Saving Money

Over time I have learned that saving money takes time, organization and action.  I have spent countless hours coming up with my own couponing system when grocery shopping.  My advise is to spend time researching your own methods and find what fits your own needs. 

So where are all the coupons at?  After researching I have found many invaluable coupon resources.  Here are my favorites!

The Sunday Paper.  I use Kansas City Star.  I have a subscription and found a local store in town that sells the Sunday paper everyday.  I am not an "extreme couponer" so I do not feel the need to spend all the money I save shopping on paying for inserts.  Two papers a week really works for me, everyone has to find their own comfort zone.

Free Printable Online Coupons!  Did I mention FREE?  Well...you do have to pay for ink and paper :)  My favorite websites to print from are:

WeUseCoupons.com
Coupons.com
Smartsource.com
Redplum.com

I also go to the brand name web pages and either request coupons or click on their promotions/coupon links for FREE printable coupons.  My favorite "brand name" web sites are: 

PG brand saver
Kraft
Kelloggs
Pillsbury

Another way I have gotten coupons is by emailing or writing a letter to the company!  Believe it or not I have gotten great responses back!  I have received letters in the mail with coupons attached!  The best responses I have had are from the following companies:

Smuckers
Bar S
McCormick

Continuing with how to find coupons...another great way is from the store itself!  Most stores are linked to the web and have their own couponing methods.  Some have reward cards you can download the coupons directly from the web site (this saves time clipping).  Others have coupons you can print directly from their web site!  They can also have coupons in the aisles next to the merchandise in blinkies.

Recently I have subscribed to a great coupon resource from AllYouMagazine. You can either buy this magazine from Walmart or sign up for a subscription online:  http://www.allyou.com


FACEBOOK!  Companies have recently gone facebook crazy!  All you have to do is "like" them and then you will have access to a FREE printable coupons!  This has been a great way to get amazing "right now" coupons, the only downfall is most of the time there is a limit of coupons available and it is pretty much first come, first served kind of idea.  You have to be quick and have a facebook account of course.

The last way is through coupon clipping services online where you can order coupons and they ship them directly to you.  This method however is under scrutiny and needs to be used with discretion depending on the legality.  I have not found they are illegal as of yet, I heard you are paying for the service and not selling or buying the coupons but it is not something I have personally committed to.  Honestly, I have a hard enough time keeping what I have organized!

Well I hope these tips have helped you learn WHERE to get coupons.  I will continue to add more tips I have learned about couponing and links as well!  Happy Couponing :)

The next blog will be on how to stay organized with all these coupons!!! So stayed tuned in!

Andrea