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 because 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 [1]
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: SmartSours (SS), RedPlum (RP) and P&G (PG).
Occasionally we will see a few other inserts included in the paper. Some of these are:
If you do not have a subscription to the Newspaper yet, you’ll want to get the most major metropolitan newspaper in your area. Those papers include the most and best coupon inserts. You can also buy papers at some dollar stores, get them from neighbors, family and friends or find them at coffee shops and restaurants.
Quick Tip: If you are like me and you only subscribe to 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!
Here are some things you need to know about Internet Printable Coupons:
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!
Not sure which coupons to print? We always share the best coupons with you in the Bargain Blessings printable coupon section [3]. You can also print coupons directly from Bargain Blessings [4].
More Printable Coupon Resources
How to Change Your Zip Code in Coupons.com [5]
How to Print Coupons from Bargain Blessings [6]
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 the 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 also stacked on top of Store 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 [7]
◦ Cellfire [8]
◦ P&G eSaver [9]
[10]
Moving right along…Check out the next section of my Getting Started with Couponing guide: Where to Find Coupons (Part 2 [10]).
*Find a couponing workshop [11] in your area! They are fun, very inexpensive and being taught all over the US! If you are a local reader, check out this page for Colorado couponing classes [12].