My Walgreen's Deal!!

Here is a picture of my most recent haul from Walgreen's. I admit, I was pretty proud of myself.

(4) cans Butterball Chicken Broth, reg $1.19. Walgreen's in-ad coupon made them 2/$1, limit 4. So I bought 4 cans for $2.
(1) 32oz Powerade, reg $1.69. Walgreen's in-ad coupon made them $.89 + MFG coupon for .75/1, making it $.14!!
(1) box Snuggle Fabric Softener, reg $3.49 on sale for $1.99. MFG coupon for 1.00/1 made it .99!
(2) 12oz bags Dark Chocolate Peanut M&Ms, reg $3.19 on sale for 2/$4. Walgreen's IVC coupon (available in-store) was 1.00/2, making it 2/$3, or $1.50 each as long as your purchased 2 bags. I added 2 MFG coupons for .75/1 making each bag $.75!
(1) Sippy Cup, reg $1 (not on sale, no coupon... used as a filler to bring my pre-tax total to $5 so I could use my RR worth $5)
(1) RR coupon, worth $5 (RR's like free money at Walgreen's... it's part of their incentive program. I'll post more about it soon).

Total Retail Price: $16.26
Total OOP: $1.03 Yes, that's right!! Only $1!!
Total Savings: $15.23

Walgreen's & RiteAid have a bunch of additional ways to use coupons, some of which confused me in the beginning. So, don't get too hung up on the details of how I got away with such a steal. If it doesn't make sense, don't worry... it will. Just ask if you have questions. Otherwise, I'll soon be posting more about how to shop with coupons and Walgreen's & Rite Aid.

Assignment #3: How To Be A "Smart" Shopper

I'm almost done with the boring stuff, I promise. This should be your last "assignment" before I have you start clipping coupons (but don't hold it against me if it isn't).

Before you start buying and get carried away you'll want to know a little bit more about being a "smart" coupon shopper. Just because you use a coupon doesn't mean you'll save money. Here are a few links of information that I highly recommend.

PYP (Pinching Your Pennies) Coupons 101
HCW (Hot Coupon World) Getting Started

You'll probably read a lot of duplicated information. Like I said, all this information already exists, I'm just trying to condense it and make it easier for all my friends!

If you have questions please leave me a comment! I will post my answer in a comment, too. Just give me some time to answer it; since I am still new to this it may take some research!

Say What?: Understanding Their Lingo Part II

I know you are all wanting me to cut to the chase and just tell you how to save money, but I promise that you need to understand this stuff first. I recommend printing this or bookmarking it.

• One per purchase = one coupon per item bought
• One per transaction = each time you check out and get a new receipt is a trasaction
• One per customer = each time you enter the store you are a new customer
• One per person = You can only do this deal/use this coupon once period (but other members of your household can do the deal or use another coupon
• One per household = is just that you can do the deal/use the coupon once and other members of your household can not go in and do the deal or use the coupon (used mostly on rebates but sometimes on coupons but rare)
  

In addition to all those fancy acronyms listed in my previous post, couponers have an entire code dedicated strictly to the actual coupon itself: How much of a discount, how many you have to purchase, expiration dates, when it came out, etc. If you don't understand how to read this lingo, then you won't have much success with the websites. Make sure you understand this, because you'll see it written everywhere!

.50/2 (7-12-08) SS-5/18

• .50/2 means $.50 off when you buy 2. You must buy 2 in order to use the coupon
• (7-12-08) is when the coupon expires
• SS1-5/18 means the coupon can be found in the SmartSource coupon insert that came out on 5-18
  

.75/1 (8-22-08) RP-6/1

• $.75 off one item
  
• The coupon expires on 8-22-08
• The coupon can be found in the Red Plum coupon insert that came out on 6-1

So get familiar with all this information and before you know it you'll be saving money like crazy!

Say What?: Understanding Their Lingo

I've mentioned that the wonderful world of couponing has its own language. When I first started checking out all these coupon websites I couldn't even follow along with what they were saying because it was all written in their secret code. Before I go directing you to websites that are bound to confuse and frustrate you, I thought it might be a good idea to give you a little cheat sheet. You could print these abbreviations so that you have easy access to them. Or, if you are not so much of a paper person, bookmark this page. Don't be intimidated by any of this. I promise that it isn't so bad once you get used to it.

Commonly Used
AC = After Coupon
ACTUALS = The actual item as opposed to a coupon for it (an item from your stockpile)
ADDIE = Address
AR = After Rebate
BLINKIES - instore smartsource coupon dispensed near product, usually from red blinking box
BOGO or B1G1F = Buy one get one free
BOLO = Be On the Lookout
BTFE = Box Tops for Education
B&M - Brick & Mortar, as opposed to an online store
CAT or Catalina = coupon dispensed at register after purchase, usually has a red border
CBAD = Chef Boyardee
CLFE = Campbell's Labels for Education
CO = cents off coupon
COH = Cut Out Hunger
CRT = Cash register tape
CYE = Check your email
DB = The HotCouponWorld database
DCRT = Dated cash register tape
DCRTC = Dated cash register tape with the price circled
DND = Do Not Double (the coupon is not supposed to be doubled)
DOUBLE COUPON = coupon that a grocery store doubles in value
ECB - CVS Extra Care Bucks earned for purchases
ENVIE = Envelope
EPOP = Each pay own postage (trading term)
ESR = EasySaver Rebate (Walgreens Monthy Rebate)
ETA = Edited to add
FAR = Free After Rebate
FREE ITEM COUPON = A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free
FSOT = For Sale or Trade
GDA = Good Deal Alert
GG = Grocery Game
HBA = The health and beauty aid section in the grocery store
HCW = Hot Coupon World
HDA = Hot Deal Alert or Home Delivered Ad
HL = Have list
HT or HGT = Hang tags for refunds or coupons hanging on a product
ISO = In Search Of
IVC = Walgreen's Instant Value Coupon ( Found in the monthy EasySaver Catalog )
IP = Internet Printable
LFE = Campbell's Labels for Education
MIR = Mail In Rebate
NAZ = Name, address, zip code
NED = No expiration date
NP = No problem
NBPN = No Beer Purchase Necessary
NWPN = No wine purchase necessary
OAS = a coupon that is good on one purchase, any size
OOP = Out of Pocket
OOS = Out of Stock
OSI = On a single item
OYNO = On your next order
OT = Off Topic
P&G = Proctor & Gamble Sunday supplement coupons
PEELIE = coupon that you peel off the package
PM = Private Message
POP = Proof of purchase
PP = purchase price
PPHF = Paypal handling fee
PSA = Prices Starting At or Public Service Announcement
Q or QUALIFIER = The POP required for a refund offer that is physically taken from that package
RC = Raincheck
RP = Red Plum Sunday Supplement Coupons
RR = Register Rewards
SASE = Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
SCR = Rite Aid Single Check Rebate
SD = Store Display
SF = Store form
SMP = Specially Marked Packages
SS = Smart Source or Sunday Supplement coupons
STACKING = Some stores allow the use of more than one coupon per item, IF the coupon itself does not restrict such usage.
SUPER DOUBLES or DOUBLES = coupons that are doubled $1 + in value (ie, a $1 coupon = $2, etc)
TEAR PAD = A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display
TMF = Try Me Free
TRIPLE COUPON = a coupon that a grocery store triples in value
V = Valassis Sunday supplement coupons
WINE TAG = coupon, usually for $ off any meat, cheese or produce.
WL = wishlist
WPN = Wine purchase necessary
WSL = while supplies last
WT = winetag
WYB = When You Buy
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary= success of the attempt may vary at your store
YVW = Yours very welcome

Store Abbreviations
ALBIES = Albertsons
CVS = Consumer Value Store
KG = Kroger (Smith's)
KM = K-Mart
ST = Super Target
SWM = Super Walmart
SW = Safeway
WAGS = Walgreens
WD = Winn Dixie
WM = Walmart
TG = Target

Thanks to Hot Coupon World for the list of abbreviations and acronyms.

** If you come across any terminology that isn't listed here, please let me know and I'll add it. I'd like to make this list as complete as possible-- not just for your records, but for mine, too!

Assignment #2: Organize Coupons

There are probably 100 different ways to organize your coupons, and yes, you really can do it any way you'd like. But, I felt like I couldn't start couponing until I had the perfect organization system. That's the freak in me, though. If you've read my family blog you know that I like to have things completely organized and I am a perfectionist. If it can't be done perfectly then I don't want to do it. Needless to say, the lack of perfection was a really good excuse to keep putting it off. What I really wanted was someone to tell me exactly how to do it, at least for the time being. There were so many options, but I actually found the variety to be overwhelming.

Then, I read this blog about how to organize your coupons without clipping them. You see, I hated having a thousand squares of paper floating around my kitchen, purse, pockets, etc. Drove me batty. So I thought this would work really well for me. And, it turns out it worked for more reasons than just one. Not only do I not have a bunch of icky pieces of paper everywhere, but I don't have to clip anything until I decide that I actually want to use that coupon. Don't worry, there are lists that tell you which coupons to use and where they're located, etc. It will all make more sense. Just pay attention to how I organize my coupons. Like I said, you are welcome to organize them anyway you want, but I think this is the easiest way for beginners.

This is how I organize my coupons, and I do recommend that you do it this way too (at least in the beginning). As previously mentioned, I don't clip anything. I simply take the inserts from the paper, and file them in a folder with that Sunday's date at the top.

I have a hanging file folder for each month of the year. Then, within that hanging file there are manila folders dated for each Sunday. It is into those manila folders that I place the weekly coupon inserts. I labeled about 6 months ahead of time just for convenience purposes. Here are a few photos. You get the idea, right?



Then, each week I use these awesome lists that tell you what items are on sale at which stores, which coupons to use with the sale, and what the total price is. They'll even tell you if it is an awesome deal or just so-so. I print that list, decide what I want to buy, and then clip the coupon for it. I use a binder clip and secure my coupons to that store's shopping list. Then I know exactly what to get at each store. You can buy these lists at The Grocery Game, or you can get them for free at PinchingYourPennies. I really like how they are listed at The Grocery Game, but since you have to pay for them, I would highly consider trying the free lists.

You can get a one month subscription to The Grocery Game for $1. But, don't make the same mistake I did. I started my free subscription before I had a collection of coupons so I couldn't take full advantage of all the savings! If you want to try it, collect at least a month's worth of coupon inserts before signing up.

So, everyone go get a filing system to organize your coupons. If you really feel that this system won't work for you, then get something that will!

Edited to add: I found this filing container at Wal-Mart. It is by Sterilite. I couldn't find it online at walmart.com, but I found it online at another site. If you are interested, here is the link. If nothing else, you can at least see a picture of what it looks like with the lid.

Assignment #1: Collect Coupon Inserts

Your first assignment is to start collecting coupons. Even if you don't plan on going gung ho for a few weeks, you'll want to get a good stash of coupons.

The best place to find coupons is in your metropolitan newspaper. There are usually two available each week, and sometimes you can find a third one about once a month. If you can get multiples of these coupon inserts each week you'll be ahead of the game. Maybe your parents get the Sunday paper but don't use the coupons. Maybe you can get your neighbors. I used to only get one Sunday paper. If there were REALLY good coupons I would buy another one on Monday. But often times there were great deals but I didn't have enough coupons to really take advantage of the deal (example, I was able to get canned black beans for free, but I only had one coupon so I only got one can). I now subscribe to four papers. Yes, that's right. FOUR. One for each member of my family. Having multiple coupons allows me to stockpile enough for my entire family and build my food storage.

If you are like me, someone telling you to "find the coupon inserts" does you no good. Why? Because I had no idea what a coupon insert would look like. But, once I saw one I realized I had seen them plenty of times, I just didn't realize they were called "coupon inserts."

Here is a picture of what they'll look like (sorry for the bad photo quality). Just so you know, the inserts have names. And yes, you'll need to get familiar with them. Left to right: Red Plum, Proctor & Gamble, and SmartSource. Can you see the names in the pictures? If not, look harder.
Remember how I said that this coupon world uses its own language and lingo? There are abbreviations for each of these inserts. Yes, they're pretty obvious, but believe me... once you start throwing in the rest of this foreign language you'll forget what they mean at least once.

SmartSource = SS
Proctor & Gamble = P&G or PG

Even though I don't have them pictured and they don't come out as frequently, there are a few others you'll want to watch for, too...
General Mills = GM
Red Plum = RP

There are tons of ways to organize your coupons, and I'll tell you my way in my next post. Until then, start collecting coupon inserts!! Don't cut anything out, yet. If you do you'll end up with a million pieces of paper floating around and then they'll expire or you'll throw them away.

If you want more information about accumulating coupons, check out this board at PinchingYourPennies.

The Adventure Begins...

I decided to start a blog about my new hobby... shopping with coupons! Yes, it's true, I've turned into one of those crazy ladies. The scary part is that I sort of like it. It gives me a bit of a rush, a natural high.

After posting about my killer deals on my family blog I received a lot of comments and emails from my readers wanting to know how they can get in on the deals. I started writing a few emails, but holy moly, they were long. And confusing, too. Each time I would write a huge novel, only to delete it after deciding it was too wordy and hard to understand. Each day I'd find more requests in my in box, but wasn't quite sure where to start. After all, this hobby is not something that can be summed up into five easy steps, not even ten or twenty steps. Let's face it, it is complicated. If it were that straightforward everyone would be doing it.

My interest started when I was pregnant... I saw Terri, from The Grocery Game, on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. I did some research, but forgot about it. Then, I had a baby and was super bored at home, not to mention feeling a little, or a lot, unproductive. I felt like I wasn't contributing much (I know being a mother is a huge job, but after working for so long I felt a little guilty, ya know?). So, I decided that if I wasn't going to be bringing any money in, then I might as well work to save what Tyler was making.

I did more research, but I was so intimidated. Did you know there is a whole language/lingo to couponing? I would read these websites but I had to clue how to interpret what they were saying! And, I soon figured out (thanks to the many contributors of these websites) that although there are only a bizillion coupon guidelines, laws, and rules, every store interprets them differently. Well, I was too scared to go into a store expecting to save a bunch of money, only to have some cashier argue with me. I knew I would feel stupid enough just being "the lady with all the coupons" that was holding up the line, but the thought of having the cashier flip on her manager-help light was more than I could handle.

Then one morning while we were on our morning walk, my friend, Katy, said to me, "I've been thinking about couponing." What a coincidence! And so, we decided to do it together. Safety in numbers, right? And I must admit, it was much less intimidating to go with someone else, at least it was for me- I'm not sure if it made Katy feel any less nervous (read about Katy sweating bullets during our first coupon trip here).

Hopefully you will all find some helpful hints, ideas, and support (maybe I should change my blog to be called "Cheapskates Anonymous"). I'll start posting some basic information so that no one feels too overwhelmed. I'll also be posting my success stories. But, don't go thinking I am a genius or that I came up with all of this. There are a lot of blogs and websites that have helped me (and I'll post the links for all of you, too). I am no expert, and this is all stuff that I have learned elsewhere. I'm just hoping to condense it in order to help my friends as well as create a record for myself.

And so, the adventure begins. Happy Couponing!