The easiest place to find coupons is the Sunday paper and the Tribune has the most and best ones in my area. Each Sunday, I get two Tribunes and a Sun-Times delivered. Since my rockin' neighbors also save me their inserts, I usually have a minimum of 7 copies for each insert. Multiple inserts are key to being able to stockpile when the sales hit. The manufacturer's want you to go out and use their coupons right away. Most weeks, when those coupons come out, those products are not at their lowest price point yet. So even if you feel like that coupon is burning a hole in your organizer, hang onto it and wait for a sale. And don't throw aways those inserts, even after you have clipped what you think you "need". Sometimes a great deal comes along on a product and you will be "jonesing for a fix", so file them away and hang onto them until they all expire. You maybe asking yourself, "but why, I didn't clip that coupon because it isn't something I normally buy so why would I care?". Remember, local food pantries are always in need of donations and this is a great way to donate and help others without putting yourself in the red. You can use your powers for good.
I store mine in hanging file folders:
I also print coupons from the internet. Most manufacturer coupons have a 2 print limit, but if you have access to multiple computers you can print more. The sites I use the most are coupons.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com and couponnetwork.com. I also check out Meijer Mealbox and Target to print their in-store coupons. You can use one store coupon and one manufacturer coupon per item, so stacking these together is a great way to save $$$$$.
While these are the two main ways I get coupons, I am always on the hunt for more....afterall, I am an addict and my coupon organizer didn't turn into "George's Wallet" on its own. So I always keep my eyes peeled for tear pads in the stores and coupons in magazines. All You is a great magazine that always has loads of coupons in it. You can get it by subscription or pick it up at your local Wal-Mart. Remember, a coupon can be lurking around any corner....you just have to be on the look-out:)
Lastly, I sign up for each store's frequent buyer card. It is a great way to save money and get on their mailing list. I usually get at least one coupon in the mail everyday...but more often than not, I get multiple and I have to say I get a little excited about that. Stores like Jewel and Dominick's will let you load coupons right to your card from home for additional savings. Meijer's mPerks savings are linked to your cell phone number. You load these up at home and enter your phone number right at check-out to get your savings.
So that is my schpeil about coupons. I am in no way a coupon expert and don't intend on blogging as if I am. If you want to learn how to coupon and do it correctly, check out Jill Cataldo! She holds FREE coupon classes all over Chicago-land and that is where I learned to save me some $$$$. You can check out Jill's Blog here and her class schedule here. I also follow Rachel over at Mash-Up Mom. She is also a local lady and not only does she frequently post her finds, she is entertaining too so make sure to check her out as well!
Couponing does take time, but I like to think of it as working for myself. I cannot tell you how many times I hear, "I just don't have time to do that". You don't have time to save money, really?!?!?! I also hear, "There's no way I can do that". Sure you can!!! It's not rocket science.
Think of how hard you, your spouse or both work to bring home your paycheck(s). Wouldn't you love to get the most for your money? Especially as prices continue to rise and the economy is at a low, now is the time to change spending habits. I am by no means a saint with all the answers. Me and the hubs are always working to improve, but you have to start somewhere, right?? Give it a try, you will be amazed by how much you can save!
Now, back to my regularly scheduled sharing (bragging) about my finds....
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