Couponing 101

What Does That Mean?

September 29, 2009

Does your head spin when you see use $1.00/5 in 08/02 SS and free after SCR and MIR?

I have received a bunch of emails saying “what does that mean” . Here is a quick list of abbreviations you might need. If you have any that you would like to ask, please send me an email HERE and I will post!

B1G1F BOGO B-Buy one, get one free

B2G1F - Buy two, get one free

CAT- Catalina Coupon

CC –Competitor Coupon

DND -Do Not Double

ECB – Extra Care Bucks (CVS)

FAR -Free after Rebate

GC- Gift Card

MFR -Manufacturer Coupon

MIR -Mail in Rebate

MM- Money Maker

OOP -Out Of Pocket

PG –Procter & Gamble Insert

Peelie- Coupon peeled off product

RP –Red Plum Insert (Walgreens)

RR- Register Rewards

SCR- Single Check Rebates (Rite Aid)

SS –Smart Source Insert

Tearpad- Coupon that you tear from pad on shelf

WYB –When You Buy

YMMV-Your Mileage May Vary (means that it may be different for you, but it worked for me)

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When Your Cashier Says No Update

September 18, 2009

nocoupons

You are awesome!

I have had such a tremendous response to this post HERE with great tips from all of you! I am going to continue this conversation next week. I will post all of your great ideas in one post and hopefully spark some more great conversations.

Looking forward to it!

Shannon

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When Your Cashier Says No

September 17, 2009

Using coupons can be fun and rewarding.

The feeling of saving 75% off your bill is great!

However, using coupons can be a really bad experience, if you aren’t prepared.

Personally, I have never felt bad for using a coupon. I make sure I am honest with my coupons. I never try to “get over” on the system with a coupon. Due to this, I feel there is no reason for me to feel bad. I certainly have had cashiers that have tried to make me feel bad about coupons. I have had cashiers say I am trying to steal. I have had cashier tell me that I am cheap. Even still, I never feel bad about using my coupons.

I have read stories of people leaving a store crying after being berated for using coupons. When your cashier says “NO” you cannot use this coupon, you have to be prepared. You have to make an instantenous decision on how you will handle the situation. In the end, you may not always be able to use your coupon. Personally, I do not feel like I have to win every time, even if I know I am 100% right. Sometimes, it is just easier to say, thank you, but I have decided to not purchase the product. I have been in the situation where I have an exceptionally good deal and will ask the cashier for a manager.

So how can you avoid the big NO at the register and feeling bad when you get a NO? I guarantee that you will have another cashier say No in the future, regardless of what you do. You can take some steps to have less of a chance. Follow these tips to get less NOs and feel good about your couponing!

1. Know your stores policy – This is the most important step to successful couponing. National stores such as Rite Aid, Target, Walmart and CVS have corporate coupon policies. You should be able to find these on their website or by calling corporate customer service. Many grocery store chains have individual store policies to compete with competition. So, I highly suggest that you go to the actual store you shop at and ask for their coupon policy. If they do not have it written, take the time to write it down while you are at the customer service desk. After you write it, note who you spoke to, their title and date. I suggest trying to get the policy directly from a manager, if they don’t have it written.

2. Print and carry the store policies in your coupon binder - If you need it you can show to the cashier. This will allow you to show the cashier why you believe what you are presenting is correcting.

3. Know how your coupon is meant to be used – Taking the time to learn coupon terminology is so important. Make sure you understand what the coupon is offering. If you aren’t sure, ask someone who is. There are many great sites available to explain coupons and of course, you can always contact me.

4. Use your coupon the way it was meant to be used – If you are using coupons to try and beat the system, you will likely get caught. Not only is it coupon fraud, you are taking money from the company. If you are honest, you will have a clear conscience about your coupon practices. If you have a clear conscience, you should never feel bad, no matter what the situation is.

5. Stick to reasonable limits - If you go in and try to use 40 of the same coupon, you may have trouble. Even though you are using the coupon as it is meant to be, most stores have policies on how many you can use in a transaction. This is something that may cause a cashier to immediately red flag you.

6. Share the wealth - Take the time to be friendly with your cashiers. Many people believe that “flying under the radar” is the only way to coupon successfully. I am always friendly and wear a smile. If a coupon is giving the cashier a problem, I try to help them figure it out. I know this won’t always work, but most times it does. Also, share the wealth with the cashiers. Most of them are curious as to how you are able to do this. Share your favorite blog or share a coupon.

7. Know when to say NO thanks. – Sometimes the deal just isn’t worth it. If you have an angry cashier or manager, keep your cool. There will always be another deal, another store and another cashier. If the situation has escalated to hostile, say no thanks and leave the store. A store cashier should never make you cry. If you are to that point, you can simply say you’ve decided not to make the purchase. Don’t threaten the cashier with phone calls to corporate or reporting them to a manager. Remain calm and follow up with managers and corporate once you leave the store.

What are your best tips to successful couponing! Leave them in the comments and I will update the post!

Krissys Tip: Tell the cashier you have coupons upfront so they are prepared. - Yes, giving the coupons to them at the beginning of the transaction does help. Don’t wait until they say your total is $xX.xx and whip out 40 coupons!

Shannon

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Public Coupon Class

September 8, 2009

I am happy to annouce a new public coupon class!

Date: Friday, October 9th 7pm – approximately 9pm

Location: Morgantown Holiday Inn, Morgantown, PA

Cost: $10.00 per person (this cost is to cover the room rental and handouts. I do not want this cost to deter you from coming. If this is a hardship, please email me to let me know)

You can find the description of this class HERE.

There are a limited number of seats available. To register, please send an email to registration@forthemommas.com with the following information:

Name, Address, Email Address

Number of Attendees (and names please)

You will receive an email with instructions on how to confirm your registration. Please allow 48 hours to receive email.

Class will be closed when it reaches 50 attendees.

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Organizing Loose Coupons

September 7, 2009

I use the simple file method for my coupons. Each week I put my coupons in a file with the date on them and put them in the file cabinet. I clip the coupons I need for the sales I am shopping. I previously tried to cut and keep a binder full, but it didn’t work for me. I may miss out on a few clearance deals. Typically, if I want it bad enough, I go home and clip, and return to the store.

I had a big problem though. My printed coupons, peelies and coupons I received in the mail were quite a mess.

I had several large piles of coupons laying around and they were expiring. So to solve my coupon mess, I purchase two small photo albums. (on clearance at Rite Aid). I bought two different colors. One for my food items and one for my household items.

I divided the photo album into sections using labels.

The coupons fit perfectly in the slots!

So now I will be able to atleast bring my lo0se coupons to the store with me!

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Buying Organic on a Budget

June 17, 2009

Just a few short years ago, buying Organic food was not only very expensive, but you had to go to specialty stores to buy it. In the past few years, organic food has become more main stream. With this, has come decreased pricing and increased availability. Organic food doesn’t have to be a budget breaker. While you should expect to pay a small premium, you can find ways to reduce the costs.

Use coupons- Often people believe there are no coupons available for organic foods. Here are some great sources for organic coupons. Some brands such as Cascadian Farms, Muir Glen and Amy’s frequently have coupons in their packaging. Some great sites for coupons.

Organic Valley
Delicious
Earthsbest
Horizon Organic
Morning star farms
Mambo sprouts
Apple gate farms
EBFarms
Back to Nature Foods
Kashi
Brown cow farm
Stoneyfield farms

Check out your local Farmers Market- Often local farmers markets grow their produce right in the town the farmers market is in. They don’t have the traditional overhead of a grocery store and can offer better pricing. If you don’t see a sign that says organic, ask the farmer. I tend to find if you talk to a local farmer and ask about their process, you may find even though there is no sign, they grow organic. Also, ask at the stand if they sell the produce at the end of the farmers market for a discount. Some farmers only sell their produce on the weekends at these markets and some payment is better than putting them in the trash.

Join a CSA – This is a community supported agricultural group. You pay a portion of the farmer’s expenses and each week you get a box full of fresh produce. It doesn’t get better than this. Many farmers will allow you to come to the farm and see the produce as it is growing. You can make sure you are truly getting organic produce. The growing season is usually about 20-30 weeks, depending on what part of the country you are in.

Buy at surplus, discount scratch and dent grocery stores – Stores that get surplus of stock often carry organic cereal and snacks. Many stores will send their surplus organic items to these stores. They can be bought at a fraction of the retail cost. The selection changes frequently at these stores, so what you buy one week will not necessarily be available the next week.

Grow your own produce – You don’t have to grow everything! Pick a few items that grow well in your climate. You can find great tips on organic growing at organickitchen.com

Shop outside of your grocery stores- Your grocery store isle may be the most expensive place to buy organic. There are many options available. Try your local health food store, shop online – check the Organic Kitchen for a list of online merchants.

Consider Antibiotic or Hormone Free Meats – Organic meat can be very expensive. The organic feed f0r the animals is more costly, thus increasing the cost of the meat. Buy antibiotic and hormone free meats instead. These animals were fed regular food, but meet the other organic requirements.

Buy store brand generics – Many stores are now offering generic organic foods that are comparable to brand name regular food. Check your supermarkets for these brands. Often they will offer coupons for these brands as well.

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Coupon Insert Preview 06/07

June 3, 2009

This list represent what is expected to be in the major newspapers around the country. This is not all inclusive list or a guarantee that they will be in your paper. For more information on coupon values and match ups, click here.

Smart Source

Ban Clinical Defense – $2.00/1
Ban product –$.40/1
Bic Disposable Razors (Comfort3 Advance 4pk, Bic 3 8pk, Comfort3 4pk/8pk, Comfort Twin 10pk, Twin Select 10pk, Silky Touch 8pk/10pk, or Shaver 12pk) – $2.00/1
Bic Soleil Disposable Shaver 4pk – $2.00/1
Bic Soliel Bella Shaver 3pk – $2.00/1
Boca Meatless Product – $1.00/2
Carvel Ice Cream Cake 32 fl oz+ – $2.00/1
Carvel Sheet Cake 80 fl oz+ – $4.00/1
Chex Mix or Chex 100 Calorie Snack, 4.5oz+ $.50/1
Chiquita Smoothie – $1.00/1
Chiquita Smoothies – $1.00 /2
Colgate 360, Max Fresh, Max White, or Kids Manual Toothbrush – $.75/1
Colgate Total Advanced Whitening, Advanced Clean, or Advanced Fresh Toothpaste only, 4oz+ – $1.00/1
Colgate Total, Max Fresh, Max White, Sensitive, or Kids Toothpaste, 4oz+ – $.75/1
Ensure 6pk Shake – $3.00/1
Finish Jet Dry products – $1.50/2
Finish Quantum – $.75/1
Finish/Electrasol Powder or Gel – $.25/1
Finish/Electrasol Powerball Tabs or Gelpacs – $.75/1
Freshpet product – $2.00/1
Hamburger/Tuna/Chicken Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meals –$.75/3
Healthy Ones Packaged Lunchmeat, Deli Presliced, or 1lb of Deli Meat – $.55/1
Hola Fruta All Natural Premium Pure Fruit Sorbet Pint – $.35/1
Hola Fruta All Natural Premium Pure Fruit Sorbet, 1qt or 6pk bar pack – $.55/1
Inspector Hector Color Changing Soap – $.75 /1
Inspector Hector Oral Care Product – $1.00/1
Jell-O Refrigerated Gelatin or Pudding Snacks – $.60/1
Joint Juice 4pk or 6pk Product, vitamin aisle – $2.00/1
Joint Juice Fitness Water, 16.9oz bottle – BOGO up to $1.49 value
L.A. Looks product, 20oz – $1.00/1
Litehouse product – $1.00/1
Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Pourable, Trigger, Plus Bleach, or Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner – $.50/1
Lysol Bathroom Cleaner or Mildew Remover – $.50/1
Lysol Disinfectant Spray – $1.00/1
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes – $1.00 /2
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner – $1.00/2
Neutrogena Men item – $1.00/1
Opti-Free solution – $3.00/2
Opti-Free Solution, 10oz+ – $1.25/1
Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Chicken Breast Strips or Cuts – $1.00/1
Palmolive Dish Liquid – $.25/1
Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons – $1.00/1
Playtex Personal Cleansing Cloths product – $1.00/1
Playtex Sport Plastic Applicator Tampons, 18ct+ – $1.00/1
Reynolds Wrap Recycled Aluminum Foil – $.55 cents
Romano’s Macaroni Grill Restaurant Favorites Dinner Kit – $1.00/1
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids, Lock-Its, Produce Saver, or Premier Container – $1.00/1
Sea Breeze Astringent – $.55/1
Sea Breeze Astringents – $1.00/2
Shout Color Catcher – $.55 /1
Shout Laundry Stain Remover – $.55/1
Softsoap brand Body Wash, excludes 2oz size – $.75/1
Spenda No Calorie Sweetener products – $2.00/2
Splenda No Calorie Sweetener with Fiber product – $1.00/1
Tony’s Pizza, multi-serve – $1.00/2
Tony’s Pizza, single serve or Pouch Twin product – $.50/1
(2)Vivid, Easy-on or Cling-free product – $.50/1
Tyson Skillet Creations Meal Kit – $1.00/1
Yoplait Go-Gurt Yogurt or Yoplait Trix Multipack Yogurt – $.75/1
Yoplait Go-Gurt, Kids Cup, Kids Yogurt Drink, or Trix Multipack Yogurt – $.35/1
Yoplait Yogurt Cups (includes original, light, thick&creamy, or whips!) or Yoplait Original or Light Smoothie – 40 cents off any 6 (x8/1)
(2)Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt 4pk – $.50/1
Yovation Probiotic Frozen Yogurt Quart – $.55/1

Red Plum

9Lives Wet Cat Food, (1) 12can Variety Pack, (12) Individual Cans OR (3) 4packs – $1.00 off (x8/15)
9Lives Dry Cat Food, 3.15lb+ – $.75/1
Ball Park Franks, any variety – $1.00/2
Bertolli Frozen Meals – $1.00/1
Bertolli Mediterranean Style – $1.00/1
Centrum Ultra 200ct product – $3.00/1
Centrum Ultra product – $1.00/1
Dove Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant or Body Mist – $1.00/1
Dove Beauty Bar, 6-bar pack+ – $1.00/1
Dove Body Wash, 10oz+ – $1.25/1
Dove Cream Oil Body Lotion or Hand Cream, excludes Energy Glow and trial sizes – $1.25/1
Dove Energy Glow Beauty Body Lotion – $1.75/1
Dove Face Care product – $1.00/1
Dove Hair Care product – $1.00/1
Dove SkinVitalizer – $3.75/1
Dove Visibly Smooth Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant – $1.25/1
Dramamine product – $1.00/1
Folgers Gourmet Selections products – $1.00/2
Folgers product, 7oz+ – $1.00/1
Healthy 10 Kefir Beverage, 32oz bottle – $1.00/1
Hefty OneZip Fresh Extend Bags – $1.00/1
Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage – $1.00/2
Hungry Jack Syrup product – $1.00/1
Imodium product – $1.00/1
Isaly’s Barbecue Sauce, original or spicy flavor, 16oz jar – $.25 cents
Kellogg’s All-Bran, Special K or Raisin Bran Cereal, 11.4oz+ – $1.00/1
Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Cocoa Krispies, Corn Pops, or Apple Jacks Cereal, 10oz+ – $1.00/1
Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats, Rice Krispies, or Crispix Cereal, 10oz+ – $1.00/1
Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts, 8ct+ – $.55/1
L’oreal Men’s Expert Skincare product – $1.00 /1
L’Oreal Preference, any shade – $2.00 /2
Lactaid Fast Act product, 12ct+ – $1.50/1
M&M Brand Chocolate Candies, 9.9oz-42oz bags – $1.00/2
M&Ms Brand Ice Cream Multi-pack – $1.00/1
Milk-Bone Dog Snacks – $2.50 off any 2 boxes
Mylanta product – $1.50/1
Nature’s Bounty Vitamins and Supplements – $1.00/1
Nexcare or Nexcare Tattoo Bandages – $1.00/2
Noxzema SpaShave 4-Blade 3pk, Super Smooth Triple Blade 4pk, Soft-n-Sassy Twin Blade 10pk, or Bikini Grooming Wand – $1.00/1
Osteo Bi-Flex product – $6.00/1
Pepcid product – $1.00 /1
Pup-Peroni Dog Snacks, 4.8oz+ – $1.00/1
Rolaids product, 12ct+ – $1.00/1
Sara Lee Bites – $1.00 /1
Sara Lee Simple Sweets Pie – $1.00 /1
Scotch-Brite Scrub Sponges, Scour Pads, Ultra NailSaver Absorbent Scrub Sponges, Dishwand or Refill – $1.00 off any 2
Scotties Facial Tissues, (5) Boxes or (2) Multipacks – $1.00 off (x9/30)
SlimShots Liquid Appetite Controller – $5.00/1
Smooth Away or Smooth Away Vibe Hair Removal System – $1.00/1
Snickers Brand Ice Cream Multi-pack – $1.00/1
Temptations All Natural Treats for Cats – $.50/1
Temptations Treats for Cats – $.50/1
Tylenol Extra Strength product – $1.00/1
Tylenol PM product – $1.00/1
Whole Fruit Fruit Bar – $1.00/1
Zatarain’s Rice Mixes or Pasta Mixes – $1.25/3

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Couponing 101- Be An Alert Shopper

June 3, 2009

Some of the best coupons I have found while walking through the grocery store. I have even found coupons for sale items that make the item free. Each time I shop I make sure I take the time to locate coupons placed throughout the store. I look at this as an opportunity to add my coupon stash. The manufacturers put these coupons out to entice us to buy a particular product. Sometimes, these products may already be on sale. Even if you are not buying the product during this shopping trip, you may want to go down that aisle just to check for coupons. You may be surprised!
So what should you look for when you are shopping?

Tearpads
A tear pad just that, a pad of coupons on a shelf, a freezer door or some other conspicuous location. These tear pads are designed to be placed near the product that it is for. I recently was purchasing Land O Lakes butter that was on sale for $1.50. Directly above the butter was a coupon for $.75/1. I was able to get the butter for free after coupon doubling. Tear pad etiquette tip – Please don’t take the entire tear pad and stuff it in your purse! It’s just not polite. Please take a reasonable amount and leave some for others.

Peelies
Peelies are coupons that are placed directly on the product. These coupons are to entice shoppers to buy a particular product. There are many different types of peelies – some will give you money off another product or some may have to be removed by the cashier. Peelies can also offer a rebate on the product. There is some contention on how a peelie is designed to be used. Many people take peelies off a product to use on another purchase, however, some feel as though the manufacturer specifically wants the peelies to be used on the product it is on. I will leave that debate up to you to decide, but use your good judgment.

Hangtags
Hangtags can be found “hanging” around the product. You will often find these on bottles, cleaning supplies and juices. In addition to offering “money off”, hangtags many times will have promotional offers attached. I recently was able to find a hangtag that offered $2.00 off a meat purchase when buying Reynolds foil. I could find no connection between the two products, but I did use the coupon.

Circulars
Don’t forget to grab a circular while you are at the store. Many stores will put a coupon right in the circular. Sometimes this store coupons is “stackable” or the coupon can be used with a manufacturer coupons. (Rite Aid and Acme Markets always have some coupons in the circular) Some stores even require you to have the coupon to get the sale deals that are advertised.

Sample Stands
Have you ever breezed right by the lady offering a free sample in a little cup. Try stopping next time. These sampling stations often have coupons to go along with their samples. Giant Foods often has a table set up featuring a product and will give coupons if you try it. I find they don’t offer the coupons if you don’t try the product first.

Catalinas
Even though you are in line and checking out, there is still another opportunity to get more coupons! Be sure to check for catalina or “cats” that print upon checkout. Catalinas are coupons that are triggered by the purchase of specific items. Many stores have multiple catalina deals going on at any given time. The catalina might offer $2.00 of your next order or dollars off a specific purchase. These catalinas are the way I often save money on my meat and produce purchase.

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Couponing 101 – Online Rebates

May 29, 2009

When shopping online, you can save even more money by using a rebate sites. How does this work? You go to the rebate site and click a link to the retailer that you want to purchase from. The rebate site will give you back a percentage of your purchase. Most typically will pay you quarterly or when you reach a certain dollar amount.

I am sure you have all heard of Ebates. I am definitely a fan of Ebates and have used it on occassion. However, I have a go to site when it comes to online shopping rebates. I perfer to use Mr. Rebates. I find that there are higher percentage rebates on Mr. Rebates. For example, I shop at Gap online on a regular basis. No, my husband does not need to know. Right now Ebates is offering 1% cash back and Mr. Rebates is offering 3%. So how does this program work?

From Mr. Rebates website:

Our goal at Mr. Rebates is to make sure that our members save money on every online purchase that is made through our website. How do we help you save money on your online purchases? First, we offer a cash-back rebate at over 1000 popular stores like Best Buy, Dell, JCPenney, Overstock.com and more. Second, our staff adds daily money-saving coupons and special sales/price drops on hot products. The combination of the Mr. Rebates cash-back rebate plus coupons/sales insures that you will save money on your online purchases. This adds up to big savings every time you shop with Mr. Rebates!

Some people might ask “How is Mr. Rebates able to give cash-back from so many online stores?”. Simple, the stores that you see on Mr. Rebates pay us a commission on each sale that is generated. Most shopping-based websites keep that commission for themselves but we refund a good portion of that commission to you! We consistently supply our shoppers with online coupons, discounts and cash-back rebates to make shopping via Mr. Rebates economical and fun.

So if you love Ebates, why not add Mr. Rebates as an online shopping option! Think of it as another coupon source too as they often have great deals listed!

Click here to sign up!a>

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What Does That Mean?

When Your Cashier Says No Update

You are awesome!

When Your Cashier Says No

Using coupons can be fun and rewarding.

What are your best tips to successful couponing! Leave them in the comments and I will update the post!

Public Coupon Class

I am happy to annouce a new public coupon class!

Organizing Loose Coupons

Buying Organic on a Budget

Coupon Insert Preview 06/07

Couponing 101- Be An Alert Shopper

Couponing 101 – Online Rebates

Printable Coupons

Drug Store Deals

Online Sales

Store Deals

Free Stuff

Online Coupon Codes