupons that you would like doubled with the doublers before the rest of the coupons. That way you know you get the biggest discount. You'll want to double the highest value coupons you are using that day, that are within the limit.
Rumor has it that there will be doublers in the Albertsons flier on Sunday. :)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
To the beginning couponer
I had the opportunity to take a new couponer I met through PYP shopping a couple weeks ago. It was a lot of fun. She got some great deals, and I hope that she keeps at it. I noticed, though, that she was a little skeptical. I've been thinking since then and wanted to write a post to new couponers.
When you start out, it's hard to see the point. You have your first set of inserts, just a fraction of the coupons that are out there. And your pantry is living shopping trip to shopping trip. There is no reserve.
I'd suggest getting what deals you can. When you see something that you have a coupon for that is a good deal, stock up (that's where the need for multiple coupons comes in). Don't buy just one!! Then, shop for everything else like normal. Slowly, you will see your stockpile fill up and you will be shopping from it more and the store less. I once heard a couponer describe her food storage as a store where everything is 75% off. Who wouldn't want to shop there?
I find myself buying only "hot" deals in my grocery trips in addition to necessary perishables. I pass up a lot of "good" sales to wait for the even better deals, because I can. I just use my storage. It takes awhile to get to this stage, but is wonderful when you get there.
When you start out, it's hard to see the point. You have your first set of inserts, just a fraction of the coupons that are out there. And your pantry is living shopping trip to shopping trip. There is no reserve.
I'd suggest getting what deals you can. When you see something that you have a coupon for that is a good deal, stock up (that's where the need for multiple coupons comes in). Don't buy just one!! Then, shop for everything else like normal. Slowly, you will see your stockpile fill up and you will be shopping from it more and the store less. I once heard a couponer describe her food storage as a store where everything is 75% off. Who wouldn't want to shop there?
I find myself buying only "hot" deals in my grocery trips in addition to necessary perishables. I pass up a lot of "good" sales to wait for the even better deals, because I can. I just use my storage. It takes awhile to get to this stage, but is wonderful when you get there.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Coupon Preview/Schedule
Taylortown Preview
This is a great site. It shows you the coupon schedule for the year-- when each insert comes. If I would've checked it this past week, I would've realized that last Sunday's paper had no coupons. (Most holiday weekends the papers don't have coupon inserts.)
Another nice thing about Taylortown is that on Thursdays they have a list of coupons that will be in the coupon inserts that weekend. So, you know if you want to pick some extras up at the newsstand and if you should wait for the coupons to do your shopping that week.
This is a great site. It shows you the coupon schedule for the year-- when each insert comes. If I would've checked it this past week, I would've realized that last Sunday's paper had no coupons. (Most holiday weekends the papers don't have coupon inserts.)
Another nice thing about Taylortown is that on Thursdays they have a list of coupons that will be in the coupon inserts that weekend. So, you know if you want to pick some extras up at the newsstand and if you should wait for the coupons to do your shopping that week.
Newspaper Subscriptions
I have been taking the paper for almost 4 years. What's funny is that my husband had to convince me to subscribe. He wanted it for the Church News (in Utah that's the only way to get it). When I didn't want to fork over the money, he appealed to my frugality by suggesting that I could use the coupons (smart man!). I'd always shopped bargains, but I had never used newspaper coupons. I was doubtful, but agreed. Fast forward 4 years... I'm the main reason we take the paper!
Some of you have asked questions about newspaper subscriptions that I'll address here:
Do I need to subscribe to the paper? Yes! Newspapers are a great way to get a lot of coupons for very little money. Occassionally I will buy a paper (or 2) from the newsstand (when that week's coupons are especially good), but most of the time home delivery is much less expensive. And it sure is convenient to have it on your doorstep!
How many papers do you take? I get 3 Sunday papers. That is just about right for me. If you are serious about couponing, I'd suggest at least getting 2. I actually renewed today and the customer service rep said that you can only get 2 of each. (I've had 3 Deseret News before, but whatever.) So, I will be getting 2 Deseret News and 1 Tribune.
What kind of subscription do you need? Sunday papers are the ones with the coupon inserts. So, a Sunday subscription is sufficient if you are subscribing solely for coupons.
Do they all have the same coupons? This will vary depending on your location, but I'll answer for Utah papers. The Deseret Morning News and the Tribune have the most coupons. Often, you will get identical inserts from the smaller papers as well (ie: Standard, Herald Journal, Daily Herald, etc). However, frequently the inserts will vary a little. You will get the same insert, except for 2 or 3 coupons. Less often (I'd say 3 times a year), you will completely miss out on an entire insert. These are usually the best inserts, unfortunately.
Edit: As of August 2009, RedPlum inserts are being delivered by mail. They are no longer included with most Sunday papers in Utah. The only exceptions are the Provo Daily Herald and St George Spectrum. Smart Source and P&G are still included in every paper.
How do you get the best deal? Don't pay full price for the paper! The regular price of the Deseret Morning News is $96 for 26 weeks. If you call and ask for their best deal, you will likely get it at half price (at least).
The Deseret Morning News/Tribune has a special for new customers-- $39/year for a weekend (F, Sat, Sun) subscription (ask for code 52/39). I actually got really lucky and I only pay about $15/year. If you watch for those specials, you might be able to get a really good deal too.
I would also suggest paying for 6-12 months if you have a daily subscription. It will often get you a better deal than paying by the month. Another reason to do this, is because the paper may raise your rate. When we first subscribed, we were on a 12-week payment plan. Each time the bill would come it was high. I would call them to say that I wanted the lower rate back. They would lower it, but I got sick of calling! When we started paying a yearly fee, it was sooo much easier and actually cost less per paper. Now, when they raise our rate each year, it's only 1 call to request a better rate.
Some of you have asked questions about newspaper subscriptions that I'll address here:
Do I need to subscribe to the paper? Yes! Newspapers are a great way to get a lot of coupons for very little money. Occassionally I will buy a paper (or 2) from the newsstand (when that week's coupons are especially good), but most of the time home delivery is much less expensive. And it sure is convenient to have it on your doorstep!
How many papers do you take? I get 3 Sunday papers. That is just about right for me. If you are serious about couponing, I'd suggest at least getting 2. I actually renewed today and the customer service rep said that you can only get 2 of each. (I've had 3 Deseret News before, but whatever.) So, I will be getting 2 Deseret News and 1 Tribune.
What kind of subscription do you need? Sunday papers are the ones with the coupon inserts. So, a Sunday subscription is sufficient if you are subscribing solely for coupons.
Do they all have the same coupons? This will vary depending on your location, but I'll answer for Utah papers. The Deseret Morning News and the Tribune have the most coupons. Often, you will get identical inserts from the smaller papers as well (ie: Standard, Herald Journal, Daily Herald, etc). However, frequently the inserts will vary a little. You will get the same insert, except for 2 or 3 coupons. Less often (I'd say 3 times a year), you will completely miss out on an entire insert. These are usually the best inserts, unfortunately.
Edit: As of August 2009, RedPlum inserts are being delivered by mail. They are no longer included with most Sunday papers in Utah. The only exceptions are the Provo Daily Herald and St George Spectrum. Smart Source and P&G are still included in every paper.
How do you get the best deal? Don't pay full price for the paper! The regular price of the Deseret Morning News is $96 for 26 weeks. If you call and ask for their best deal, you will likely get it at half price (at least).
The Deseret Morning News/Tribune has a special for new customers-- $39/year for a weekend (F, Sat, Sun) subscription (ask for code 52/39). I actually got really lucky and I only pay about $15/year. If you watch for those specials, you might be able to get a really good deal too.
I would also suggest paying for 6-12 months if you have a daily subscription. It will often get you a better deal than paying by the month. Another reason to do this, is because the paper may raise your rate. When we first subscribed, we were on a 12-week payment plan. Each time the bill would come it was high. I would call them to say that I wanted the lower rate back. They would lower it, but I got sick of calling! When we started paying a yearly fee, it was sooo much easier and actually cost less per paper. Now, when they raise our rate each year, it's only 1 call to request a better rate.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Types of Coupons
As you read my blog, you'll notice that I refer to several kinds of coupons. Here is a quick list:
insert- come with the Sunday newspaper
tearpad- coupons that are part of a coupon notepad on a display in the store
blinkies- coupons that are dispensed from machines in grocery store aisles that have red blinking lights
peelies- coupons that are on a product, like a sticker
catalina- coupons that print at checkout from a separate machine than the register
mailer- coupons that come via snail mail
printables- coupons printed from the internet
insert- come with the Sunday newspaper
tearpad- coupons that are part of a coupon notepad on a display in the store
blinkies- coupons that are dispensed from machines in grocery store aisles that have red blinking lights
peelies- coupons that are on a product, like a sticker
catalina- coupons that print at checkout from a separate machine than the register
mailer- coupons that come via snail mail
printables- coupons printed from the internet
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Decoding Coupon Locations
You'll notice that in referencing coupons, I will list them as something such as SS-2/7. Here is an explanation of what that means...
The letters refer to which insert the coupon is in. There are 3 that come in Sunday papers regularly:
SS= Smart Source
RP= Red Plum (formerly Vlassis)
P&G= Proctor and Gamble
On occassion, one of these will have multiple inserts in one week. The letters will be followed by a number, such as SS1, SS2, etc.
cou
The numbers (ie:2/7) indicate the date of the insert. If you file these by date, as I suggested, the coupons are very easy to find given the coupon location.
The letters refer to which insert the coupon is in. There are 3 that come in Sunday papers regularly:
SS= Smart Source
RP= Red Plum (formerly Vlassis)
P&G= Proctor and Gamble
On occassion, one of these will have multiple inserts in one week. The letters will be followed by a number, such as SS1, SS2, etc.
cou
The numbers (ie:2/7) indicate the date of the insert. If you file these by date, as I suggested, the coupons are very easy to find given the coupon location.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Is Couponing Worth It?
The other day, my brother asked me how much I save doing coupons. I heard his underlying question, "Is couponing really worth it?" That's the first question most people ask when they find out I'm a couponer. They see those coupons for 30 cents and wonder what difference it makes. Thirty cents just doesn't seem significant when you look at your entire grocery budget. But 5 30-cent coupons equal $1.50. And if you do that every week, you'll save $6 each month. It starts to add up. But, of course $6 isn't all that much either. So what's the secret? Why do people like me go to the effort and have so much enthusiasm for coupon shopping? The real power is in combining coupons with sales.
To verify just how much I do save, I looked at my 2 latest receipts. On one, I spent $19.54 and saved $25.66 (57%). The other totaled $26.24 with a savings of $60.26 (70%). And those weren't even "big" sales. On one of those receipts I notice that the frozen corn I bought for $.67 (using a coupon for $1 off 3) is regularly $2.69. So, the coupon only saved me $.33, but combining that with the sale, I saved $2.02. Considering the 6 bags that I bought, I saved over $12. Now, that is a significant amount.
As shopping the sales with coupons becomes habit, your budget will shrink and the savings will mount. (And, if you're really dedicated to coupon shopping, every $.30 will count.)
As shopping the sales with coupons becomes habit, your budget will shrink and the savings will mount. (And, if you're really dedicated to coupon shopping, every $.30 will count.)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Coupon Organization 101
In order to make couponing work, it is essential to have a good system to stay organized. There are probably as many different ways to do this as there are couponers. Personally, I can't fathom the idea of clipping every coupon and keeping them straight. I have developed a scissor-free, time-saving system that keeps me organized without feeling the least bit overwhelmed.
Supplies:
2" Binder
sheet protectors
post-it notes
dollar store coupon organizer
Each week I write the date on a post-it note and put it on the side of the first empty sheet protector in my book
I take my complete coupon inserts and slide them in
It's as easy as that!
Loose coupons go into my coupon organizer. I also clip my "most used" coupons and put them in here. That way, I have them with me at the store if I happen across a deal.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Online Coupons
Printing coupons from websites is a good way to get coupons for only the cost of ink and paper. Check with your local stores about their printable coupon policies. Most accept them, but some have limitations and a few do not accept them at all.
It is legal to print 2 of each coupon. (Coupon websites automatically allow this. Some sites allow more, but 2 is most common.) Each coupon will have a unique bar code. NEVER photo copy coupons. It is coupon fraud and is illegal.
Coupon Sites
Pillsbury.com
bettycrocker.com
smartsource.com
boodle.com
boxtopsforeducation.com
coupons.com
You can also print coupons by signing up for online newsletters such as: Beech Nut, Malt-O-Meal, Unilever, Kellogg, etc. Check websites of your favorite brands to see if they have coupons available.
It is legal to print 2 of each coupon. (Coupon websites automatically allow this. Some sites allow more, but 2 is most common.) Each coupon will have a unique bar code. NEVER photo copy coupons. It is coupon fraud and is illegal.
Coupon Sites
Pillsbury.com
bettycrocker.com
smartsource.com
boodle.com
boxtopsforeducation.com
coupons.com
You can also print coupons by signing up for online newsletters such as: Beech Nut, Malt-O-Meal, Unilever, Kellogg, etc. Check websites of your favorite brands to see if they have coupons available.
Couponing Tips
(from pinchingyourpennies.com)
TIPS OF THE TRADE:
Successful coupon shoppers also use the following tips to maximize their savings.
* Don’t buy something solely because you have a coupon.
* Combine sales with coupons to get the best deal.
* Generic brands are almost never cheaper than name brands bought on sale with coupons.
* If the coupon says “off any size”, its often most profitable to use it on the smallest size.
* Remember one store never has the lowest price on everything.
* Stock up when the great deals come.
* Moderation! Know how much your family can use.
* Check expiration dates on all food and perishable items.
* Multiple coupons.
TIPS OF THE TRADE:
Successful coupon shoppers also use the following tips to maximize their savings.
* Don’t buy something solely because you have a coupon.
* Combine sales with coupons to get the best deal.
* Generic brands are almost never cheaper than name brands bought on sale with coupons.
* If the coupon says “off any size”, its often most profitable to use it on the smallest size.
* Remember one store never has the lowest price on everything.
* Stock up when the great deals come.
* Moderation! Know how much your family can use.
* Check expiration dates on all food and perishable items.
* Multiple coupons.
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