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Printable Coupons
Often companies will offer coupons directly from their website. I sign up for various product newsletters as they often alert me when coupons are available (then I tell you!)
Here are my favorite printable sites, they are ALL free:
Coupons.com
Smartsource
Redplum
Target
Do I need to install the coupon printer?
If that prompt comes up then typically the answer is Yes–but you need only do it once. Occasionally when a bricks coupon is no longer available–the install the coupon printer message may come up but even if you re-install you will not be able to print the coupon as it is no longer available. More often I am noticing that this screen does not occur as often. Now they are giving a message screen that “no more prints available” or “the print limit for this campaign has been reached”.
Help! I can’t get the coupon to print!
Try printing from a different browser. If you use IE try printing in Firefox or vice versa. Often this will do the trick.
Printing your coupons
Most coupons use the Bricks technology which allows you to print each coupon twice per computer. You will have to hit your browser’s back button to take you to the initial printing screen to be able to print the coupon a second time. Every once in a while a coupon can be printed more than twice but it is not the norm. There are the occasional coupons that are in a .jpg format. These coupons can be printed many times. Coupons often reset –so when that happens you will be able to print an additional 2 copies. Copying or scanning IP coupons and using them is FRAUD. If people choose to use coupons inappropriately–stores may choose to stop accepting IP’s…so please use them correctly.
Different Coupon Types
A manufacturer coupon has a bar code that begins with the number 5 or the number 9. Coupons that begin with the number 9 will not automatically double at the register. You will need to ask the cashier to manually double these coupons.
A Publix coupon will have a LU number and typically does not have a bar code (some Publix coupon will scan but they are identified as a Publix coupon)
Competitor coupons may vary. Some may have a bar code but a true store coupon will not begin with a number 5 or 9. Some coupons may have a store name on the coupon but actually be a manufacturer coupon. If you look carefully you will be able to tell the difference.
Where do I get coupons?/What are those coupons you are referring to?
Blinkie = Coupon that you find on shelves in the SmartSource machine-usually has a blinking light
Hangtag = coupon that is hanging from a tag around a bottle or jar.
Peelie = Coupon found on the package of a product that can be peeled.
Tearpad = these are coupons that are on a tearpad usually located on a display or shelf near the item.
WT = Wine Tag-Coupon found around the neck of a wine bottle.
Booklet Coupons = coupons found in booklets.
Magazine Coupons = coupons reported in specific magazines
Insert Coupons = coupons that come in your local newspaper:
SS = SmartSource. Coupon insert that comes in your local paper.
RP = Redplum. Coupon insert that comes in your local paper.
P&G = Proctor and Gamble another insert that comes in your local paper.
Stockpiling
Stockpiling is a very simple concept–you buy a large quantity of things when things are cheap or free. Having the ability to combine coupons during a sale can often result in a great deal! I love to take advantage of great deals as it gives me the option to stock my pantry so I have items available when I need them. This can be a HUGE way to save money and time! Having the ability to be prepared gives me peace of mind as well as a fat pocketbook! If you have ever had to run to the drugstore to buy Tylenol for a sick child you know that you might easily spend $5+ for a small bottle! That would not be an issue if you had built a stockpile and purchased the medication when it was free or cheap!
How much is enough? I try to buy enough of an item to hold me until the next sale. Remember to see the paperless coupons of Walgreens Weekly Ad before you shop medicines. For things that do not expire I buy as many as I possibly can–especially when they are FREE! I also take into consideration the date of the coupon that correlates with the sale.
Organize Your Coupons
I have an accordion file folder that I actually found at the Dollar bin in Target…I label each section according to my uses. The first section being “Current Shopping Trip.” If you buy a Coupon Organizer, make sure it’s long enough to fit your printed coupons, I hated having to fold mine in half because I could never see what was in there!
Know Your Stores Policies
- Know if they double coupons (which I haven’t found here in FL yet).
- Know if they accept Internet coupons (most do, but it doesn’t hurt to ask).
- Know if they take competitor coupons (Publix does, Target does NOT).
- Walgreen’s, Target, Publix and Family Dollar will also stack coupons meaning they will take one of their store coupons and a manufactures coupon on the same item.
Plan Your Shopping Trip
- Match your coupons the weekly sale ads (wait for sales to use coupons to maximize benefit). This takes alittle time, but it’s WELL worth it. Make a list and stick to it!
- Know that just because an item is listed as 8/$8 you do not have to buy 8 to get the item for a $1, you can just buy 1!
