Couponing 101: Lingo and Planning Your Shopping Trip

Okay, now that we have learned everything about setting up for couponing and where to find coupons, we are ready to get to the good part!

First lets talk lingo.

$2.00/1, $0.50/2

Two dollars off of one product, Fifty cents off two products, ect…

BOGO or B1G1

Buy one get one. Sometimes it may say B1G2 (buy one get two).

Extra Bucks

CVS rewards system to use on your next purchase. 1000 Pts=1.00

One Coupon Per Purchase

Only One coupon can be used per item. This means you cannot use one coupon to cover 3 different items.

One Coupon Per Transaction.

Only one coupon can be used for each transaction. For example, if you have 3 of the same coupons, you may need to break up your purchases into 3 different transactions.

Inserts

Coupons books that come in the Sunday newspaper.

SS

Smart Source inserts that come in the newspaper.

RP

Red Plum, another insert that comes in the sunday newspaper.

P&G

Proctor and Gamble, another insert that comes in the sunday newspaper (Comes only once a month, usually the first sunday of the month. They expire at the end of the month and are usually really good coupons).

Stacking

Combining a store coupon and a manufacture coupon on one item. Some stores allow this. Check with your stores policy. Only one manufacture coupon can be used on one item.

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Now, how to use coupons…

First things first, make sure you read your stores coupon policy. Its a good idea to visit their website (or store manager) and have a copy on hand for checking out (more on that next time). Having this, can save a ton of trouble in the stores.

I have people tell me all the time, “I thought you could only use one coupon for an item.” Unless store policy says other wise or the coupon says “only one coupon per transaction, per day”, you can use as many coupons as you have. For example if you have 3 coupons for shampoo, you can buy 3 shampoos and use all 3 coupons. However, only one coupon can be used on a single item.

If your coupon is a BOGO, this coupon covers both products and cannot be combined with another coupon on these two products (you can use two coupons on four items, three on six, ect…).

Now, pull out your store ads, coupon match-up websites, and your binder… we are now getting to the “work”.

The first thing I like to do is reference coupon match up websites. Please note that you have to double check prices, but most of the time they are right. My all time favorite match-up site is thekrazycouponlady.com. You can also google “store name” Match-ups and usually pages, upon pages, will come up. Also, any deals that I score (and have time to write about) I will post on here. Looking up the match-ups can save a ton of time! Always make sure to double check prices and if you have the coupons.

Then, pull out those ads! Usually the first page is the best deals (not always, though). See what coupons you have and calculate total price with coupons. Also note, that most of the time, smaller sizes are usually the best deals when combined with coupons. This process can take time and be pretty monotonous.

Make sure to look for any store coupons that you have (ex. $5.00 off 25.00 purchase). Stacking these coupons with manufacturer coupons can save you even more money.

Don’t forget to calculate your savings with the mobile coupons/rebates (target, ibotta, checkout 51, ect…).

Also, look for printable coupons on coupons.com.

Make sure to write everything down! It is easy to get overwhelmed in the store and forget. I use a spreadsheet to write everything down.

To Download click here ->Couponing Shopping Trip Spreadsheet

Thats it for now. Pretty much all the basics of couponing! Trust me, it is not as hard as it seems. :)

Next: Shopping and Checkout

Couponing 101 Series:

1. Changing Your Attitude.
2. Couponing Methods.
3. Where to Find Coupons.
4. Lingo and Planning You Shopping Trip
5. Shopping and Checkout.
6. Stocking Up and Keeping Sane.

 

 

 

Couponing 101: Couponing Methods

There are 3 Major methods to Couponing: Binder, Holder, and File System.

Binder Method:

I highly recommend this method. I use this method and love it. It is more time consuming; however, I have found that I have much better success at the stores with this method. Using a binder allows for an unexpected trip to the store or an unexpected deal. I love this because if I see something on clearance or closeout, I can quickly look it up to see if I have a coupon to make it free! Time consuming at home. Time saving in the store. 

 Materials Needed:

• A Good Binder- I have a high end regular 2″ Binder. Make sure it is a really good binder. A lot of people swear by the case binders. If you get a cheap one, your going to have to replace it all the time. Save time and money by spending it on a good one.
• Trading Card Pages <- Click here to find on amazon. (You do not need more than 50. Me and a friend ordered 100 pk and split it).
• Page Protectors- just the regular kind. Get about 40-45.
• Pencil holder- Like the one in the middle picture above. Keep your money, pen, Calculator, and scissors in this.
• Coupon Divider Pages- I made this for my personal use but you are welcome to it. :) Keeps the binder organized (and pretty!)

 

To Download and Print Click Here-> CouponBinderDividers

How to Use: Put Your pencil case in front. Insert the coupon binder dividers into page protectors. Place 1-2 Trading Card pages in each section. Every week cut out all your coupons and insert into the trading card pages. Once a month clean out the unused coupons.

Coupon Holder Method:

 This is the second most perferred way. When I first started out, I used this method. However, I found that it was easy to lose coupons or not be able to find them. After using the binder method, I wont be going back to this method. For beginners this is good. It doesnt require any other materials and is realativly cheap. Great thing about this is that it fits inside most purses! This time consuming both at home and in the store.

How to use: Label your sections. Cut all your coupons every week and place into sections.

File System Method:

If you get 20+ inserts a week this may be for you. Personally, I could never do this method. This method really does not allow for unplanned trips or unexpected deals. However, you only cut out the coupons you need. But planning your shopping trip can take hours. 

Materials needed:

• File Box (as pictured)
• Hanging files
• File folders

How to Use: Every week take inventory of the coupons that are in the inserts by making a spreadsheet. Then file according to date. When you need to go to the store cut out the coupons you need by referring to your spreadsheet. I have seen some people lug the box into the store.

 

In review, I highly recommend the binder method. It may be time consuming at first (or if you get behind) but I only spend about 1 hour on Sundays cutting out my coupons.

 

Next: Where to Find Coupons

Couponing 101 Series:

1. Changing Your Attitude.
2. Couponing Methods.
3. Where to Find Coupons.
4. Lingo and Planning Your Shopping Trip
5. Shopping and Checkout.
6. Stocking Up and Keeping Sane.