FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Since starting this blog I have been getting a lot of questions so I thought a FAQ tab would be helpful.

If you are just getting started in couponing I would encourage you to check out these pages:
Coupon Lingo (this will explain abbreviations and terms I may use on the site)
CVS 101 (this is a complete getting started guide to couponing at CVS)
Rite Aid 101 (this is a complete getting started guide to couponing at Rite Aid)

Don't drug stores like CVS and Rite Aid charge more for items?
- Yes they do.  You will be able to get these items extremely cheap by using a combination of coupons and store credits.  It takes a little planning, but it is well worth it in the end.  The trick is bring the price down with coupons, pay with store credit, and always buy items that print more store credits!

If you only pay a few cents for a basket load of products is the store losing money?
- Simply put, No!  For every manufacturer coupon you use the store is reimbursed the face value of the coupon plus $0.08 shipping.  The store is still getting their money, just not from you.

Where do you get your coupons?
- I get my coupons from the Raleigh News and Observer.  I subscribe to the Sunday edition only.  Check with your local paper to be sure they provide the coupon inserts on Sundays.  You can usually get a better price by having the paper delivered to your home (be sure to ask if they give you a discount on additional papers if you want multiple copies of the inserts)

- I also get my coupons from "All You" magazine (usually $50 - $90 worth of coupons in each issue!)  Read my post here on how to get the best price for "All You" magazine.

What websites are safe to use for printing coupons?
- I recommend using Coupons.com, Coupon Network, Red Plum, and Grocery Coupon Network

Ink is expensive, how can I avoid printing coupons I never use?
- The best way to avoid wasting ink and paper is to only print the coupon when you need it.  When you are sitting down to plan your shopping trip, use an online coupon database.  A coupon database is a search engine for coupons.  Let's say Kellogg's cereal is on sale and you need to buy cereal.   Simply type in "Kellogg's" in the coupon database and it will tell you if there are any printables (and link to it).  If there is a coupon that came in the newspaper the database will give the date it came and insert it came from (i.e. RP 7/31).

- There are exceptions to this rule:  If there is an item that is a "money-maker", print it right away (they will go fast!).  If there is a printable that is for fruits, veggies, or milk - print it right away (these are not very common and they will also go fast!).

- There are two sites that are strictly e-coupons (no ink or paper needed): Cellfire (offers through your PC and cellphone) and SavingStar (this is one of my favorite sites, just load your grocery loyalty card and go!  Read my blog post about SavingStar here)

How can I organize my coupons?
- The best way to organize your coupons is a three ring binder.  I recommend using baseball card inserts placed into a three ring binder.  You can place your clipped coupons in the baseball card inserts making them easy to see and also prevents them from getting lost.

- You can use tab dividers to categorize your baseball card inserts.  That way when you are planning a shop or when you are out shopping you can easily find your coupons.

How can I save money shopping online?
- Ebates is a wonderful way to shop online.  You will receive money back in the form of a check just for shopping at any of the over 1,200 stores Ebates represents.  You can go to the site by clicking here.  This is for real, and I use this service.  Please read my post about it here if you have any questions or reservations.

Are there any daily deal sites that will alert me to free samples, savings, and coupons?
- Absolutely.  I try to alert you to deals through the blog as often as possible, but I am only one person, so I would recommend signing up for these sites: CoolSavings.com, Coupon Deals Daily, Digital Folio, FreeFlys, Koopik Daily Deals, Saveology, Eversave, My Points, and WomanFreebies.com

- If you are pregnant or have small children I recommend signing up for these sites as well: BabyToBee.com and Planning Family (these sites will provide you with coupons, samples, and freebies for babies and toddlers)

Do you recommend any online survey sites that give rewards?
- Yes, here are the sites I recommend: My View and Vindale Research