Couponing 101
Presented by Linda Pyle & Linda Stone
lindampyle@hotmail.com
Other coupon events (bring your friends!)
-Mom’s Night Out, Jan 28, 7pm Grace (Q & A format)
-beginner’s blog sites for review: Hip2Save (lots of beginner YouTube videos), QueenBeeCoupons.com
Why Coupon?
-SAVING MONEY, avoid debt
-donate to charity
-Splurge in other places!
Coupon Myths
-clipping a coupon or two will save you money
-coupons are only for junk food
-all coupons are regional
-coupons.com and such has the same coupons as the newspaper
Types of Coupons
-Manufacturer vs. -Store Coupons
Sources of Coupons
-newspaper inserts
-coupon websites (coupons.com, redplum.com, etc.)
-company websites
-Peelies & Blinkies
-catalinas
Ideas for getting the newspaper- MAKE SURE IT’S THE TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE (not Olympian)
-$1 at Walmart, Dollar Stores (check to make sure the inserts are there!)
-QueenBee Coupons has a deal on her site for $1/paper delivered to your house (must get 3 copies/wk.)
-ask a neighbor/ family member to save you the coupons
-go to a coffee shop on Sunday evening and ask for the papers they’re throwing out
Coupon Blogs, the way to go!
My favorite blogs: Hip2Save(all time best blog), Money Saving Moms (Nicole Green), Queen Bee
Coupons (local Oly gal), ThriftyNWMom, Happy Money Saver, Fabulessly Frugal, She Saved (web deals)
Let’s go Shopping!!
Target shopping trip
Rite Aid shopping trip
Stockpiling
-Coupons& sales generally go in 3 month cycles
Ethics
-print two coupons/computer (press your browser’s back button), DO NOT PHOTOCOPY
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-store coupon policies (check MoneySavingMoms for links to policies)
-The store is not losing money be you using coupons, they re reimbursed plus a carrier fee
-be considerate, don’t wipe out the store, leave some for others
-choose checkers wisely, BE NICE, let it go sometimes, not every deal works
-be considerate of the line behind you
-Stores typically allow 2-3 transactions at a time
Blog Organization
-get a junk email address
-Blog reading organization
-subscribe via email
-“like” them on Facebook or follow on Twitter and posts will show up in your news feed
-consider an RSS reader (free through gmail and others)
Coupon Organization
-Basket
-Coupon Binders (check MoneySavingMoms for instructions)
-Coupon Box
Going to a store? Go here first!
Target- Hip2Save
Rite Aid- Hip2Save or ThriftyNWMom
Safeway, QFC, TopFoods- Queen Bee Coupons
Winco- Happy Money Saver (Richland WA)
Walgreens- Hip2Save
Albertsons- Queen Bee Coupons, Happy Money Saver (Richland, WA), Fabulessly Frugal (ID)
Fred Meyer- ThriftyNWMom
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Dictionary of Coupon Blogspeak courtesy of Linda Stone:
Ever seen something like this B1G1 w/$2/1 from (3/15RP) & earn RR, then submit MIR (YMMV)
It’s almost laughable how ridiculous the code of couponers is!!
Once you figure it out though, it’s a piece of cake!
$/# – This means that you get $ off for every # you buy. Example: $1/2 would mean that you
get $1 off every 2 that you buy.
B1G1 = Buy One Get One Free (B1G2 is Buy One Get Two Free etc.)
Blinkie = A coupon that prints out at a machine in the store. They are located by the product
associated with that particular coupon.
BOGO = Buy One Get One Free
CAT = Catalina. A coupon that prints out at the register that is either $$ off your next purchase
or $$ off a certain product They are usually manufacturer coupons, not store coupons. Note:
These are sometimes delayed in printing so wait a minute before walking away from the
register. If you think you were supposed to get one and didn’t, talk to the cashier/manager and
explain…
Coupon Insert – These are “packets” of coupons found in Sunday papers and also sometimes in
the ads mailed to you during the week. The companies that put them out include Smart Source
(SS or S), Red Plum (RP) and Proctor & Gamble (PG) They are also referred to as just inserts.
Double Coupons = This is the term used when stores will double a coupon’s value. Some stores
do this every couple of months, some never do it, and in some regions stores will pick a day a
week to double. Kmart stores will double occasionally throughout the year. Some stores may
also set a maximum value limit. Example, no coupons over $2 and only 10 per transaction/day.
Kroger’s and Albertson’s double coupons up to $.50 and triple up to $.39 EVERYDAY!! Fred’s
doubles coupons up to $.70 on SATURDAYS!
EXP = Expires or Expiration Date
FAR = Free After Rebate
Internet Printable = A coupon that can be printed online.
IP = Internet Printable Coupon
IVC = Instant Value Coupon. These are found at Walgreen s in their weekly ads.
MIR= Mail in Rebate
MFR= Manufacturer
MQ= Manufacturer Coupon
OOP = Out-of-Pocket. This is the amount of money that you pay for with cash- so after instant
coupons- but before Catalina’s received and Mail in Rebates.
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OYNO = On Your Next Order. Often, Albertson’s will run a promo where you spend $25 (or
some amount) and then you get a Catalina for $10 Off On Your Next Order.
Peelie = Coupons found on products in the store. Often, there are good on a range of products,
not just what it is stuck to.
Q = Coupon
Rain Check = A slip you can ask for in the store when an item’s on sale and out-of-stock.
Register Rewards or RR = Exclusive to Walgreen’s. They work like cash on your next order.
Rolling Catalina's – This means that you can use a Catalina as payment on another transaction
of equal merchandise and another Catalina will still print. Example, if you buy 4 “Kraft Cheese
Bricks,” a $5 Catalina will print. If you then buy another 4 Kraft Cheese Bricks you can use the
previous Catalina you received as payment towards the order and another $5 Catalina will print.
Stacking Coupons = This is the term used when stores will let you use their own in store
coupons along with a manufacturer’s coupon for the same item. Example: Most Albertson’s will
let you do this.
Tear Pad = A pad of coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display
WAGS = Abbreviation for Walgreen’s
WYB = When You Buy
YMMV= Your Mileage May Vary
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Target Deals through 1/22
Courtesy of Hip2Save
To get links, go to timberlinebc.org/
CHECK OUT THE BABY AND HOUSEWARES CLEARANCE!
Cesar Canine Cuisine Entrees on sale for $0.70
Use the buy 3 get 1 FREE coupon found here or here (use zip 90210)
Final cost $0.53 each!
Hillshire Farm Deli-Select Lunchmeat 8-9 oz $2.99
Use the $1/1 coupon found here (click on “Most Wanted Sandwich” – bottom left)
Final cost $1.99!
Boca Frozen Meatless Items 8-12 oz $3.49
Use the $1/2 coupon found here or in the 1/2 SS
Final cost $2.99 each!
Ortego 10 or 12 ct Taco Shells $1.25
Use the $1/2 Ortega Products Coupon found here
Final cost only $0.75 each!
Pringles Super Stack Potato Crisps on a price cut for $1.44
Use the $1/2 coupon found in the 1/16 PG
Final cost $0.94!
Quaker Life Oatmeal Bars $2.50
Use the $1/1 coupon found here
Final cost $1.50!
Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Regular or Less Sodium Soy Sauce 10 oz $1.42
Use the buy one get one free Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce coupon found here
Plus, stack with the $1/1 coupon found here
Final cost only $0.42 for 2 soy sauces – just $0.21 each!
LaCroix Sparkling Water 8 Packs on a price cut for $2.50
Use the $1.25/1 coupon found here
Final cost only $1.25!
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm Regular or Mint $0.97 to $1.04
(You may find these in the travel section if you don’t see them near lip care)
Use the $0.35/1 coupon found in the 1/16 SS
Final cost as low as $0.62!
Reach Dental Floss $0.97
Use the $1/1 coupon found here or here
Final cost FREE!
Flintstones Sour Vitamins (150 ct) on a price cut for $4.99 (regularly $12.58!)
Use the $2/1 Target peelie coupon found on the bottles
Plus, stack with the $2/1 coupon found here
Final cost only $0.99!
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Rite Aid Deals through 1/22
Courtesy of Hip2Save
90% OFF CHRISTMAS CLEARANCE!
Ester-C Vitamin Supplement Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Buy 2 Ester-C Vitamin C Gummies 500 mg. 60
ct. $7.49 each (based on online price)
Use 2 $2/1 coupons found here
Use the $1/1 Rite Aid coupon from the January
Video Values
Final Cost $1.25 each! Great price!
Burt’s Bee’s Lip, Facial, Skin Care, Oral Care
and Baby Care - Get $5 +Up Reward when
you buy $20 worth
Get a $1 Single Check Rebate #38 (when you
buy hand & body lotion 6 oz.)
Deal Scenario (based on online prices):
Buy 3 Body Lotions 6 oz. $7.99 each
Total $23.97
Use the $4/$20 coupon found here
Use 3 $2/1 Facebook coupons found here
(email to a friend – have a friend email to you)
Pay $13.97
Get a $5 +Up Reward
Get a $1 SCR
Final Cost $2.66 each!*
* Get a $20 +Up Reward when you buy $100 of
select items
Tom’s Toothpaste, Mouthwash or Deodorant
$3.99
Get a $3 +Up Reward
Final Cost $0.99!
Dixie Plates Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Buy 2 Dixie Ultra Plates 10″ 20 ct. $4.49 each
Use the $3/2 coupon from the January Video
Values
Final Cost $0.75 each!
Rite Aid Facial Tissue 65 ct., Bath Tissue 1
roll or Simplify Bath Tissue 4 pk. $1
Get a $1 +Up Reward (this appears to be limited
to 1 +Up Reward per household now)
Final Cost FREE!*
Select Food Items including Old El Paso
Refried Beans 16 oz. 10/$10
Use 5 $0.60/2 coupons found here
Pay $7
Get a $2 +Up Reward (when you buy 10)
Final Cost $0.50 each
CoverGirl Cosmetics Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off
Buy 2 CoverGirl Brow & Eye Makers $2.99 each
(based on online price)
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 12/26 PG or 1/16
PG
Final Cost $1.25 each!
Tiger Balm Patches or Cream or Activ On 0.2
oz. $5.99
Get a $2 +Up Reward
Final Cost $3.99!
Ricola Cough Drops 19-24 ct. 2/$3
Use the $1/2 coupon from the 1/16 SS
Pay $2
Get a $1 +Up Reward (when you buy 2)
Final Cost $0.50 each!
Zantac 24-30 ct. $7.99
Use the $5/1 coupon from the 11/14 SS or found
here
Pay $2.99
Get a $2 +Up Reward
Final Cost $0.99!*
* Get a $20 +Up Reward when you buy $100 of
select items
Opti-Free Express or Replenish 10 oz. or
select Systane products $3 Off with in-ad
coupon
Buy 1 Systane for Contacts, Lubricant Eye
Drops 12 ml. $10.99 (based on online price)
Use the $2/1 coupon from the 10/25 RP, 1/16
SS or found here or here
Use the $3/1 in-ad coupon
Final Cost $5.99!
Dulcolax Suppository 4 ct., Stool Softener 25
ct. or Balance Laxative 4.1 oz. $4.99
Use the $3/1 Balance coupon found here
Final Cost $1.99!*
* Get a $20 +Up Reward when you buy $100 of
select items
Nature Valley Nut Clusters 5 oz. 2/$5
Use 2 $0.50/1 coupons found here or here
Final Cost $2 each!
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Sundown Vitamins and Supplements Buy 1
Get 1 Free
Buy 2 Sundown Naturals Essential Magnesium,
250mg. 100 ct. $3.19 each (based on online
price)
Use the $3/2 coupon found here
Use the $1/1 coupon from the January Video
Values
Final Cost both FREE!
Viactiv Calcium or Multivitamin Chews 60 ct.
$6
Use the $3/1 coupon from the 1/16 SS
Pay $3
Get a $3 +Up Reward
Final Cost FREE!
Alli Weight Loss Aid Starter Kit 90 ct. $49.99
Use the $4/$20 coupon found here
Use the $5/1 coupon from the January Video
Values
Final Cost $40.99!
Select Poise Pads and Pantiliners, Kotex
Pads, Pantiliners or Tampons 2/$11
Use the $2/2 Kotex Pads coupon from the 1/16
SS
Pay $9
Get a $3 +Up Reward (when you buy 2)
Final Cost $3 each!
Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion, Dove
Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers $2.99
Use the $1/1 Dove Shampoo or Conditioner
coupon from the January Video Values
Pay $1.99
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost $0.99!
L’Oreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss Hair Color
$8.99
Use the $1/1 coupon found here
Use the $2/1 in-ad coupon
Final Cost $5.99!
Pay $0.49
Get a $1 +Up Reward
Final Cost FREE + a $0.51 moneymaker!
Brut Deodorant Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off
Buy 2 Brut Invisible Stick Deodorants $2.99
each (based on online price)
Use 2 $1/1 coupons found here
Final Cost $1.25 each!*
* Get a $20 +Up Reward when you buy $100 of
select items
Halls Cough Drops 20-25 ct. or Defense 30 ct.
2/$3
Use the $1/2 coupon from the 1/2 SS (30+ ct.)
Use the $0.50/1 coupon from the January Video
Values
Pay $1
Get a $1 +Up Reward (when you buy 2)
Final Cost $0.50
* Get a $20 +Up Reward when you buy $100 of
select items
Select Boiron Children’s Cold & Cough Relief
Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Buy 2 Boiron Children’s Chestal 4.2 oz. $6.99
each (based on online price)
Use 2 $1/1 coupons found here
Pay $4.99
Get a $2 +Up Reward
Final Cost $1.50 each!*
* Get a $20 +Up Reward when you buy $100 of
select items
Tums Ultra 160 ct. $7.99
Use the $1/1 coupons from the 11/14 RP or
found here
Use the $1/1 coupon from the January Video
Values
Pay $5.99
Get a $2 +Up Reward
Final Cost $3.99!*
* Get a $20 +Up Reward when you buy $100 of
select items
Clearasil Skin Care $2 Off with in-ad coupon
Buy 1 Clearasil Stayclear Daily Pore Cleansing
Pads 90 ct. $4.49 (based on online price)
Use the $2/1 coupon found here
Use the $2/1 in-ad coupon
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ALBERTSONS DOUBLER IDEAS
VALID 1/12-1/15
Thrifty NW Mom Posted Deals:
Green Giant Frozen Boxed Vegetables 10/$10
Use $.50/1 printable coupon HERE or HERE, or
$.60/1 coupon from12/5 General Mills insert
Final Price: FREE
Fresh Express Premium Romaine, Green &
Crisp or Spinach Salad $1.68
Use the $.50/1 printable coupon
Use Albertson’s doubler
Final Price: $.68/ea
Queen Bee Coupons Posted Deals:
Colgate toothpaste – $0.99 cents each
$.50/1 coupon from 1/2 SS insert
Final price = $0.49 cents each
With DOUBLER = FREE!
Emerald peanuts – $2 each
Use $1 printable coupon (Thanks, Sweeties
Freebies!)
Final price = $1 each
With DOUBLER = FREE!
Campbell’s tomato or chicken canned soup –
$0.39 cents each
Look for .55/1 peelie coupon (it’s purple and
yellow, doesn’t expire until 1/31/11)
Final price = FREE
Activia yogurt and Danimals – $2.29 each
$1/1 coupon from 1/9 SS insert
Final price = $1.29 each
With DOUBLER = $0.29 cents each!
Finish dishwater tablets - $2.99
Use $2.25/1 coupon from 1/2 SS insert (Cannot
be doubled because it’s more than $1)
Final price = $0.74 cents each **Stock-up
Price** Coupon expires 2/21/11
Healthy Choice frozen meals – $2 each
Buy 5, Get 1 Free coupon from 1/22 SS insert
(cannot be doubled)
Final price = 6 for $10 or $1.66 each
Muir Glen organic vegetable soup – $2.99
Use $1/2 printable coupon from coupons.com
Final price = $2.49 each
With DOUBLER = $1.99 each
Carnation breakfast products – $3.99
$1/1 coupon from 1/2 SS insert
Final price = $2.99
With DOUBLER = $1.99 each
Frigo String Cheese 10-12 oz – $4.49
Use $1/1 printable coupon from Frigo Cheese
Web site
Final price = $3.49 each
With DOUBLER = $2.49 each
Kellogg’s meal bars and protein shakes –
$5.99
Use $2/2 coupon from 1/2 RP insert
Final price = $4.99 each
Wisk Laundry detergent 100 load -$8.99
Use $2/1 coupon from 1/2 RP insert
Final price = $6.99 each
Similac powder infant formula – $21.19
Use $3/1 printable coupon from coupons.com
Final price = $$18.19 each
Nature Made vitamins – Buy one, get one
FREE
use various coupons from 1/2 SS
$1 on any Nature Made product
$1 on Nature Made Vitamin B
$1 on Nature Made Vitamin D
$1 on Nature Made fish oil
$2 on Nature Made CoQ10
Final price = ?
Pop Secret popcorn – $1.50
Use $.50/2 coupon from 1/2 RP insert
Final price = $1.25 each
With DOUBLER = $1 each
Good Earth tea – $3.49
Use $1/1 printable coupon from coupons.com
Fina price = $2.49
With DOUBLER = $1.49 each
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