The Basics Part 1

Types of coupons:

1.)    Manufacturer coupon – Have “Manufacturer coupon” or “MFG" on top, manufacturer’s address in fine print and the barcode usually begins with 5 or 9

Where to locate these coupons:
Newspaper inserts – SmartSource and RedPlum.  Occasionally Procter and Gamble will include an insert.  Checkout this website for a listing of each Sunday’s inserts. 
http://www.grocerycouponguide.com/articles/2011-coupon-insert-schedule/
Online – The following websites update coupons on a monthly basis, sometimes more frequently.  Most coupons can be printed twice per computer.  If you have more than one computer then you can print multiple sets.  If not, find a friend that may be willing to swap coupons.  For example:  Let’s say you need lots of diaper coupons.  Maybe you could print and trade pet food coupons to a friend that doesn’t have a child in diapers but has a pet.
RedPlum - http://www.redplum.com/
SmartSource - www.smartsource.com
Coupons.com - www.coupons.com

2.)    Store coupon – Coupons that are specific to the store and do not say “Manufacturer coupon” on the top. 



Where to locate these coupons:
www.target.com
www.cvs.com
Also sign up for store discount cards: Winn-Dixie, Rite Aid, and CVS.  You will occasionally receive coupons in the mail or e-mail from these stores once you are enrolled.
Scan your CVS Extra Care card at the kiosk for additional coupons
Watch for Catalinas (coupons that print at the register) when shopping at Winn Dixie and Target.



Stacking
Some stores allow “stacking”.  This simply means using a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon for the same item.  Target and Walgreens both allow stacking.  However Walgreens is a little tricky.  They require that the number of coupons used does not exceed the number of items purchased.  So if you have one item and wish to stack coupons this will not work because you have 1 item but 2 coupons.  This is where fillers come in.  Items like seasonal pencils, cups, and treat bags make great fillers to get your item count equal to your coupon count.  Cups are often on sale for 8/$1.00, pencils and treat bags are usually 4/$1.00.  Target does not have this same requirement.  I love to “stack” at Target but I rarely do any stacking at Walgreens unless I have high value coupons and I need the filler items for an upcoming holiday.