Step 1- Where to find coupons

So you are ready to start couponing? Maybe you have watched the show on TLC or heard about how much you can save from others. Either way you are ready to hit the ground running...but where do you start?

First rule of couponing...get some coupons

- Unlike many civilian grocery stores, the commissary has coupons everywhere! Next time you go shopping (or if you have an hour to spare), walk the aisles of your commissary and look at the shelves. You will find coupons for a large variety of items. Also, many commissaries have coupon fliers that they leave out for customers to pick up, right at the entrance. The only thing better than a coupon is a coupon you get for free!

- The Sunday paper is a great source for coupons! Get a subscription to the Sunday paper only and be sure to pick the largest rea paper, since it will usually have the most inserts. Often you can get a discount for ordering multiples so be sure to check.

- All You Magazine is packed with coupons! It can be purchased at Wal Mart or you can subscribe to it (check online). The magazine is dedicated to couponing and money saving. It has more coupons than any other magazine I know of. Also, check magazines that you already get, they often have a coupon here and there.

- Print them online. There are several great sites that you can print coupons from. Usually the sites limit you to 2 like coupons. Beware...having all of these free coupons at your fingertips, just a click and print away, can be addicitve. When I first started I printed off TONS of coupons that I thought I might be able to use. Before I knew it I had stacks of printed coupons that had expired (because the right deal didn't come around) and I was out of paper and ink. What a waste! Be sure to print only the ones that you know you can use. I determine this by asking:

1) Is this an item that I am brand loyal to and buy often? If so, I print it no matter what.
2) Looking at the ads for the current week. If there is a good deal going on, I print it. Also, after you do this for a while, you'll start getting an idea of when things go on sale.
3) Is it a high value coupon that will get me the item for cheap, free or with overage, even if it is not on sale? For example, recently there was a coupon for up to $3/1 Panko bread crumbs. I know that these are usually $.98 at my commissary, making them free, so I printed my limit. I'd recommend starting a price book where you keep a list of prices on items you tend to buy.

PLEASE NOTE! There are several couterfeit coupons circling the internet.Using these is not only immoral but also illegal and could get you in a LOT of trouble. Using these is considered fraud. Therefore, use only websites that are reputable and keep in mind that coupons are usually not in pdf. format. Here are some places to get you started: Stretch That L.E.S. (yes, you can print them right here), Smart Source and Red Plum.

- Ask friends and family for their unwanted coupons. This one is self explanatory :) Just make it known that you will be using coupons and ask them to save the ones they are planning to throw out.

- Start a Coupon Circle. Get friends and family on board and have get togethers once or twice a month to swap coupons. Let them know which items you are looking for coupons for so that they can keep an eye out for you.

- Order from Clipping Services and eBay. There are many companies called clipping services that you can order various quantities of coupons from. These companies and individuals operate websites or offer their services on eBay. While it is against the law to sell coupons, these companies circumvent the rules by charging money for their time spent "finding the coupons, cutting the coupons out and mailing them to you". Use good judgement when using these services. There is a problem with coupon fraud so stick to the reputable companies. Here is one that I recommend:
 

The Coupon Clippers



- Contact companies. Make a list of companies who's products you buy (or would like to buy). Then go to their website and contact them using their form. Tell them how much you like their product or how much you would like to try their product (doesn't have to be long) and ask them to send you some coupons. Not all will send you something but some will. You'd be suprised at the values of some of these coupons .... sometimes they are for free items. Also, when you have a gripe about a product, be sure to save the UPC and send the company a comment letting them know that you weren't pleased. They want to keep you as a customer and will usually send you a coupon for 1 free product, if not more.

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The list above is not all inclusive...but it gives you a great idea of where to look. Always keep an eye out for good coupons. If you find a good source that I haven't listed, please let me know about it and I will add it to this list.

Check out the following links for some exclusive military coupons!

Exchange PCS Coupons & more
http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/PCSSmoothmove/

ConAgra Military Coupons
http://www.conagracommissarydeals.com/index.jsp


Now that you have coupons, it's time for Step 2 - get organized.

Disclosure: Some links on my pages are paid advertisements.









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