1

THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO COUPONING

The Basics……………………………………………………………………………………..2 – 3

The Do’s and Don’ts………………………………………………………………………………4

Organizing Your Coupons………………………………………………………………………...5

Couponing Terms & Abbreviations……………………………………………………………….6

Finding Coupons…………………………………………………………………………………..7

Tips & Tricks……………………………………………………………………………………...8

Stockpiling……………………………………………………………………………………9 - 10

Buying in Bulk vs. Buying When You Need It………………………………………………….11

How to Spot a Stockpile Price…………………………………………………………………...12

Preventing and Avoiding Coupon Fraud……………………………………………………13 - 14

Kroger Gas Points & Gift Card Promos…………………………………………………………15

Saving on Newspaper Subscriptions……………………………………………………………..16

Saving for College with Coupons………………………………………………………………..17

Saving on Gas Prices…………………………………………………………………………….18

Manager’s Specials………………………………………………………………………………19

Binder Printouts

Coupon Cycles………………………………………………………………………20 - 21

2012 Coupon Schedule……………………………………………………………...22 - 23

Stockpile Prices……………………………………………………………………..24 - 33

Store Policies

CVS Store Policy……………………………………………………………………34 - 36

Dollar Tree……………………………………………………………………………….37

Target Store Policy…………………………………………………………………..38- 39

Walmart Store Policy………………………………………………………………..40 - 41

2

THE BASICS

The problem with saving money lies within your store choice.  The first thing you need to get OUT of your head is that Wal-Mart is the best place to shop.  While Wal-Mart has great deals on many products, when couponing they are rather strict and half the employees do not know how they work.  If you are not using coupons, then feel free to shop at Wal-Mart, but if you want to maximize your savings and get tons of free items, then you need to start shopping at Kroger.

Why shop at Kroger?  I thought you'd never ask....

1. Kroger may be more expensive on some items, but their store loyalty card makes it worth it.  After you swipe your Kroger plus card, you can save so much money before even using your coupons!  NEVER underestimate store loyalty cards.

2. Kroger gives you gas points that you can use to reduce your fuel costs.  For every dollar you spend in the store, you get one fuel point.  In special cases, you can even get quadruple fuel points for purchasing special products.  This deal is usually run on gift cards.  For instance, you can go into Kroger and purchase a $50.00 Kroger gift card to go towards your next shopping trip.  This purchase alone will give you 200 fuel points, which equates to $0.20 off the gallon at Kroger fuel pumps.

3. Kroger DOUBLES coupons!!!  For any coupons up to $0.50, Kroger will double to $1.00.  On rare occasions and in certain locations, Kroger will double coupons up to $1.00.  This is VERY RARE, however, and in the Lynchburg-Bedford area, this is not the case.  :-(  Despite this, however, you can still save TONS of money with the doubling policy currently in place.  I NEVER pay for toothpaste now using this tactic.

4. Kroger will run store promotions to help you save even more money.  The most common sales are 10/$10 sales.  Many people think that you have to purchase 10 of the item to get the deal, but THIS IS NOT THE CASE.  You can purchase one of these items and still get it for $1.00.  Another common store promotion is the buy ten participating items and get $5.00 off your order.  This promotion is usually run in conjunction with an event, like the Daytona speedway giveaway, etc.  DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THESE SAVINGS!!!

5. Although rare (at least in my opinion), Kroger still gives out Catalinas that are good for your next purchase.  I have only ever gotten a few, but they do help if you save them and remember to use them.  YOU CAN pair Catalinas with Manufacturer Coupons to maximize savings.

6. Kroger also has online coupons that you can load directly onto your store card.  The bad thing with using these, however, is that these coupons do not double at the register and cannot be combined with other manufacturer coupons.

7. If you have a store loyalty card, Kroger will mail you coupons based on your purchases.  Sometimes they will send GREAT coupons like $10.00 off your purchase of $50.00 or $100.00.

Another great place to shop is CVS.  I used to HATE shopping at CVS because they mark up so many items, but now they are one of my favorite places to shop. Here are some reasons to shop at CVS...

3

1. CVS also has a store loyalty card.  While you do not get nifty things like fuel points, you CAN still save a lot of money by pairing your store loyalty card up with store sales.  The majority of the store sales cannot be used unless you have a store card.  It's free to have one, so why don't you?

2. CVS has IN STORE coupons that you can print out while you shop.  Usually near the front of the store, they are a big red box with a yellow sign at the top saying “Coupon Center”. Simply scan your card to get coupons. You can use these coupons with other CVS coupons.

3. If you are a card loyalty member, CVS will email you store coupons that you can use with other manufacturer's coupons or store coupons.  Unless stated otherwise, there is no limit to how many CVS coupons you can use.  So if you have a 30% off coupon and a $5.00/$20.00 CVS coupon, you CAN use both.  However, you cannot use two of the same type of coupon in one transaction.

4. CVS's best feature is the extra bucks.  Many items will have extra bucks deals associated with them.  If you can get these rolling, you may not EVER have to pay out of pocket for your purchases.  This requires a lot of skill, and I admit I have not been as good about these as other coupon promotions.

5. CVS has a beauty club that you can use in conjunction with the extra bucks deals.  For ever $50.00 you spend on beauty products (makeup, soap, shampoo, etc), you get $5.00 in extra bucks.  Many times CVS will have extra bucks deals already on the makeup (like purchase $20.00 worth of Maybelline products get $10.00 in extra bucks) which when purchased STILL count towards your beauty points!

6. CVS also has a gift card deal.  When some items go on sale, instead of extra bucks rewards, CVS will have a gift card deal.  If you purchase $30.00 worth of a participating product, you get a $10.00 gift card back.  The best part about this is that you DO NOT have to choose to get your gift card as a CVS gift card.

There are many other stores that you can save big at, but for our area of Central VA, these are the best I've been able to find so far. 

4

THE DO’S AND DON’TS

Since TLC began airing Extreme Couponing, couponing has become tougher and stores are becoming more strict on their policies.  So far, not much has changed in the Central VA area, but to help PREVENT changes from happening in our area we must be extremely conscious of the stigma associated with couponers.  Here are some helpful hints to help make your shopping experience better for yourself and those around you.

DON'T be a shelf clearer.  There is nothing more frustrating than going in to purchase an item to find the shelves completely wiped.  This not only causes frustration for other shoppers, but also creates problems for the store carrying the item.  The store will have to order more product and it is never guaranteed when the item will be on the shelf again.

DON'T take all of the tearpads, peelies, or blinkies from the shelves.  Take what you need and leave some for others who would like to enjoy that deal as well.

DON'T be rude to another customer, cashier, or manager.  This only leaves a negative image in peoples' minds and may make it more difficult to find the items you are looking for in the future.  The store cashiers and managers are there to help.  Remember: you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

DO call ahead of time if you will be purchasing an item in large quantities.  The stores prefer you call ahead, and are happy to help you find your bargains.

DO stand up for yourself and be firm.  You shouldn't have to rush when using your coupons.  Coupons are just like cash, and the store is reimbursed the money by the companies that give out the coupons.

DO be considerate of others.  If there are people waiting in line behind you, simply let them know you will be using coupons and it may take longer.  If the person has less items than you, let them go first.  Be conscientious, but don't be embarrassed for using your coupons.

DO donate your coupons or items to others in need.  Nothing makes a better impression than giving back to others, and it makes you feel good, too.  :-)

DO donate your expired coupons to troops overseas. DO be a coupon fairy!  If you have coupons you know you're not going to use, leave

them on the shelf for others to use or give them to other customers who are purchasing the items.  Leave a good impression of couponers wherever you go!

For more info on being a courteous couponer, please see these sites!!!

Be a Coupon Fairy - http://savingthefamilymoney.com/coupon-fairy-spreading-the-love/ Overseas Coupon Program - http://www.ocpnet.org/ Packages from Home - http://www.packagesfromhome.org/ Feed America - http://feedingamerica.org/

5

ORGANIZING YOUR COUPONS

One of the other common things I hear when talking to friends and family about coupons is, "I always clip out the coupons, but forget to bring them to the store.  I need to get more organized".  I have heard your trials and have helpful answers for you!  There are several different methods you can use to organize your coupons.

1. The envelope method.  With this method, you use a simple envelope of your choosing to store your coupons.  It is convenient, but if you are dealing with a large amount of coupons I do not recommend using this method.  It can be time consuming to try and sort through your coupons to find unmarked deals and you may miss out if you leave some of your coupons at home.

2. The Binder Method.  This method is pretty self explanatory.  You use a binder to store your coupons.  You can use folders, business card holders, trading card holders, etc. to house your coupons.

3. The Hybrid Method.  This method is similar to what I use.  You clip the coupons you know you will use and save the rest of the insert for another day.  This decreases the amount of time you spend clipping coupons, but still allows you to keep the rest of your coupons for a future deal.

4. The File Box.  This is the method I used prior to the binder.  Your file box can be small or large.  Mine was about an inch or two wide, and was roughly the size of a 4x6 card.  This made it convenience and easy to put in my purse so I would have my coupons on me at all times.  the problem I have found with these is sometimes the dividers fall out and for visual people like me it makes it harder to remember what coupons you have.  This is another great method for organizing small amounts of coupons and for those who only take the coupons they need with them.

5. The Scrapbook Album.  Another version of the binder method but using a scrapbook instead.

6. The Mega Coupon Bag.  I have not tried this method, but it sounds interesting.  Similar to the file box, this bag setup allows you to take all of your coupons with you in a sophisticated, less cumbersome, and less embarrassing bag.  These are sold on etsy.  I like that it attaches to your grocery cart.  Check out the seller's page here.

7. The Day Planner.  Similar to the scrapbook album and binder method except using a day planner.

8. The Couponizer.  Similar to the small checkbook-sized file box, it is lightweight and durable.  Please see more info here.

9. The Coupon Clutch.  This is a coupon organizer that looks like a fashionable tote.  It is a binder disguised as a handbag.  I am thinking of trying this out.  It has gotten great reviews!  Check it out here.  This comes in a variety of colors and styles.  I LOVE the cow and zebra prints!  Click here for a link directly to their website!

These are only a few ideas of how you can organize your coupons to help you efficiently save money.  Do whatever works best for you, and have fun doing it!

6

TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Couponers use many phrases and abbreviations when describing the deals in the stores.  Below is a list of them so you can understand couponers' blogs a little easier!

BLINKIES = In-store coupons near product, usually from a red blinking box. BOGO or B1G1F or B1G1 Free = Buy One Get One Free. CAT or CATALINA = Coupon that prints at the register after purchase. CNP = Coupon Near Product (similar to BLINKIES). CRT = Cash register tape, coupon that prints in store. DND = Do not Double (Some coupons have this lang). DOUBLE COUPON = Coupon that a grocery store doubles in value. ECB = CVS Extra Care Bucks earned for purchases. ES = Easy Saver (Walgreens). FAR = Free After Rebate. FREE ITEM COUPON = A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free. FIC = Fresh Idea Card (Marsh). GM = General Mills (Newspaper insert). IVC = Walgreen’s Instant Value Coupon ( Found in the monthy EasySaver Catalog). IP = Internet Printable Coupon. K = Kellogg’s (Newspaper Insert). MFG = Manufacturer’s Coupon. MIR = Mail In Rebate. NED = No expiration date. OOP = Out of Pocket, in reference to how much “real money” you will pay at the

register. OYNO = On your next order. P&G = Proctor & Gamble Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper. PEELIE = Coupon that you peel off the package. PSA = Prices Starting At. Q = Coupon. RP = Red Plum Coupon Insert found in the Sunday newspaper. RR = Register Rewards (Walgreens). SS = Smart Source coupon insert found in the Sunday newspaper. STACKING = Using a store specific coupon with a manufacturer coupon (most stores

allow this). TEARPAD = A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or

display. TRIPLE COUPON = A coupon that a grocery store triples in value. WYB = When You Buy. YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary (success of the attempt may vary at your store).

7

FINDING COUPONS

One of the most common questions I get from friends and family is, "Where do you get your coupons?".  Since Extreme Couponing has become so popular, finding coupons is becoming more difficult.  In fact, you have to be VERY careful when buying newspapers now because many people will go to a paper box and take all of the coupon inserts out of the newspapers.  Many people have made deals with newspaper carriers and recycle centers to get the inserts before others have a chance to find them.  Finding a solution to finding these coupons when you are already on a tight budget can be difficult and disheartening.  One way to help combat this is to purchase coupons online.  There are many coupon clipping sites that will find the coupons for you and you can purchase them for the price of postage.

One of the best coupon clipping sites is Coupon Dede (couponsthingsbydede.com).  This website has many popular coupons and inserts and send them to you quickly.  There are some downsides to using this website, however.  Many high dollar coupons have a maximum amount that you can purchase in a week.  If you are trying to add to your stockpile, this can be a problem.  Also, Coupon Dede requires that your order must be at least $5.00 before shipping.  If you are looking for one specific coupon, this can also be a problem.

My solution to this is to go to eBay!

I personally like focusing on one item at a time, and eBay lets me do just that.  Many users on eBay post multiples of great coupons.  I like being able to purchase multiples of the coupons I need from eBay and paying for them all at once with their new "add to cart" feature.

Another coupon clipping service that you can try is The Coupon Clippers (http://www.thecouponclippers.com).  I have not tried this website yet, but found it on my favorite blog, Couponing101.com.  It looks as if it is similar to Coupon Dede, but may offer more coupons.

If you choose to try and go out to recycle bins and dumpsters to try and find that coupon you are looking for, then more power to you!  Just remember that most states have a policy against dumpster diving.  Purchasing coupons online may add to your total, but you can still save tons of money despite this and may be able to avoid a ticket!  ^_^

P.S. - Purchasing newspapers is no longer necessary to get coupons.  If you go to www.sundaycouponpreview.com, you can see all of the coupons that will be in that Sunday's paper.  You can then wait until Sunday for the coupon clippers to restock their inventory and eBayers to load up their stock to get the ones you need for that week. 

8

TIPS & TRICKS

Occasionally, stores will have products on sale B1G1.  One little known fact about coupon policies is that you can STILL USE one coupon PER ITEM even if it is B1G1.  So, let's say that CVS has Wisk on sale for $4.99 B1G1.  You can still use ONE coupon PER ITEM.  If you use a $2.00/1 coupon, then your total price OOP would be $0.99/2 or $0.49/1!  Some stores will try and give you grief for using this method, but it is perfectly legal.

Other tips to keep in mind:

Coupons may only be used once. You may not buy ten boxes of cereal and scan the coupon for $1 off cereal ten times.  The store will only be reimbursed for the single coupon you scanned – they will then lose $9 for the nine additional times you scanned the coupon

You may use one coupon per indicated items purchased. If you have two coupons to save $1 on one box of cereal, you can buy two boxes and use both coupons.  The coupon will say “one coupon per purchase.”  This means you may not use both $1 coupons on one box.  If you purchase two boxes then you may use two coupons.

You may not use two coupons on one item. You may not buy one package of diapers and use ten coupons on it.  You may only use one of your coupons on the diapers.  You may, however, use one store coupon and one manufacturer coupon on one item.

COUPONS MAY NOT BE COPIED.  Copying coupons is illegal. You can obtain multiples of coupons in legal ways like buying multiple newspapers.

Read the wording of the coupon and ignore the picture! Manufacturer’s usually put a picture of their most expensive product on the coupon to make you think that is what you have to buy.  If you actually read the terms of the coupon, it will usually say “save on ANY brand xyz product.”  That means you can buy even the least expensive product and still save with the coupon!

You can use a coupon on an item that is on sale or clearance too! Occasionally I will have a store clerk tell me otherwise, but it is usually cleared up with a chat with a manager or a call to corporate.

If a product rings up higher than advertised or they miss one of your coupons, let them know!  I always read over my receipt before I leave the store to make sure everything is correct.  Any mistakes over $1 are pointed out to customer service.  You may be thinking that $1 does not seem like much, but let me put it in perspective.  If you visit 3 stores per week and each store overcharges you “just $1″ at each visit then you are being overcharged $156 per year (that’s 3 weeks worth of groceries for some people!).  It is usually more than $1 though, and rarely takes more than a minute at customer service.

Stand up for yourself! If you are using coupons correctly then shop with confidence.  Many times the cashiers are just misinformed.  Be calm and confident when you explain why you CAN use the coupon.  If the cashier still doesn’t accept it, ask nicely to speak to a manager.  It is your money and you should not feel bad about being a smart shopper!

Retrieved from: http://www.couponing101.com/2009/05/coupon-basics-what-every-couponer-needs-to-know.html

9

STOCKPILING

Many people believe that couponers who stockpile are hoarders. I am here to tell you that this is not the case. As one wise lady once said on Extreme Couponers, "The difference between a hoarder and a couponer is dust. If you have dust on your stockpile, then you are a hoarder". I believe that these words are true. Before you judge someone, consider the reasons that they may be forming a stockpile.

Always keep in mind that stockpiling means fewer trips to the store which saves you time, money and gas.

3 Most Common Misconceptions about Stockpilers

1. Stockpilers are hoarders.  As mentioned above, this is not the case.  While some people do tend to go overboard when there is an amazing deal, it is rather rude to assume someone is a hoarder simply because they have a stockpile.  Considering the economic times we are in, many people have a stockpile to provide for their families in case of an emergency, and many begin stockpiling due to a recent layoff or cutback in hours.  This is my personal reason for couponing.  In February, my husband (who was my fiance at the time) lost his job.  Suddenly I had to come up with money to pay all of our bills and still keep food on the table while making $8.00/hr.  If we had not started couponing we would not have eaten.  Plain and simple.  Ever since then, I have made it my goal to avoid this situation ever again.  In this market and being in a right to work state, job security is never guaranteed.  If one of us loses our job, we will be able to survive for at least a few months before we get desperate.

2. Stockpilers are greedy.  I'm not going to lie.  There are quite a few couponers that do seem greedy.  I can think of a few I have seen on Extreme Couponing that coupon simply so they can have lavish lifestyles.  For the majority of couponers, however, I can safely say that they stockpile for necessity and for donations.  Many people will keep a stockpile on hand at all times for certain food banks and charities.  If the organization becomes low on an item, then one can simply go to the stockpile to help them out.

3. Couponers stockpile things they don't need and won't use.  If an item is free, will give you an overage, or give you cash back, then it is always worth getting.  Even if you don't use the item, you can always donate it or gift it to someone that may really like the item.  I have seen some people that stockpile items that they don't have a use for, and I do disagree with this practice.  If you want to stockpile, live by this rule: Only buy what you will use and keep what can be used in six months or less.  If you can't or don't use an item in this time frame, donate it.  It always feels good to help someone else in need, and spreading the wealth is what coupons are all about.  

Is Stockpiling Right for You?

If you live in a small apartment or home, then I would advise you to not create a large stockpile to clutter your space even further.  If you have children then stockpiling may give you an advantage when it comes time for sleepovers or a new little one joins the family.  Stockpiling can

10

save you tons of money, keep your family safe in times of crisis, and give you a sense of accomplishment.  Only you can decide whether creating a stockpile is good for you.

Items to Stockpile

Toilet paper Paper Towels Soaps Cleaning Supplies Rice Canned goods Pasta Spaghetti Sauce Toothpaste Beverages Frozen Items (If you have a large freezer or deep freezer) Meat (Note: Meat sales don't happen often.  Take advantage of the sales and use a

vacuum sealer to keep it fresh) Trash bags Aluminum Foil and other kitchen products Dish detergent Laundry detergent Condiments and Herbs Pet Items Toiletries

Items You Should NOT Stockpile

Dairy products (cheese, eggs, butter, etc.  Cheese is the exception.  Cheese can be frozen as long as they are not in single packages)

Bread (unless you like frozen, stale bread.  YUCK!) Medicines (excluding vitamin supplements) Certain vegetables and fruits (Fruits are VERY hard to freeze)

As you can see, there are MANY items you can stockpile.  The only things that are difficult to stock up on are perishable items like dairy products and fresh produce.  Considering America's diet, this shouldn't be a problem with many people.  If you want fresh veggies and fruits, start your own garden to cut down on the costs!  Even if you decide not to stockpile, don't be discouraged!  Saving even $10.00 a week adds up.  If you only save $10.00 a week, you can save $520.00 a year!  What are you waiting for?  Start saving!

11

BUYING IN BULK VS. BUYING WHEN YOU NEED IT

One thing that comes up a lot in couponing is whether or not one should buy in bulk or buy only what they need. This conversation also applies to whether or not one should stockpile. While I am a strong proponant of ordering stock ahead of time to avoid clearing shelves and only using what you need, I also believe that one should stock up on supplies and buy in bulk when there is a great sale.

When my husband and I started dating, we began buying groceries together fairly early in our relationship. We would spend close to $100.00 every two weeks for groceries. After we adopted our two cats, that doubled to $120 every two weeks. We would have to go and buy cat food and litter almost every week, cleaning supplies would be bought at least once a month, and big items like toilet paper and paper towels we'd have to buy almost every other week.

Once I started couponing, that stress went away. I was able to start a small stockpile of paper products in our old apartment. By the time we moved into our new apartment, I was able to start a full-on stockpile. Our grocery bills have seen a drastic improvement. Instead of paying almost $300 a month in groceries, we now spend about $120 - $160, which is a huge improvement considering the cost of meat and produce has risen since we first started shopping together. We now buy cat litter, cat food, and dog food once every 3-6 months, and laundry supplies once a year.

When I find a sale, I do spend more up front, but the savings add up. For instance, in the next two weeks CVS will be having a great deal on laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper. I plan on spending a little over $60 total, but I will have enough toilet paper and laundry detergent to last at least six months, probably more. This equates out to $20-$30 in savings per month. Let's say that I use this stock up in six months, that's $120 - $180 I have saved in groceries (this is a low estimate). My overrall expenditures for laundry detergent and toilet paper may be $60 up front, but I am saving almost $120 over the long run. This is enough to put gas in my jeep for two weeks, take a small trip, or to put in our savings account.

Long story short: buying a lot of stock up front DOES save money in the long run. You may wince when you see that money leave your pocket, but think about the savings you will experience in the long run. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the savings!

12

HOW TO SPOT A STOCKPILE PRICE

To make sure you aren't spending too much on your stockpile, it is a good idea to start your own price sheet.  For those of us who are just starting out, The Krazy Coupon Lady has created a WONDERFUL starter list and has given me permission to share it.  The list appears in the book Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey, and has already helped me a ton!

KCL's list is not all-inclusive, however.  There are no prices for pet items.  I have created my own list (based on Central VA's prices) for pet care products.  If there is something you buy a lot of (like fish or microwaveable dinners) that you don't see on the list and have an idea of what a good stock price would be, please share!  I am always looking to expand my list so that I can guarantee that I get the lowest prices.

Please see the Binder Printouts section for the list.

13

PREVENTING AND AVOIDING COUPON FRAUD

I will admit it.  I LOVE TLC's Extreme Couponing.  Watching others get great deals gets me excited for my next big haul.  I get so pumped I pull out my binder and see if I've missed any deals this week that I should get.

Unfortunately, however, TLC has featured coupon fraud on their show.  Coupon fraud is a CRIME and is punishable by law.  So what is coupon fraud?

Coupon fraud consists of:

Intentionally using a coupon for a product that is not covered by the coupon language (ex. Using $1.00/1 Tide coupon on Shout OR using $1.50/1 Tide 52oz or larger on a smaller size product).

Using a counterfeit or altered coupon. A store sending in coupons to redeem from the manufacturer that were not used by a

consumer. Using more coupons in one transaction than allowed (ex. Using 6 $1.00/1 Crest

toothpaste coupons that state Limit 4 per transaction)

Even if you try to play by the rules and "accidentally" use a coupon for a product not covered by the coupon language, you are committing coupon fraud.  If you use a coupon that has been altered or is a fake, you are committing coupon fraud.  Even if you did not know the coupon was fake, you have still committed a crime.

Why should you care? 

When you use a coupon, the store sends the coupon to the manufacturer for redemption.  If the coupon is a fake, the store will not be reimbursed for the value of the coupon.  Sometimes the manufacturer will pull register tapes to make sure that the store is not committing coupon fraud.  If it is found that a consumer used more coupons than were allowed by the coupon language, the store will not be reimbursed for the rest of the coupons made in their transaction.  This can result in stricter coupon policies which will make it harder for us savvy spenders to save money.

What happens to a violator?

Coupon fraud is a serious offense that can lead to imprisonment and hefty fines.  To date, the longest sentence given to a fraudulent coupon user is 17 years and the highest financial penalty was $5 million.  It is not uncommon to serve a sentence of 3-5 years in prison and receive a fine of $200,000 or more.

How do I prevent and avoid coupon fraud?

There are several things you can look out for to avoid committing coupon fraud.

14

 If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Does the coupon have an older version of the BARCode system? (To see a list of the

current BARCodes in use, go here) Is the value of the coupon a large amount/larger than you've seen before?  (ex. $3.00/1

Axe Bodywash) Is the coupon in black and white? Is the paper the coupon is printed on match the paper used in Sunday circulars?  If it is on

a different kind of paper, it is probably fraudulent. The Coupon Information Center (CIC) features a database of all fraudulent coupons that

have been reported.  You can always check there if you are worried that a coupon may be fake.  Always feel free to email them so they can research the coupon, too.

There are plenty of great deals you can get WITHOUT committing coupon fraud.  Remember: NO AMOUNT OF SAVINGS IS WORTH GOING TO PRISON FOR!!!  Coupon fraud only gives others a bad impression of us who are trying to save a little bit of money, and makes it worse for everyone to try and use coupons at stores.  If you know anyone who is committing coupon fraud, report it to the CIC.  There is currently a $100,000 reward for any information on fraudulent coupon users.

15

KROGER GAS POINTS & GIFT CARD PROMOS

I have become a huge fan of Kroger over the past few years.  One of the main reasons I like to shop there (other than the fact that they double coupons up to $0.50) is because they have a great gas rewards program.  For every dollar you spend, you get a gas point that will knock the price of your gas per gallon down.  For instance, if you spend $300.00, you get 300 fuel points which equates to $0.30 off at the gallon!  The amount of points you can get is BEFORE coupons.  So if you get $300.00 in groceries and have coupons that make your purchase $150.00, you still get 300 gas points!  This is such a great thing for me because I have to fill up my jeep at least once a week.

When using the fuel points, you can get up to $1.00 off at the pump and can get up to 35 gallons at the reduced price.  This is usually enough to fill up any regular sized car, and you can pump the extra into gas canisters if you want to get the most bang for your buck.  Dad 2 will always take a couple of gas canisters to the pump with him so he can get the full 35 gallons at the reduced price.

Another thing to remember is that you don't have to have fuel points in order to get a discount.  Kroger members can save $0.03 off at the pump ANY TIME as long as you swipe your Kroger card before filling up.  That may not seem like a lot, but it does add up.

Every now and then Kroger will do a promotion on fuel points by making their gift cards worth 4x the fuel points.  This means if you spend $100.00 in gift cards, you will get 400 points instead of only 100.  They usually offer this deal once every 3 months and make it last for about a month at a time. 

16

SAVING ON NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTIONS

Most couponers recommend getting a subscription to the Sunday newspaper.  That way you will always be guaranteed your coupons.  I cannot tell you how many times my husband has gone to the newspaper machine and the coupons were stolen out of the stacks.  If you live in an area that has a lot of couponers that make it difficult to find papers and inserts at recycle bins, then this deal may be a good one for you.

DiscountedNewspapers.com allows you to subscribe for a paper at a great, low price!  I have been looking to get a Sunday subscription to the Roanoke Times, but you cannot have just a Sunday paper subscription by going to their website.  You CAN get one through DiscountedNewspapers.com, though!

It is so simple to sign up.  Simply go to their page, search for participating papers in your area, and choose a subscription!  You can even set up monthly billing from your account using the EZ-Pay feature.  If you are just starting out and haven't gotten a subscription yet, I strongly suggest you do so.

If you cannot get a good subscription with DiscountedNewspapers.com, you can still save on newspaper costs.  Dollar Tree has started selling newspapers at their locations and they are only $1.00!  You can get a maximum of 5 papers per customer, and I have never had a problem with missing inserts.  Even though it is only a $0.75 savings (compared to the price at a newspaper machine), it is still worth it to go to Dollar Tree so you can guarantee you get your coupons.

If you have any other ideas on how to save on newspapers, please feel free to share!

17

SAVING FOR COLLEGE WITH COUPONS

If you thought saving for college was next to impossible, for another day, or if you were praying your kid was good enough and poor enough to get scholarships and grants, FEAR NO MORE!!!  You can save for your child's college education by using coupons!

Saving Star and UPromise have partnered up to help you save money for college.  UPromise is an online rewards program run by Sally Mae.  There are several ways you can utilize this into your saving plan. 

How can you earn with Upromise?

Here are just a few ways:

Upromise Online Shopping

Earn 1—25% back at over 800 online retail and travel sites.

Upromise Dining

Get up to 8% back at thousands of restaurants — on food, drinks & tip!

Upromise Grocery

Up to $40 a month in eCoupon offers at thousands of stores.

Upromise Credit Card

Earn 1% back on all your purchases, all the time.

Savings earned through these programs can either be put into a high yield savings account, invested, put towards existing student loans, or you can request a check for your earnings.  This is a great way to help build your child's college fund or even pay down your existing student loans.

The coupons on UPromise are run by Saving Star, which is a similar program.  Every month Saving Star will load new coupons that you can load directly onto your store cards.  Instead of taking an amount off at the register, it will load the coupon amount into an online storage account.  Once you reach $5.00, you can then choose to release the funds to a bank account or request a gift card. 

Learn more by visiting their websites!

18

19

SAVING ON GAS PRICES

Today I had to fill up my jeep and I think I hit a personal record for most money spent on a single fill up.  It cost me $67.02 to fill up my '95 jeep.  Yikes!  Unfortunately I was on fumes, otherwise I would probably have waited to search for the lowest price.

So how can you save on gas prices without buying a Prius or Scion?  Seems impossible, right?  We are just doomed to pay what the oil moguls want.  WRONG!  There are plenty of ways you can save on gas prices, and one of the easiest is just a click away!

Gas Buddy is a free app that can be downloaded to any iPhone or Android.  It searches your area for the lowest gas price and gives you the address and distance to each pump.  I used this a lot when my sister, friend, and I went to a concert in North Carolina.  I have been pretty lazy about using it around town, but am going to start trying to use it.

I also posted about how you can save on gas at Kroger.  This is my preferred method of savings!  Gas Buddy also has a list of tips on how to save on gas.  It's as easy as using the A/C less and making sure your tires are properly inflated.  To see the whole list, check it out here!

You can also save on gas by signing up for a credit card that offers gas reward points.  Chase gives up to 5% back on gas purchases.  If you are interested in this, Fox Business has created an article on the best gas reward credit cards. You can check it out here.

If YOU have any tips or tricks on how to save on gas, feel free to share!  I am always open to try new things and up for new ideas!

20

MANAGER’S SPECIALS

Manager's Specials have a bad rap.  Most people believe that Manager's Specials are placed on items because they are about to expire or because there is something wrong with the product.  While it may be true that some items may be about to expire, the idea that the product is sub-par or defective is completely wrong.  Stores can't sell spoiled merchandise.  Period.  Never feel afraid or ashamed of getting a manager's special deal because the fact is these deals can help save you a ton of money!

First let's talk about expiration dates.  While some products on Manager's Special do have expiration dates, the majority of these products can be used past this date.  There are two different kinds of expiration dates:

Use By - This type of expiration date is cut and dry; do not use product after this date unless it has been frozen.

Best By - This type of expiration date is a general guideline.  You can use the product after the date, just keep in mind it may not be as effective (such as household cleaners) or tasty (like stale potato chips).  Most products have this type of expiration date.

One of the biggest budget-breakers on most peoples' lists is meat.  Meat is very expensive, and usually there aren't coupons on fresh meat available.  Manager's Specials are a great way to combat the price.  As long as the meat doesn't smell or look bad, you are good to go.  Some meat will have expiration dates on it.  Remember, most expiration dates are just a guideline..  If the expiration date is approaching, freeze it.  This will keep the product fresh for much longer than if you were to simply refrigerate it.

Manager's Specials can also be combined with coupons for a super deal!!

Scenario: Kroger has ordered too many Suave products and needs to clear out the shelves before the new inventory arrives.  The Manager decides to place them on special for $0.75 each.  There is a coupon out for $0.35/1 Suave Product that will double.  The coupon CAN BE USED on the Manager's Special products to make each item $0.05 each!!!

Keep in mind you can also use Catalina deals (ex: $10.00 off next purchase) to help reduce your grocery bill.  Manager's Specials can also be combined with Catalinas.

Be sure to ask your local store manager what day markdowns are done.  Most Wal-Marts mark down their products on Sundays or Thursdays, and most Krogers mark down their products on Tuesdays.  Checking with your local store manager is the best way to ensure that you get there in time to find those great Manager's Special deals!!

21

BINDER PRINT OUTS

Coupon Cycles

If you have ever watched Extreme Couponing or are starting to see patterns in your couponing forays, that is because coupons run in cycles.  Every year you can anticipate the same type of coupons around the same time.  I have made a list of some of the highlights, but Grocery Coupon Guide has a much more detailed list that I recommend printing out to stick in your organizers.  Feel free to click on the month to be directed to their detailed article of all of the coupons and sales to expect.

January

January is the month when people try to be healthy.  Expect to see a lot of deals on healthy choice meals, lean cuisines, yogurt, organic products, and other healthy foods.  Since January is when it really starts to get cold in some areas, winter health is a big coupon category as well.  January is also National Oatmeal Month, so expect LOTS of oatmeal coupons.

February

This month expect to see coupons for canned goods since February is Canned Food month and breakfast products.  February is National Hot Breakfast Month so there will be lots of Kellogg's, General Mills, and Quaker coupons and products on sale.  February is also American Heart Month so there will be plenty of coupons for heart-healthy products such as aspirin, supplements, and foods.  The Westminster dog show is this month so you can expect to see high dollar dog food coupons.  There will be plenty of Valentine's Day promotions and coupons, too.

March

March is National Frozen Food Month and National Nutrition Month so expect great deals on frozen vegetables, fruits, and meals.  March is also right around Easter so you can expect to start seeing deals for the holiday.

April

April is Daylight Savings Time and Easter.  Expect coupons and products on sale in relation to Easter and Earth day.  Batteries, smoke detectors, and other safety items will also be on sale due to daylight savings time.

May

May is the start of summer sales.  Expect items for BBQs, picnics, and the Memorial Day holiday to be on sale and lots of coupons for condiments, paper plates, napkins, etc.

June

22

June is National Dairy Month so expect sales on all dairy products.  This month continues the sales from May with BBQ items.  National Headache Awareness is during this month which makes it a great time to stock up on all pain relievers.  Allergy season will be in full swing by this month, so there should be sales on allergy and sinus medicine as well.

July

July marks the beginning of "back to school" sales.  Bookbags, pens, pencils, and other school items should be on sale.  This month also continues the BBQ sales for July 4th.

August

August continues the "back to school" sales and also starts promotions on breakfast and lunch foods for kids.  This month marks the end of summer, so expect clearances to start on patio equipment, sunscreen, and other summer products.

September

The "back to school" sale items will continue until Labor Day.  This month is Baby Safety Month, National Coupon Month, and Better Breakfast Month.  You can expect to start seeing sales and coupons for tomato products.  Be on the look out for Diabetes items and Baby items on sale.

October

This is my favorite month and my favorite holiday: Halloween!  Expect tons of deals on candy and you can start expecting to see baking products in the coupons.

November

November brings Thanksgiving and the beginning of the cold months.  Baking goods, cooking products, and Thanksgiving staples will be the majority of coupons.

December

December revolves around Christmas so expect deals and coupons on cold cut meats, crackers, soda, stuffing, and other dinner related products.  Fall decor should be on sale starting this month.  December also marks the beginning of winter, so you can expect to start seeing winter care products like cold medicines on sale and in coupons.

23

2012 Coupon Schedule

Here is the coupon schedule for this year.  I am also working on a list of the coupon cycles per month so you can start planning your strategies for the year.  =)

January

Jan 01: Red Plum, Smart Source (2), Procter & GambleJan 08: Redplum, Smart SourceJan 15: Smart SourceJan 22: Redplum, Smart SourceJan 29: Redplum, Smart Source

February

Feb 05: Redplum, Smart Source, P&GFeb 12: Redplum, Smart Source (2)Feb 19: RedplumFeb 26: Smart Source (2)

March

Mar 04: Redplum, Smart Source, P&GMar 11: Redplum, Smart SourceMar 18: Redplum, Smart SourceMar 25: Redplum, Smart Source

April

Apr 01: Redplum (2), Smart Source (2), P&GApr 08: No Inserts ScheduledApr 15: Redplum, Smart SourceApr 22: Smart SourceApr 29: Redplum, Smart Source

May

May 06: Redplum, Smart Source, P&GMay 13: Redplum, Smart SourceMay 20: Redplum, Smart SourceMay 27: No Inserts Scheduled

June

24

Jun 03: Redplum, Smart Source, P&GJun 10: Redplum, Smart SourceJun 17: Redplum, Smart SourceJun 24: Redplum, Smart Source

July

Jul 01: No Inserts ScheduledJul 08: Redplum, Smart Source, P&GJul 15: Smart SourceJul 22: Redplum, Smart SourceJul 29: Redplum, Smart Source

August

Aug 05: Redplum (2), Smart SourceAug 12: Redplum, Smart SourceAug 19: Redplum, Smart SourceAug 26: Redplum, Smart Source

September

Sep 02: No Inserts ScheduledSep 09: Redplum, Smart Source (2)Sep 16: Redplum, Smart SourceSep 23: Smart SourceSep 30: Redplum, Smart Source

October

Oct 07: Redplum, Smart Source (2), P&GOct 14: Redplum, Smart SourceOct 21: Redplum, Smart SourceOct 28: Redplum, Smart Source

November

Nov 04: Redplum, Smart Source, P&GNov 11: Redplum (2), Smart SourceNov 18: Smart SourceNov 25: No Inserts Scheduled

December

Dec 02: Redplum, Smart Source, P&GDec 09: Redplum, Smart Source

25

Dec 16: Smart SourceDec 23 & 30: No Inserts Scheduled 

Stockpile Prices

These lists will help you spot those great stockpile prices on your shopping trips. The scanned copies are courtesy of Pick Another Checkout Lane, Honey by the Krazy Coupon Ladies. Feel free to print these out to put in your binder for quick reference!

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

Product 3 Month Price 6 Month PricePet CareCat Treats $0.50 FREECat Litter, sm. bag $1.50 >$1.00Cat Litter, lg. bag $4.00 $3.00Cat Food, canned $0.15 $0.10Cat Food, sm. bag $1.50 >$1.00Cat Food, lg. bag $6.50 >$5.00Dog Treats $1.50 >$1.00Dog Food, canned $0.50 $0.25Dog Food, sm. bag $3.00 $1.50Dog Food, lg. bag $10.00 $5.00

36

STORE POLICIES

CVS Coupon Policy

CVS/pharmacy coupons (ExtraBucks® Rewards and ExtraCare® Coupons) and Third Party Manufacturer Coupons are accepted in our retail stores in accordance with the following guidelines: CVS/pharmacy does not accept expired coupons. CVS/pharmacy will not accept third party manufacturers’ coupons with another retailer’s logo Coupons cannot be exchanged for cash or gift cards. Third Party Manufacturer coupons are issued by a third party and sales tax may be charged on pre-coupon price. CVS/pharmacy does not accept coupons for items not carried in our stores. CVS/pharmacy only accepts ExtraBucks Rewards applicable to the ExtraCare card offered at time of purchase. CVS/pharmacy does not currently accept coupon bar code images displayed on a Smartphone, iPhone, Droid etc. The total value of the coupons may not exceed the value of the transaction. Sales tax must be paid, if required by state law. Certain CVS/pharmacy coupons may be subject to state sales tax rules similar to Third Party Manufacturer Coupons and sales tax may be charged on pre-coupon price Language at the bottom of CVS/pharmacy coupons provides specific coupon acceptance rules. Any coupon offer not covered in these guidelines may be accepted at the discretion of CVS management. Sale Items

CVS/pharmacy will accept manufacturer coupons for an item that is on sale.

CVS/pharmacy will not accept percent off coupons for an item that is on sale.

In the event that any item's price is less than the value of the coupon, CVS/pharmacy will only accept the coupon only to the price of the item. CVS/pharmacy does not provide cash back in exchange for any coupons.

Multiple Coupons

CVS/pharmacy accepts one manufacturer coupon and applicable CVS/pharmacy coupon(s) per item, unless prohibited by either coupon offer.

There is no limit to the number of ExtraBucks Rewards that may be used in a transaction as long as it does not exceed the transaction total.

The number of manufacturer coupons used in a transaction may not exceed the number of items in the transaction.

37

The coupon amount will be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied. (For example, a $5.00 coupon for a $4.99 item will result in a $4.99 coupon value).

CVS/pharmacy accepts multiple identical coupons for multiple qualifying items as long as there is sufficient stock to satisfy other customers, unless a limit is specified. Management reserves the right to limit the quantity of items purchased.

CVS/pharmacy reserves the right to process coupons in any order.

CVS/pharmacy accepts multiple Dollar off Transaction coupons (e.g. $3 off $15) in one transaction if they apply

o Ex. Customer may use two 3 off $15 coupons if they are purchasing over $30.00

Buy One, Get One Free Coupons

Sales tax must be paid for any Buy One, Get One Free coupon offer, if required by applicable state laws.

Two coupons may be used on a Buy One, Get One Free promotion as long as it does not exceed the item total

o Ex. Suave Shampoo is on sale for $2.00 Buy One, Get One Free and the customer is purchasing two shampoos; customer may use two coupons for $1.00 each and pay the applicable tax.

Buy One, Get One Free promotions may be combined with Buy One, Get One Free Coupons. Customers are responsible for paying applicable tax

o Ex. Suave Shampoo is on sale for $2.00 BOGO and customer has a MFG coupon for Suave BOGO. Customer will receive both items for free but will need to pay any applicable tax.

38

Internet/Print at Home Coupons

CVS/pharmacy accepts internet/print at home coupons that include a barcode.

CVS/pharmacy will not accept reproductions or rebates

39

Dollar Tree Coupon Policy

IN-STORE COUPON ACCEPTANCE: GUIDELINES & LIMITATIONS

1. Only original and intact manufacturers’ coupons will be accepted. Retailer-specific coupons will not be accepted.

2. Coupons are void if copied, scanned, or if they have been altered in any way.3. Only two (2) print-at-home Internet coupons may be redeemed per transaction.4. We are unable to accept coupons for “Free” items with no purchase requirements or

where the amount for the product is blank.5. Coupons can only be used in stores and must be presented at time of purchase. Coupons

cannot be redeemed for cash at a later time. 6. Coupons will not be accepted without the purchase of the item specified and are subject

to the terms listed (e.g. expiration date, size, limitations, quantity, etc.).7. Coupons cannot be redeemed for more than the purchase price of the item.8. Only one (1) manufacturer’s coupon will be accepted per item.9. Management has the right to refuse any coupon or otherwise limit quantities.

40

Target Coupon Policies

Target stores coupon policy

Manufacturer and Target Coupons:•Target accepts one Manufacturer Coupon and one Target Coupon for the same item (unless prohibited by either coupon).•We reserve the right to accept, refuse, or limit the use of any coupon.•Limit of 4 identical coupons per household, per day (unless otherwise noted on coupon).•All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier during checkout.•Item purchased must match the coupon description (brand, size, quantity, color, flavor, etc.).•Coupon amount may be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied.•We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item.•All applicable sales taxes are paid by the guest at the full value of the item.•These guidelines apply to all coupons accepted at Target (Color Checkout Coupons, Internet Coupons, •Mobile Coupons, Mailed Coupons, Coupons from Newspapers and Magazines, etc.).

Internet (Print-at-Home) Coupons:   •We gladly accept valid internet coupons that contain a clear and scannable bar code.•We do not accept internet coupons for free items with no purchase requirements.

Mobile Coupons:•Guests can receive Target Mobile Coupons by signing up for Text Alerts at Target.com/mobile or by texting COUPONS to 827438 (TARGET).•Message and data rates may apply.  See site for full details.•To redeem, simply show your coupon barcode to the cashier.  With one simple scan, all applicable coupons are applied.

Buy One Get One Free Coupons (BOGO):•BOGO coupons cannot be combined (i.e. you cannot use two BOGO coupons on two items and get both for free). Unless stated otherwise on the coupon, the use of one Buy One Get One Free coupon requires that two of the valid items are presented at checkout of which one item will be charged to the guest and the 2nd item will be discounted by its full retail price.•A second cents-off coupon of the same type cannot be redeemed towards the purchase price of the first item.     •If a Target BOGO coupon is used, one additional manufacturer coupon may be used on the first item.     •If a Manufacturer BOGO coupon is used, one additional Target coupon may be used on the first item.

Returns:•Returns of items purchased using Manufacturer Coupons may receive coupon value returned in the form of a Target GiftCard.

41

Exclusions:•Coupons are void if copied, scanned, transferred, purchased, sold, prohibited by law, or appear altered in any way.•We regularly monitor the Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) website for counterfeit coupons.  We do not accept counterfeit coupons.•We can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.•Some items may not be available at all stores.•We do not accept expired coupons.•We do not accept Canadian coupons in our US stores.

42

Walmart Coupon Policy

Walmart Coupon Policy

We gladly accept the following types of coupons*

Print-at-home internet coupons o Must be legibleo Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on themo Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturero Must have a valid expiration dateo Must have a scannable bar codeo Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons with a specified priceo Are acceptable in black and white or coloro May not be duplicated

Manufacturers' coupons o For dollar/cents offo For free items (except those printed off the Internet)o Buy one, get one free (BOGO) couponso Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" printed on themo Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturero Must have a valid expiration dateo Must have a scannable bar codeo May not be duplicated

Competitors' coupons o A specific item for a specified price, for example, $2.99o Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons for items with a specified priceo Have a valid expiration dateo Are acceptable in black and white

Soft drink container caps Checkout coupons ("Catalinas")

o Printed at our competitors' registers for dollar/cents off on a specific itemo Must have "Manufacturer Coupon" with specific item requirements printed on

themo Must have a valid remit address for the manufacturero Must have a valid expiration dateo Must have a scannable bar codeo Are acceptable in black and whiteo May not be duplicated

We do not accept the following coupons:

Checkout coupons o Dollars/cents off the entire basket purchase

43

o Percentage off the entire basket purchase Print-at-home Internet coupons that require no purchase Competitors' coupons

o Dollars/cents off at a specific retailero Percentage offo Buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupons without a specified priceo Double- or triple-value coupons

*The following are guidelines and limitations:

We only accept coupons for merchandise that we sell. Coupons must be presented at the time of purchase. Only one coupon per item. Item purchased must be identical to the coupon (size, quantity, brand, flavor, color, etc). There is no limit on the number of coupons per transaction. Coupons must have an expiration date and be redeemed prior to expiration. If coupon value exceeds the price of the item, the excess may be given to the customer as

cash or applied toward the basket purchase. SNAP items purchased in a SNAP transaction are ineligible for cash back. WIC items purchased in a WIC transaction are applied to the basket purchase and may

not be eligible for cash back. Refer to state-specific WIC guidelines. Great Value, Marketside, Equate, Parents Choice, and World Table coupons have no cash

value and are ineligible for cash back or application to the basket purchase. The system will prompt for supervisor verification for:

o 40 coupons per transaction.o A coupon of $20 or greater on one item.o $50 or more in coupons in one transaction.