Welcome to Day 3 of Coupon Class ~ Yesterday, you
learned where to find coupons. There really are some exciting places to
find them if you look around. You can also ask friends and neighbors for
their extra coupons if they don’t want them. It is another great way to
gain extra coupons. Today we will discuss, How to use the coupon along
with some other helpful tips that I want you to understand. Let’s get going!
Yesterday’s SSFAM Fun Coupon Activity was to locate a current store
sales flyer and Coupon Policy and here is why. Anytime you need to
purchase grocery, you should always check your stores sales flyer
for sales and deals. This should be a cheat sheet for your grocery
shopping. Look for items that are on sale based on the coupons you have
to use with them. Sometimes you may find extra deals right in the store
with coupon peelies right on them just like the one I found in Walmart
on Presto Pasta. Go here to
view. Start creating a list of the items that you see in the sales ad
along with the coupons that you have. You will begin to start seeing
what the items are that are on sale versus what coupons you have. Each
week that there are coupons in your Sunday Newspaper, I would suggest
that you purchase the amount of papers per family members
in your household. No matter if you think the coupons are good for the
week or not because you never know when there is going to be a sale. If
there is only one person in your household, always purchase 2 papers for
the Buy One Get One Deals. Some stores will allow you to use 2 coupons
versus just one.
And now a few Coupon Policy Words from the blog owner:
For any store that you shop in where they accept coupons you should find
out what is their coupon policy or have a copy with you. You can carry
the policy in a Coupon Binder/Folder or a Coupon Hand Holder. Read
through the policy for understanding. If you get confused about
something that it says, just ask the store manager or send me an email at: simplesavingsforatlmoms@yahoo.com and
I will help you. You should be able to find the Coupon Policy on the
website of the store. You can also come to my blog and scroll down the
right hand column and look for the words, “Coupon Policies” click on the
store name.
Why use a Coupon Database?
If you see a deal posted on my blog or
any Social Media Network and not sure on where the insert is for the
coupon, you want to search the Coupon Database or just perform a general
Google dot com search. You can find my Coupon Database by scrolling
down the right hand column right under “Coupon Policies.” Click here now on
my blog and test it out for yourself. Try searching for “Tide.” Do you
see the many choices? Now look at the “Source” column and it will tell
you where you could locate the coupon. Some Sources you may see are
Kroger Digital Coupons {Go to Kroger.com coupon database} or RP 10|12|14
and you want to go to your Red Plum coupon insert with the date of
10|12|14. If you see RP 10|12|14 R, that R means that it is a Regional
Coupon. It could be anywhere and not in your state. You can locate the
date of your inserts by looking on the spine or side of the insert. It
is in very small print. Make the Coupon Database one of your best
friends.
What does this mean ~ It is simply Coupon Lingo!
Say what? You mean I have to learn another language. Yes! Coupon Lingo
is what it is and understanding the meanings can be helpful in
understanding what another couponer is referring to. View some of the
Coupon Lingo abbreviations below:
How to use your Coupons?
Now you understand where to get the coupons, how to read the coupon, the
2nd Coupon language, Why you need a coupon policy, how to search a
coupon database now let’s get to an example of how to use these
wonderful pieces of paper!!! Let me give you a scenario.
Kraft Shredded Cheese
Sale = BOGO $1.99 in Publix!
Each bag {$1.99 divided by 2} = $0.99 each bag
Coupon Database Search Reveals = Coupon Source SS 9|14|14 Kraft Shredded Cheese Save $1.00/1 {$1.00 off 1 bag} MF coupon
Leaving your OOP = Absolutely nothing and you are provided overage of
one penny {-$0.01} You are now doing a happy dance and telling everyone.
{This is an Extreme Coupon Scenario} Now when prices are this low, you
can stock up!
Other Helpful Scenario Tips:
* In Publix, even if there is a BOGO sale, each item is considered a
separate sale item and you can use 2 coupons instead of just one. Oh
yeah! Even more Savings.
* Always check the Publix Green Advantage Store Sales Flyer and Purple
Beauty and Health Store Sales Flyer for Publix Store Coupons. {You can
locate the Publix store sales flyers either at the front of the store on
the information carousel or ask at Customer Service). If you find a
Store Coupon or a Competitor coupon that your store accepts, you can add
these two coupons together for even more savings. For example, my store
accepts Target and Kroger competitor coupons. You should ask your store
or look for poster if it is a Publix store in the front store window
that list the competitors they accept. Not all stores accept competitor
coupons.
* When prices are very low, you need to stock up on those items! You
determine how much you need to get. Some couponers buy enough for 3
months and I usually purchase for 6 months. You can start to keep your
own Price comparison log {when prices are their lowest after using
coupons on products}. If there are items that you can freeze, do this
because this will help you with future meal planning needs.
Missed Yesterday?
Go here for Day 1 of 5
Go here for Day 2 of 5
Next SSFAM Coupon Fun Activity:
Type in the names Milk, Sara Lee, Axe in my Coupon Database and just choose one of the items and tell me what sources did you find
where coupons can be located.
Disclaimer: No information can be printed or shared without prior
permission of SSFAM blog owner. The coupon usage and suggestions
mentioned above are based on some experiences of the blog owner.
