Saving Money with Coupons, the Different Types and Where to Find Them (C) #atozchallenge

Hello!  Today's post is another late one, and is for Thursday, April 3rd, day #3 (C) of the 2014 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.  

Let's talk about saving money with Coupons, the different types of coupons, and where those little elusive pieces of money saving happiness can be found.  

Websters defines a Coupon as a small piece of printed paper that lets you get a service or product for free or at a lower price.  But today, coupons can be clipped, printed at home and even digitally added to your store savings card or account.  

There are two main types of coupons

Manufacturer Coupons are issued by the companies that manufacture the product. They are accepted at most retailers, and are treated like cash, when purchasing the specified item. The manufacturer reimburses the store for the face value plus a handling fee.  

Store Coupons are specific to one retailer. They are issued by the store and paid for by the store.

Most stores will allow 'stacking' of both types of coupons; meaning, you can use a manufacturer's coupon with a store coupon on the same item.  Use those two coupons along with a sale to maximize your savings; this can make many items free or very inexpensive. 

Sub-Types and Where to Find Coupons

Blinkies - Coupons found in small machines or boxes attached to the store shelf.  Sometimes there is a blinking light on the box to get your attention.

Booklets and Pamphlets - Generally found in store or in your mail, and sometimes include recipes and/or tips.

Catalinas - Sometimes referred to as, "Cats," or, "Checkout Coupons," these coupons are printed at the register when you checkout. These are usually earned by purchasing a specific item or brand, sometimes in quantity. Some Catalinas are a Manufacturer's Coupon, but others are Store Coupons that can be used like cash in the specified store.

Clipping Services and Ebay - These services, like Klip2Save and eBay sellers are not selling the coupons, but are selling their time in clipping and acquiring the coupons.  This can be a great, effective way to get multiples of a single coupon needed for an item on sale.

E-Coupons or Digital Coupons - These types can be loaded straight to your store specific card or account.  Go to your Grocer's website to check if they support this type of coupon. Kroger, Publix, Food Lion, Cellfire, and Upromise – Save for College the Smart Way!
Facebook - Like your favorite brands and get notified when they release coupons. These will usually be mailed to you or will be printable. 

Inside the Package or On the Box - Sometimes Manufacturer's Coupons can be found inside the product or on the box or packaging.

IP or Internet Printable Coupons - These are Manufacturer's or Store Coupons that can be found and printed on the internet. Print Free Coupons from QualityHealth.com!, Coupons.com, RedPlum, SmartSource, CoolSavings and Target.  

Magazines - Coupons can be found in magazines, All You, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping and more.  

Mailed Coupons - Both Manufacturers and Store Coupons can sometimes be found in your mailbox. You may be able to sign up for these to be sent to you.

Manufacturer's Website - Some companies will have printable coupons on their website; others may have offers to e-mail or send coupons to you at home through.

Mobile Apps and Text Coupons - These coupons are obtained by texting, signing up, or downloading their app.  A few are Cartwheel by Target, Ibotta, Savings Star, Checkout 51.

Peelies - These Manufacturer's Coupons can be found on the product and are to be peeled off and redeemed when you purchase the product.

Sunday Newspaper Inserts - These are the coupons in the Sunday newspaper. Inserts are from SmartSource (SS), Red Plum (RP) and Proctor & Gamble (P&G).  Some offers are regional, and there are usually no coupon inserts in the paper on the holiday weekends.   

Tearpads - These coupons are usually located on a pad where you can tear off a coupon.  The pads are usually found by the product or on the store shelf.

Winetags and Hangtags - These coupons usually hang around a bottle or the top of a product.  Always look these over, as some are not valid in some areas, and others may not even require you purchase the item.  

Understanding Coupon types and where to find them is key in your success in your endeavor to save money.  Questions?  Feel free to ask!   

We all know how much I love saving with coupons.  Now, what is your favorite way to save?

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