Finding coupons
-Start with the Sunday newspaper (these are mainly manufacturer coupons, but of course you also get the local ads.)
~Some people advise that you should get one set of inserts (or one newspaper subscription) per member of your family. However, I have a family of 2 adults and 1 toddler and just have one subscription.
-www.coupons.com has similar manufacturer coupons to the Sunday paper, but often good coupons will pop up there that won’t come in the newspaper. Keep in mind the cost of ink and paper when printing coupons!
-www.target.com/coupons has both Target store coupons and manufacturer coupons. I print mostly store coupons from Target’s website, since I can stack them with manufacturer coupons (more on stacking coupons later.)
-Sign Ups: many company websites will have printable coupons available on their website when you sign up for their mailing list.
-Social media: similarly, many companies have printable coupons available on their Facebook pages and will also offer giveaways where they mail you samples and additional coupons. At the end of June 2011, Herbal Essences, Aussie, and Pantene all did giveaways where they will send you a coupon good for a full size product just for “liking” their page and entering your mailing address!
-Ebay, clipping services, and dumpster diving: there are some ethical considerations with these 3 sources for coupons. My firm stance personally is that you should never pay for coupons unless you are purchasing a newspaper. As for dumpster diving, I am not aware of a location where one might do this in our area - and even if I did, I don’t think I am that “Extreme.” If you chose to dumpster dive, be aware of private property/trespassing/theft rules and laws.
Also good to know if you buy extra papers - the 2011 Insert Schedule and the Sunday Coupon Preview.
My Favorite Websites:
Totally Target
The Krazy Coupon Lady
I Heart CVS - CVS Match-Ups
I Heart Wags - Walgreens Match-Ups
St. Cloud Savings Source - we're also on Facebook!
and last but not least, Raining Hot Coupons has a great coupon database, to help you figure out if there was a recent coupon in inserts or a printable available.
Building A Coupon Binder
1) What to use: envelope, small accordian folder, large accordian folder, or a 3 ring binder with baseball sleeves are the general types I've seen.
~I started with the envelope and have progressed to a 3" 3 ring binder with baseball sleeves. It's all about what you will use and what you have time for!
2) To Clip or Not To Clip: file the inserts, dated, whole and unclipped - or clip what you think you will use and file by categories.
~I prefer to clip what I know I will use, share the ones I won't use with friends, and supplement what I get from the newspaper with what I can find online.
3) Suggested categories: I started with the list that The Krazy Coupon Lady posted here, and modified for what I wanted.
4) Pages to include: sale rotations, stock pile price list, pantry inventory, and store coupon policies for easy reference.
