One of the first things you will need to do if you are just getting started couponing is to build your coupon stockpile. for the first month of your couponing journey this is what you should be focused on. Yes, there will be some deals that you will not be able to get in on becuase you do not have the coupon, but don’t worry it will not be that way forever. 
Below is a summary of the many resources you can use to build your stockpile of coupons. You can also visit the Bargain Blessings Coupon Database to search for coupons.
Newspaper Inserts
One of the most well known resources for coupons are the inserts you can find in your Newspaper. These inserts include hundreds of coupons and will be your biggest resource for coupons.
There are three primary Newspaper insert types that we see on a regular basis:
Occasionally we will see a few other inserts included in the paper. Some of these are:
Kellogs “K”, General Mills “GM” and Betty Crocker “BC”
If you do not have a subscription to the Newspaper yet, you’ll want to get one. Trust me, it will be well worth the small cost. Most major metropolitan newspapers include coupon inserts. I suggest subscribing to the paper of the largest city in your area. Sometimes local papers contain coupons, but they are often have much less than the large city papers.
Quick Tip: If you are like me and you only get the paper for the coupons, make sure to put your paper on hold for those weeks that we are not expecting any coupons. I will remind you to do this throughout the year as these weeks approach!
Internet Printables “IPs”
Another fantastic way to build up your coupon stock is to use Internet Printables. There are various websites that will allow you to print coupons right from your computer!Coupons.com
Smartsource
Red Plum
Betty Crocker
Eat Better America
Boxtops 4 Education
Mambosprouts (All Natural and Organic Foods)
Manufacturer Websites
Here are a few tips on Internet Printables:
Most Internet Printables have print limit of two coupons per computer. After printing your first coupon (or set of coupons) just hit the back button on your browser to print another coupon. You might need to click refresh after clicking back.
Don’t make the same mistake I did! When I first started couponing I went through every site I could find and printed every coupon I could find. Ink costs money and if all you are doing is spending money on ink you are defeating the purpose of printing the coupons. With that said, there are still a ton of coupons that are worth printing! Just make sure the answer to at least one of these questions is yes:
1. Will I use this coupon?
2. Is it a high-value coupon?
3. Is there an upcoming deal for this coupon?
4. Is the coupon for a product I will use or I can donate?
Coupon Printing Software: Most Internet Printing websites will require you to download their coupon printing software. Don’t be afraid. If you are on a legit coupon printing website (all of those listed above) it will not harm your computer. There are thousands of people all over the country who use these websites to print coupons…they are safe!
Store Coupons
Store Coupons are great because they can be combined with manufacturer coupons (at most stores) to make for some sweet deals. Store Coupons will state the store name at the top of the coupon instead of Manufacturer coupon, so for example Target store coupons say “Target Coupon” at teh top.You can find store coupons in a variety of places including:
◦ Newspaper Inserts
◦ Store Ads
◦ In stores
◦ Home Mailers
◦ Online
eCoupons
eCoupons are also fantastic because they can be stacked on top of Store coupons and sometiems even manufacturer coupons! They just get loaded right on to your store savings card-costing you no ink and hardly any time! Then when you check out at the store the coupons are automatically get deducted from your total! Here are some resources for eCoupons:
◦ Shortcuts
◦ Cellfire
◦ P&G eSaver
I very highly suggest creating a separate account with each eCoupon website for each of your shoppers cards. For example, if you shop at Safeway and King Soopers you would want to create a Cellfire account for both cards. This helps to reduce confusion about what coupons you have on what card. You should also be sure to read through my post on How Cellfire eCoupons Work.
Don't forget to get the Bargain Blessings toolbar to print coupons and stay up to date on all the latest deals!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Will you consider doing a Couponing 101 "lesson" on how you navigate the stores? I have my coupons organizer and actually keep a typed list of all the coupons I have broken down in catagories and update it when I use or add coupons. The problem is, I am looking at almost EVERY item on my list to make sure I'm not missing a deal. As you can image with so many coupons this is taking WAY too long. I enjoy couponing but don't really want to spend 2-3 hours in the grocery/drug store each week. Thank you so much!
Will you consider doing a Couponing 101 "lesson" on how you navigate the stores? I have my coupons organizer and actually keep a typed list of all the coupons I have broken down in catagories and update it when I use or add coupons. The problem is, I am looking at almost EVERY item on my list to make sure I'm not missing a deal. As you can image with so many coupons this is taking WAY too long. I enjoy couponing but don't really want to spend 2-3 hours in the grocery/drug store each week. Thank you so much!
Hi Lynn! I'm planning to touch on this subject in tomorrow's post on coupon organization. I agree, finding an organization method that works for you is SO key to being successful and enjoying the hobby! It took Alyssa and I a lot of attempts to finally settle on a method that works well for us. Stay tuned!
can you please let me know what Sunday papers I should be skipping that do not contain coupons. thanks!