More on Coupons, types, ways to collect them!

We discussed finding coupons in the paper, but what type of inserts are there?

There are three kinds of coupon inserts to look for: the SmartSource (SS), the Redplum, which was formerly known as Valassis (V), and once a month at the beginning of the month, the Procter & Gamble Brand Saver (P&G). There are no inserts on major holidays. Check HCW’s 2009 Schedule in this thread.

Other places to get coupons not previously discussed:

• Ask everyone you know. Most people don’t use coupons, or if they do, they cut one or two and toss the rest. Get those. Ask your mother, your neighbors, your church friends, coworkers-- anyone that you can think of!
• Look at hotels, nursing homes, McDonald's on a Sunday morning... anywhere that people sit to read the paper and leave the inserts.

More on organization…ways not discussed in the previous post.

• Some people keep the inserts intact and file them by date (SS 12/4, V 12/11, P&G 1/6, etc.) This system saves a great deal of time initially, but getting ready for shopping is more of a chore. You have to cut the coupons that you need at that time.
• Make sure that you go through your coupons and weed out your expired coupons at least once a month! This prevents the task from becoming overwhelming, and prevents embarrassment at the store if you try to use an expired coupon.

Note: If you find a great coupon in the store and decide to take some for yourself, couponing etiquette says that it's polite to leave some for others!

Here are some additional types of coupons to be found:

• Catalinas: these print from the machine next to the register, and are usually red, green or blue. People frequently leave them in their shopping carts-- grab them!
• Try Me Free or Rebate forms: these are a great way to try a new product and/or make money on a deal! Buy an item on sale, use the coupon, and send away for the rebate!
• Winetags: these are coupons that hang around the neck of wine bottles. They can require a wine purchase or not, depending on the state.
• Many of the store flyers will have coupons or they will print catalinas for an amount off your next order!This post was taken from hotcouponworld.com

Be on the lookout for those FREE coupons!

Where do coupons for FREE stuff come from?

• The newspaper: companies will put coupons for free items into the regular inserts to get you to try the product. EX: the recent FREE Oust fan
• The mail: get on as many mailing lists as you can. Go to the company web sites and sign up for the newsletter. Check HCW out for Contacting Companies to Request Coupons and Baby Mailing Lists. I’ve done this and found great success doing it!
• You can contact the companies with a compliment or complaint, and will sometimes receive coupons for a free product

Tomorrow I will post a little more, in depth information about couponing and some things to look for when shopping, and how to organize your trips. See you then!