Whenever I am at the store and I whip out my coupons to pay, 9/10 times I am asked by a shopper or even the cashier, “Where do you find all those coupons?”
For me, the thrill of the final total also comes in part from the thrill in finding the right coupons. It’s the hunt. The only secret to getting those deals, is really just knowing where to look for coupons. There are many opportunites to find coupons every day. As you become aware of where to look, you’ll notice they are literally all around you.
1. Inside a Sunday Paper
Trust me, you will never look at a Sunday paper the same way after you begin to use coupons. Why? Well those glossy sheets that most people throw away are equal to GOLD for a Coupon Pro! The Sunday paper is one of the most popular sources to find coupons. A good rule of thumb is to purchase 1 paper for each person in your home. There are 4 types of coupon inserts that can be found inside the paper:
- Smart Source (SS): Found in almost every Sunday Paper throughout the year, this insert will vary depending on the paper you get. The larger the market, the better the coupons. For this reason it is important to get the largest circulation paper for your area. Example: Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle
- Red Plum (RP): This coupon insert is also a common insert that will usually be in every Sunday edition of your newspaper. Much like the Smart Source insert, the same rules apply. The larger the paper circulation, the larger the insert.
- Procter & Gamble (PG): Unlike Smart Source & Red Plum, this insert usually comes out the first Sunday of the month and the value of the coupons are consistent across the United States. This insert focuses on products produced by the company Procter & Gamble.
- General Mills (GM): This special coupon insert generally comes out 2-3 times a year. It’s usually a very thin insert that focuses on products produced by General Mills.
2. Ask Your Relatives, Friends & Neighbors
Like I mentioned above, a lot of people toss out their newspaper coupons. I know. I can’t believe it myself. Don’t be shy! Why should those inserts go to waste? Ask your friends and neighbors if you may have them if they won’t be using them. You may be surprised how many people will save them for you.
3. Go Online
- Printable Coupons
There are a number of reputable sites that allow you to print coupons directly from your computer. Often, you are able to print these coupons up to two times by pressing your browsers back button.
- Loadable Coupons (E-Coupons)
This is a fairly new coupon trend that allows you to load and save coupons directly to your grocery store loyalty card. No need to print or clip! Seriously, how much easier are they going to make it. Loadable coupons can be found at the sites below and but also look on your grocery store’s website as they might have a similar set up.
4. At the Grocery Store
Whenever I am at my grocery store I find myself constantly scanning the shelves & aisles like a hawk looking for any extra coupons I can add to my stash. The grocery store can be a goldmine for finding coupons that are normally never even advertised. Some things to be looking for:
- Peelies
When you are shopping, keep your eyes “peeled” (haha!) for coupons attached to products. This doesn’t mean you can peel them all off the shelves. You need to purchase the product. When I find one on a product I am going to buy I will usually peel it off right away so that I don’t (and the cashier doesn’t) forget to have it scanned. - Blinkies
Named “blinkie” because of the little red flashing dot on the dispenser that displays them, these are coupons put out by SmartSource. They can usually be found at eye level on store shelves. - Tearpads
Anywhere you see a cardboard display set up be on the lookout for tearpad coupons. Not always located around displays, tearpads can also be found next to product on the shelves. - Coupon Booklets
Usually foundaround a display or on a shelf, snag coupon booklets when you see them because most of the coupons inside are of high value. Often times they are store coupons which mean you can stack them with a manufacturer coupon to save more!
4. Direct from the Manufacturer
- Check their Website
Just like the printable coupons sites I listed above, make sure you also check out your favorite Manufacturer’s website to find printable coupons & any other offers. - Email
We all love when someone tells us they like us, well Manufacturers are the same! Have a certain brand of cereal you like? E-mail them to let them know and ask if they have any coupons to share! I’ve gotten some really great high value coupons in the past this way. - Inside Packages
Next time you open that box of granola bars check the inside of the box! Often times coupons are hidden inside or printed on the inside of the box. - Sample Promotions
When Manufacturers have a hot new product to sell they will often offer samples to entice consumers to go out and purchase it. Consider signing up for free sample promotions when you see them because often times coupons are included with the sample. Score! - Coupon Booklet Promotions
Similar to the coupon booklets that can be found in the store, Manufacturers often offer promotions for coupon booklets. A great way to save money and make sure you are notified of these promotions is to sign of for their email newsletter.
5. Joining a Coupon Train
Ever have some coupons that come in your Sunday newspaper coupon inserts that you know you will never use but hate to throw away because someone else might be able to use them? I know I always do and it’s such a waste. Coupon Trains are comprised of a group of people (usually 3-5) that “swap” coupons by postal mail.
Simply put, any coupons they do not use they mail to the person next on the list. For example, when a new envelope of coupons comes in your mail from the person above you on the list you sift through the ones you want to keep, add some new coupons that you don’t need, and mail it off to the next person. Round and round it goes! My favorite place to hop on board a Coupon Train is Hot Coupon World.
6. Ordering Through a Coupon Clipping Service
Sometimes we come across deals where we wish we would have bought more newspapers so we can use more coupons. When that is the case I suggest ordering the coupons you need online through a clipping service. A great website that I have used and recommend is The Coupon Clippers.
7. Inside Magazines
A great magazine to subscribe to is All You Magazine. This magazine is sold in Wal-Mart stores across America. Each month this magazine releases over $100 worth of very high value coupons. Consider picking one up at your local Wal-Mart today.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Jessica,
Thanks for the great tips and all of the work you put into this! I've been using your guides for several months now and have saved soooo much!
I live in a remote area in Northern California which is Susanville CA. I just started to couponing but really couponing I did it once in a while. We do have a local newpaper but in only does the Redplum and PG. I have looked online for coupons but since I am getting into the swing of things I am starting with the paper. I was looking for a paper that my also have smartsource I believe we do get the San Francisco Chronicle but I will be checking. But thanks for your idea’s they are really helpful.
Michelle – I used to live in Sonoma, just north of SF and would get the San Francisco Chronicle which included the Smart Source insert. You might also be able to find them in the Sacramento Bee too!
I just found out that if the newspaper in your local town runs out of Inserts the papers in the boxes do not get all the coupon Inserts. They make sure that all the people that take the subscription gets the paper and all the coupon inserts first. My neighbor gives me hers and I looked and sure enough all the Inserts last week. However in two of the papers I paid 2.00 for did not have but one insert. This is not fair as alot of us purchase the papers at stores and pay more than others for some.
Jess, Thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom about the couponing process. I just orderd the local Orange County Sunday only to be delivered this Sunday. i am excited about couponing to save some money as times have been tough.
i was told i could order coupon inserts from newspapers in different states. how doido this.