Couponing 101: Acquire & Organize Coupons

*If you're new to Slavetosave and don't know where to start, help is on the way!*

STEP 1: Start Acquiring Coupons!

There are two main types of coupons -- clipped coupons (from inserts) and internet printable coupons (IPQ).

Clipped Coupons
Most coupons come in the Sunday newspaper, so I recommend subscribing to the paper (less than $1/week for Sunday only) and/or asking your family and neighbors to save their coupon inserts for you. You can also order more coupons on ebay (specific coupons or whole inserts) or more of a specific clipped coupon HERE or HERE.

Internet Printable Coupons
You can also print many valuable coupons right from your computer. There are a number of websites that host coupons for a variety of brands (coupons.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com, etc). The coupons on these sites change on a regular basis - so if you see one you want to use, print it now!

There are also coupons found on many manufacturer's websites (crest.com, bettycrocker.com, etc). Coupons found on these websites may only be up for a certain period of time, so if you see one you want, print it right away.

In most cases, you can print each IPQ twice per computer.

STEP 2: Organize Your Coupons!

I recommend using a clipless file method! Keep your inserts whole and store them in a hanging file box by date. Then when a sale comes up and Slavetosave references the insert a specific coupon came from, you clip just that coupon from the insert and take it with you to the store. (I keep a small envelope in my purse with that day's clipped coupons.)

It's a super simple, time-saving method and you only clip the coupons you're actually going to use. Genius!

{My coupon file box}

Some Common Coupon Abbreviations:

• MFQ - manufacturer's coupon
• TQ - target coupon
• IPQ - internet printable coupon
• GC - gift card
• BOGO - buy one get one free
• WYB - when you buy
• SCR - single check rebate (Rite Aid)
• RR - Register Reward or Catalina. Prints out from register, good toward any next purchase.
• SS - Smart Source coupon insert
• P&G - Proctor & Gamble coupon insert
• RP - Red Plum coupon insert