I know the art of couponing can be confusing to new couponers, so I will try my best to explain it to you as simply and clearly as possible. It will take a little time to learn all of the tips and tricks of the trade at first, but is very fun and well worth it in the end. Once you start, you will not believe the amount of money you'll be able to save and how many things you can get for free or close to free!
The art of couponing is basically matching coupons with stores sales, rebates, and other promotional offers to get the best possible deal on the items you buy.
Where to find coupons:
- Sunday newspaper – Coupon inserts (RP, SS, P&G, and occasionally bonus inserts depending on your area of the country: Parade Magazine, USA Weekly, General Mills, Target).
- Internet: printable coupons – These are found on printable coupon sites and manufacturer’s sites, such as Redplum, Smartsource, and coupons.com.
- Coupon mailers from unsolicited companies or from a manufacturer with whom you have signed up in the mail or online.
- In magazines
- Inside products or on the box of a product
- Loaded to your savings card, if available, or to your cell phone
- Store Weekly Circular or In-store –
Catalina/CAT - coupon on back of store receipt or printed after receipt
Blinkie or Tear Pad – coupon from a small blinkie machine or pad – typically near the relevant product
Peelie – coupon on product itself
Blinkie or Tear Pad – coupon from a small blinkie machine or pad – typically near the relevant product
Peelie – coupon on product itself
Here are some Coupon Language Abbreviations you should learn and know:
- Sunday Newspaper Insert Abbreviations:
GM = General Mills
PG = Procter and Gamble
RP = Red Plum
SS = SmartSource
PG = Procter and Gamble
RP = Red Plum
SS = SmartSource
*Date for insert is usually in very small print on the side of the insert.
- CVS & Walgreens Jargon:
ECB = Extra Care Bucks – CVS money
RR = Register Reward – Walgreens money
IVC = Instant Value Coupon – found in the monthly Walgreens EasySaver booklet
RR = Register Reward – Walgreens money
IVC = Instant Value Coupon – found in the monthly Walgreens EasySaver booklet
- Other Abbreviations and Money-Saving Terms:
B1G1 or BOGO = Buy One, Get One Free
B2GI = Buy Two, Get One Free
CAT = Catalina
B2GI = Buy Two, Get One Free
CAT = Catalina
DEAD = Offer No Longer Valid
DND = Do Not Double
EX or X = Expires On
FILLER = Item Purchased to Reach a Minimum Total or Requirement in Order to Get a “Deal”
GC = Gift Card
IP = Internet Printable
MC or MQ = Manufacturer’s coupon
MIR = Mail In Rebate
NED = No Expiration Date
OOP = Out of Pocket
STACKING: Using Both a Store Coupon and a Manufacturer’s Coupon on One Item
TMF = Try Me Free Offer
UPC = Universal Product Code – Those black straight lines with numbers under them
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary – Deal may work for someone else, but it may not work for you
DND = Do Not Double
EX or X = Expires On
FILLER = Item Purchased to Reach a Minimum Total or Requirement in Order to Get a “Deal”
GC = Gift Card
IP = Internet Printable
MC or MQ = Manufacturer’s coupon
MIR = Mail In Rebate
NED = No Expiration Date
OOP = Out of Pocket
STACKING: Using Both a Store Coupon and a Manufacturer’s Coupon on One Item
TMF = Try Me Free Offer
UPC = Universal Product Code – Those black straight lines with numbers under them
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary – Deal may work for someone else, but it may not work for you
