Not Yo' Mama's Guide to Couponing: Putting Together Deals

Welcome back to my series on beginning to use coupons!  In case you missed the previous posts, I've already shared how to build a stockpile of coupons, and how to organize those coupons.

Today we get to the fun part!  I'm going to explain how to put together coupon deals to use in the stores to make use of all those coupons.  As with everything in this series, I'll admit that I'm no expert, and I'm still learning and refining new techniques myself.  I'll share what I've found works well, and what I think is the most approachable system for other college students like me.

Finding Deals to Use 

Each week, I check out the various deals and coupon scenarios listed online.  You can find these on a whole wealth of blogs and websites.  I'm slowly building a list of my favorites over there on the sidebar, and you can also find them by searching Google or links on other blogs.  From time to time, I'll also post tips and deals from some of the blogs I read, and you'll see some new sites that way. 

I like to keep track of all these blogs in Google Reader.  If you don't already, I highly recommend using a RSS feed service like Google Reader to subscribe to blogs.  That way you won't miss a single post, and you can get all your updates in one place.  It's easy to quickly get too much information streaming at you, and for that reason I've started this blog as a means of reducing all that info and making it very accessible for the time-strapped student.  This blog is a good place to start and get comfortable, and to maximize your time.  Each week, I'll be posting some of my favorite deals and scenarios, but just be aware that there are far more deals and freebies and couponing information than I could ever fit here!

Organizing Deals 

As I scan through the deals, I keep my eye open for any products I already use, or any especially good deals.  When you're using coupons, you can really find a lot of deals if you aren't brand loyal.  That said, I'm a rather brand-loyal girl myself--I have my favorite brands of body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.--and I'm still able to save significant amounts of money by using coupons on these favorites when they go on sale.  So don't worry that you won't be able to save money--I promise you'll be able to.

When I find a deal I want to use, I just copy and paste it into a Google doc (because I am a Google fiend!)  I do this so that I don't have to carry a physical paper or flash drive with me, and it automatically saves things as I go.  It's convenient for me, but do what works for you. 

Interpreting the Secret Language of Coupons 

Ok, so there isn't exactly a secret code, but you do have to learn how to read the deals you'll find posted online.  Most of the time, deals are going to look something like this:

Crest Toothpaste – $2.49
Earn $2 Up Reward
$0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste 4.0oz or Larger or Liquid Gel 7/4/2010 P&G Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$0.50/1 Crest Toothpaste 4oz+ 6/6/2010 P&G Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$1/1 Crest Toothpaste 6/27/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
Final Price: FREE

 

A bit daunting at first, no? It can be, but let me show you how to interpret all that information. This deal is actually a current one this week at Rite Aid. It's important to know which store you're looking at, because each has its own policies for coupons, and their own promotions. That's why I recommend starting with just one store to focus on before adding others. By taking time to get used to their different policies and programs, you'll avoid feeling overwhelmed.

In this particular scenario, we'll start from the top: Crest toothpaste is marked at $2.49 this week. The second line tells us we can earn a $2 UP Reward. I'll talk more about that later, but for now, just know that means you get $2 off, so that means we are now down to $0.49 for the toothpaste. The next three lines are actually three separate coupons that you could potentially use toward the toothpaste. After the specific description, you'll see a date and then something about an insert. 

 

Putting It All Together

This is where our filing system comes in! All you need to do is find the date in your stack of inserts, then find the corresponding insert. There are generally three basic inserts: RedPlum (RP), Smart Source (SS), and Proctor & Gamble (P&G). So if I wanted to use that high-value $0.75 off P&G coupon, I'd just find my folder for the 7/4/2010 inserts, pull out the Proctor & Gamble insert, and find and clip the matching coupon. So simple!

 

Back to the scenario, when I combine that $0.75 coupon with the $2 UP Reward, I've actually made $0.26! Holy Hannah! Have I got your attention now? How you can afford not to be using coupons and getting free toothpaste--even making money off things you already buy?!

  

Now that I've whetted your appetite, you're ready to start looking for deals. As you put things together, here is a helpful guide over at Money Saving Mom on what all the abbreviations stand for. Practice and experience are the best teachers, so it's good to just jump in--but don't worry, you can still be cautious! 

 

I'd recommend starting with just one store, and limiting yourself to just 3-5 deals on your first go. Any more than that and it can get confusing and overwhelming. In the next post of this series, I'm going to give some pointers about shopping at Rite Aid. It's one of my favorite places to use coupons, and it's pretty simple. So go ahead, pick a few Rite Aid scenarios, get your coupons ready, and I'll see you for Part 4 of Not Yo' Mama's Guide To Couponing!