Coupons 101 - Where to get them?

First I want to say that being thrifty and saving money takes time and babysteps along the way. If you try to do it all immediately you may get frustrated, so start with the basics and work your way to being the super thrifty money saving person you want to be!

I want to explain the in's and out's of couponing before I start posting the deals so you know where to start on saving the most money possible.







Where do I get coupons?

Newspapers
Many coupons can be obtained through the Sunday newspaper, there are anywhere from 1-5 inserts in the paper each Sunday, excluding holidays. The best deal to get these coupons is usually by subscribing to the paper and having it delivered to your home. If you choose to purchase papers at retailers on Sunday it will run $1.50 per copy.

Printable Coupons have risen enormously in popularity. Many places offer printable coupons. You usually have to download coupon printing software before being able to print coupons online. There is also usually a limit of 2 per computer. I will link directly to printable coupons when available. You are required to download coupon printing software to your computer before being able to print these coupons. I've downloaded the software and not had any issues with it.

Websites such as Smartsource, Coupons, and redplum offer a variety of printable coupons in one place.

Tear pads are coupons that are found in stores. They are just as they sound, pads of coupons that you tear the coupons off from. Any time I see a tear pad, I take a couple, but never more than 3. Coupons from tear pads do not necessarily need to be used in the store you get them from, unless they specifically say something like only valid at a specific store.

Blinkie Machines are found throughout stores as well and are great sources for coupons.

Catalinas are the coupons that print out at the register when you check out. These coupons are usually for a specific item. Walgreen's has a great catalina program called, "Register Rewards" which I will cover in detail in another post.

Peelies are coupons that are found on items that you peel off to use. Only use peelies from items you are purchasing, do not remove them from items you will not be buying.

Magazines have tons of coupons in them these days and are a another great source for them.

Home Mailers are also a great way to obtain coupons. You can sign up with companies to receive newletters and samples and many of them come with great coupons.

Electronic Coupons can be loaded to your Safeway or King Soopers cards or to your cell phone. Some great sites for them are: Cellfire and Shortcuts