The Coupon Game

Here are my ten tips for baby couponers:

#1 Start gathering coupon inserts, I get 2-3 a week.

# 2 Start a simple accordion file,( $1 section at Target) you can always get a bigger binder and break down the categorizes further but I found simple works better for me, plus it fits in my purse...you never know when you will need a coupon!

#3 When in doubt (if you would ever buy that brand) clip it!!! I don't know how many times I have NOT clipped a coupon for a higher end brand and then found a great deal or clearance on the item. *Note a lot of coupons will show the image of the highest priced item in the line but the coupon is good on any of them.

#4 Sign up for Cellfire (ecoupons) and Fry's (ecoupons) both are linked to the shopper card. I've found these coupons will come off even if you have a paper coupon for the same item.

#5 There are several sites you can print coupons from: Coupons.com - you can usually print the coupon twice by hitting the back button on your browser, also by entering alternate zip codes, different coupon options will come up. A good one to try is 90210...who knew that show would help me remember how get better coupons someday!
RedPlum and Smartsource. Usually only has a few and the limits are reached quickly, so if it's a good one, print right away.
Target- I check this site every Sunday, they change often. Some are Target coupons, which can be used in conjunction with a manufacturer coupon at Target or at Fry's, for a limited time. The product sites themselves are also great sources of coupons.

#6 Competitor Coupons are accepted at Fry's-read policy. So you can clip the Safeway coupons that come in their ad, and sometimes Bashes or Albertsons will have a few. The BEST competitor coupon is from Fresh&Easy, a Phoenix store, but none the less, they accept them. Go to their site and sign up for their newsletter and you will be emailed the coupons. The coupons are usually $5 off of $20 or $6 off of $30, sometimes a $10 off of $50! You also can pick up the free coupon books Safeway and Albertsons have and use them at Fry's. *Note: All coupons are currently worth $1.

 #7 Shop sales that you have or can print coupons for. Stock up when it's an awesome price. On Tuesdays I look over the ads and check 2 blog/websites for ad match ups (to go along with my coupons) My #1 go to is Cent'sble Shoppin. She's local and never misses a deal especially at Fry's! She blogs several times a day and I really could spend my entire day glued to her screen!

I also check TheKrazyCouponLady. She's not local but has an awesome coupon link list and has to low down on tons of deals and a good place to learn more about couponing. She even has the template for her elaborate coupon binder...if you want to go that route.

 

 8. Make your list...I use this simple one.Grocery List. When I put an item in my basket I put the coupon in another stack or envelope so I don't have to go through everything again at the end. Organize your stack of coupons while you are in line, Fry's will want the competitor coupons first.

9. Chose your cashier wisely and be friendly. The younger ones are less grumpy and faster, but I have had some grandma cashiers very excited to see how much I saved in coupons.

10. Keep a list of what you have stocked up on and your pantry organized. In a few weeks time you could have enough stock piled to only need fresh food for a few months! Then you only need to buy when items are super cheap.* Note sales are usually in 3 month cycles, so a good rule of thumb is buy what you will use in 3 months time.

Disclaimer: This "game" is addictive and will count as a part time job.

Happy Shopping!!