Category Archives: Couponing Basics

Oct 8 2011

Free Coupon E-Course Lesson One – Making a Coupon Binder is HERE!

by admin

Hi, guys! As promised, I completed my first video in the Saving Money on Groceries Series! I really believe that learning to save money on groceries shouldn’t be something you pay a lot of money to do, so to give back to my awesome readers, I decided to break down how I coupon and save money on groceries into a video series that you can reference any time. Over the next few weeks, I will be adding more and more videos.

This is Couponing 101 – How to make a coupon binder and you can view it below or on my Youtube Channel HERE! So excited! Feedback is always appreciated, so leave me a comment below. Make sure that you subscribe to our daily email updates (right hand side of the blog), so you can get updates on the next course in the series:)

Supplies Needed:

3 ring binder
Pack of Clear Plastic Sheet Protectors
Stickers/Labels you can write on
Sharpie Marker

Catagories for the Loose Coupon Section:

Baby Items
Paper Products & Food Storage
Pastas & Sauces
Soups, Canned Goods
Frozen Items
Dairy Items
Refridgerated Items
Meats
Cereals & Breakfast Items
Baking
Condiments and Spices
Snacks
Beverages
Dog and Cat
Cleaning and Household
Personal Care Items
OTC medicine and Health Items
Retail Coupons
Rebates
Freebies

I usually keep a seperate section for Organic Dairy, Organic Pantry, Organic Frozen as these are usually found in a seperate area of most stores.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions! Hope you enjoy the series:)

Wanna Say Thanks? Please tell your friends and family to visit the blog, retweet tweets, share posts, or if you want to buy me a coffee – you can go to my home page http://www.lehighvalleymomma.com/ and at the bottom of the screen you will see a little heart where you can donate to the “coffee fund”:)

Categories: Couponing Basics, Couponing Class | Leave a Comment »

Aug 28 2011

Have Expired Coupons??? Help the Troops with your Expired Coupons

by admin

CouponsToTroops www.facebook.com/couponstotroops has an amazing program that we all can take part in. How many of you go through your coupon binders and throw out your expired coupons? Don’t throw them away anymore! You can email admin@couponstotroops.com and they will pair you with a family stationed overseas that you can send your expired coupons to. They can use the expired coupons on base for up to 6 months after the expiration. What a great way to help our troops and support their families who serve our countries as well.

Categories: Couponing Basics, Coupons, Extreme Couponers | Leave a Comment »

Aug 25 2011

Not Getting Store Coupon from your Grocery Stores?? Here’s What to Do…

by admin

Just got these $10 off $25 purchase coupons from Bottom Dollar yesterday! Yay!! That’s at least 40% off for the next 4 weeks:)

I recently received an email from one of my awesome readers and was asking about the Grocery Store Coupons I receive and mentioned in the article in Lehigh Valley Style I was featured in. They weren’t receiving any.

I just wanted to make sure that all of you are receiving the e-newsletters and store coupons that you get by being reward card members….

1. Just by putting your information on the rewards card applications does not mean that you will get the newsletter. Sign up for updates on your favorite stores website. This will make sure that you will be getting all of the offers. Wegmans and Giant send out coupons for $ off produce, meats, etc. from time to time, if you have never received these, make sure that you are signed up for their newsletters. Register on the website.

Wegmans

Giant

Bottom Dollar

Pathmark

Weis Market

2. Follow your favorite grocery stores on Facebook. Right now Weis Market has a $5 off coupon on their facebook page for signing up for their email newsletters.

3. Make sure that you are signed up for Saving Star/U Promise E-coupon (Giant, Weis), CellFire (Shop Rite), or Zavers (Pathmark). This will allow you to get extra savings to load on your store card. To get more information on these services see my past post on E-coupons HERE.

Hope this helps!

Categories: Couponing Basics, Coupons, Saving Money | Leave a Comment »

Aug 11 2011

New Way To Save On Groceries – E-Coupons!

by admin

What are E-Coupons???

They are coupons that are loaded onto your store cards. They either take money off at the register when you check out or they will deposit the amount into a savings “account” that you can cash out. You go on the E-Coupons website, load them on by clicking on the ones that you want to use and then go shopping. The rest of the work is done for you.

What’s the benefit of E-Coupons?

The benefit is E-coupons are a completely seperate entity from manufacturer paper coupons. That means you can hand the paper coupon to the cashier AND the e-coupon will still take money off or deposit the money into your account. That means double the savings!!

FYI’s

You can only use the E-coupon once. If you are buying 4 of the same item in one transactions, it will only recognize 1 coupon
They will reset each month
You need to manually go and pick which ones you want
UPromise and Saving Star work off of the same network, so you can use EITHER Saving Star or Upromise, so be careful what you load

What are the E-Coupon Sites & What Lehigh Valley Stores can I use them at?

Cell Fire - Just Sign Up and enter in your card information. Can be redeemed at Shop Rite and Food Town in LV and other store locations elsewhere. Also can be redeemed via mobile coupons on your smartphone. E-Coupons come off of your bill
U Promise - Load Coupons on your store cards each month - Register all your store cards and credit/debit cards for maximum savings. Anytime one of your loaded cards purchases the item specified, the amount of the E-coupon is added to your account. Can use money for college savings or you can cash out. Works at CVS, Giant, Redners, Weis, Stop and Shop, Wegmans, and Rite Aid. You also get cash back for items you purchase with the Upromise U on them.
Z-Savers - For Pathmark only. They work like Cell Fire. Load the coupons onto your Pathmark store card and they come off as coupons
Savings Star - Like Upromise. Load Coupons and get the savings deposited into an account where you can cash out. Works at CVS, Giant, Redners, Weis, Stop and Shop, Wegmans, and Rite Aid.

Tips/Tricks

When you do the Upromise or Savings Star Account, forget that you have a balance. Don’t worry about cashing out and let it build up. This is bonus money. I use it as college fund for my little guy. The nice thing about Upromise is you can get your family and friends involved and they can designate their contributions to your childs college fund. Also, make sure you link all your store and credit cards. You may make a purchase online that will give you cash back into your account.

Look for sales that will give you free money… I can’t even count how many times I was able to score free items with manufacturer coupons yet still had Upromise monies deposited. Look for the double dips:)

Load on the first of the month and load all the coupons (be careful with Savings Star/ Upromise -decide which one you want to use that month). You won’t be penalized if you don’t use them, but you will forget in a pinch. You never know what last minute item you may need.

Have you been using E-coupons???? Let me know how you like them

Categories: Couponing Basics, Coupons | 1 Comment »

Aug 6 2011

Coupon Clipper Tip – Saving Money on Your Sunday papers

by admin

Did you know that some of the dollar stores carry newspapers? I pick mine up at The Dollar Tree in Allentown (Tilghman and Cedar Crest Blvd) for $1. If I bought it regular it would be $1.75. If you are a person who buys multiple papers for the coupons, this tip will save you money. Even if you are a regular Sunday only paper buyer, you can pick it up cheaper.

Also, try subscribing to Sunday Only – the local papers are always running deals, you may be able to get it cheaper than even the dollar store delivered or may get extra days for the same price.

I recently got an invite to subscribe to the Parkland Press for 1 year for about $20 in the mail, but that included a year of Sunday Morning Call papers as a bonus. Not sure if the deal is still going on, but this gives an example of deals to look for.

Ask around to coworkers, friends and family and see if you can have their extra coupons or inserts that they aren’t using. That way you only have to buy one paper. You will be surprised how many people don’t use their coupon inserts. Let that benefit you:)

Categories: Couponing Basics, Saving Money | Leave a Comment »

Feb 20 2011

So where do I get the coupons for my Organic Shopping Trips???

by admin

I have received a couple emails regarding where I find all of my organic coupons to match up with the sales at my local grocery stores. I thought I would put together a list for you all! I know I talked about where to find coupons in the past but this is specific to organics:)

Wegmans Natures Marketplace Booklet
Each month Wegmans releases this booklet and 99.9% of the time it has manufacturer coupons (aka can be used anywhere!). This month it had Kashi, Muir Glen. Last month Cascadian Farms. I usually pick up a couple *note that does not mean clear the shelf. Remember sharing is caring! Also remember to reuse or recycle the leftovers after you clip!

Sunday Newspaper Coupons
They usually don’t have a lot but I have gotten organic and natural coupons there. A few months back they featured Lightlife. Also remember that some big brands like Heinz and Green Giant produce does have organic varieties. So if there is a coupon (for example) for $1 off ANY Heinz ketchup – you can use it on the organic variety!

Coupon Websites

The ones I use are:
                   http://www.coupons.com/
                   http://www.redplum.com/
                   http://www.smartsource.com/
                   http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/ (you may see cascadian farms or Muir Glen here)
                   http://www.mambosprouts.com/
                   http://www.healthesavers.com/HealthESavers/Coupons.aspx
                   http://www.target.com/ ** can only be used at Target
                   http://www.wholefoods.com/   ** can only be used at Whole Foods

Manufacturer Websites

So many manufacturers now offer organic coupons right on their website and facebook pages. Most will make you sign up with an email address. So set up a separate email for just coupons. Often they will email you when new coupons are available or send you a coupon via email.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

                  http://www.stoneyfield.com/
                  http://www.horizondairy.com/
                  http://www.organicvalley.com/
                  http://www.browncowfarms.com/

If you like a certain brand, check out their website!

Use Bloggers Lists as a resource!
Jennifer at Healthy Life Deals keeps a comprehensive list of coupons/manufacturers being offered HERE
Also, Janet at Your Green Helper does a bi-weekly list of printables available HERE!
I usually update you on new printable coupons that are worth your time as well:)

Find Coupons on a Forum

My favorite forum for organics is Organic Grocery Deals. You join for free and they have a coupon resource section of the forum where it tells you what coupons are out there and how to get them. They also have a coupon database to search if you are looking for a specific brand. Most forums have things like “Coupon Trains”, Coupon Trades, and RAOK (random acts of kindness) where you can score some coupons that others don’t want.

Coupon Clipping Sites

Check out a coupon clipping site – you can search by keywords like “organic” or “natural” to see if there are any coupons available to order. This is how you can get a lot of coupons for items that you want to stock up on:) There are so many. The ones I have had personal experience with are:

                              http://www.thecouponclippers.com/
                              http://www.thecouponmaster.com/
                              http://www.couponcarryout.com/
                              http://www.collectablecoupons.com/

Coupon Booklets in Health Food Stores

Sometimes you will find them lurking in the free booklets/pamphlets that you usually walk right by!

Recycle Bank Website

Recycle Bank is a site that provides you with “points” for doing various activities. Some are for watching information on recycling programs at various businesses, some are for playing recycling games, trading in used electronics, recycling in your neighborhood. I have amassed 215 points with doing nothing other than signing up, reading info and playing a couple recycling games. There are some valuable food coupons from Kashi, Naked Juice, Earthbound Farms, etc. They are usually high dollar and some you can even print out immediately! They currently have a $2 off of ANY Kashi item for 50 points! That will score you free cereal with a great sale (like last weeks $2 for Heart to Heart sale at Giant!). You can sign up for Recycle Bank and get your sign up points HERE

Peelies!!!

Just keep your eyes peeled for the coupons stuck to the products! How much easier can they make it for you???? A couple weeks ago I was at Wegmans and they had $1/1 peelies on the Natures Path Organic Oatmeals and Toaster Pastries! I used that opportunity to stock up on those items!

Ask for them!!!

Want to try organics but afraid of the cost commitment, does a manufacturer have a new product out you want to try, or just can never find coupons for the items you buy? Send an email to the manufacturer. Ask for coupons. You can also include a (thoughtful) note about what you love about the product or if you had a good/bad experience. Some manufacturers will send you coupons for taking the time to write. It’s not a guarantee but worth a shot!

Good luck all with your hunt for organic coupons. They are so much easier to find now than 5 years ago trust me:)

Categories: Couponing Basics, Coupons, Green Living, Organic, Saving Money | Leave a Comment »

Feb 12 2011

Money Saving Tip of the Day: Buy One Get One Free deals with coupons!

by admin

Did you know that you can stack coupons with a stores Buy 1 Get 1 Free deals to save even more? Or if you use a coupon that is Buy 1 Get 1 Free, you can sometimes use another $ off coupon for the one you have to pay for?

This is a tactic that I have used a lot of times to get free or seriously cheap products. On my shopping trip with WMFZ’s Wendy Davis, I bought Tyson Grilled Strips on a Buy 1 Get 1 Free Sale. They were $9.99 a bag regularly. I also used 2 - $1 off of 1 Tyson Strips or Filet coupons. So I got 2 bags for $8 – that’s a $12 savings! Since the store dictated the Buy 1 Get 1, most stores will allow you to use 2 coupons because technically you are purchasing 2 items. Some stores may let you use only 1 coupon in that sitution, but even so – it’s still extra $ off for the one coupon you used. Be sure to ask your customer service or cashier what their policy is.

Also, when you find a coupon that is Buy 1 Get 1 Free, some stores will allow you to use another coupon like a $2 off 1 or $1 off 1 because you are buying 1 at full price. The coupon is taking money off of the one item you are paying full price for. You will not be able to use a coupon that includes the free item like a $1 off 2 unless you are purchasing 2 at full price. Of course policies vary from store to store, so you want to ask your store if this would be allowed.

Categories: Couponing Basics, Saving Money, Tip of the Day | Leave a Comment »

Feb 8 2011

Saving Money Tip of the day – Using Target Coupons to get extra $$$ off!!!

by admin

Did you know that you can “stack” coupons at Target???

Stacking a coupon is when you use a coupon that is a Store Coupon (issued by that particular store) with a manufacturer coupon to take additional money off that item. Essentially you can use 2 coupons for the same item.

Store Coupons are designated on the top of the coupon – It will say TARGET COUPON or TARGET WEB COUPON . As long as it says Target you can use it with a manufacturer coupon for the same item.

Here is an example of a “Stack” situation at Target (Thanks Totally Target). Note this deal may be regional with the free Maalox.

Prevacid 24 hour 14 count is $9.99 on sale

There is a $5 off coupon in the Target Pharmacy Booklet (it’s marked “Target Coupon”)
There is a $4 off Manufacturer Coupon HERE (this is a printable coupon link)

** If the Maalox deal is for our area- you can get a free Maalox – so both Prevacid and Maalox for $.99!

You would give both coupons to the cashier. The item would then be $.99!!!! Wow. That is 90% savings. I have gotten A LOT of free or seriously cheap items at Target this way.

Here is a copy of the Target Coupon Policy where it states that. Around the holidays I would slip it in my purse because the seasonal people would always question it.
This is the basic Guideline right from Target.com. You can view and print to take with you HERE (this has the full version)

Target Stores Coupon Policy

Coupons are a great way to save even more when shopping with us, and it’s easy to use them at our stores.

• Target accepts one manufacturer coupon and one Target coupon for the same item (unless prohibited)

• Super Target coupons can be used in any Target store if the store carries the item

• We gladly accept valid Internet coupons

Also, Target isn’t the only store that allows “stacks”. I’ll go into some of them on future “Tips of the Day”

Categories: Couponing Basics, Target, Tip of the Day | Leave a Comment »

Feb 5 2011

So how do you save $$ on those last minute shopping trips?

by admin

Not my actual trip! Just used to make the post visually appealing:)

I woke up this morning and decided for Little Man’s birthday party tonight (if it should happen) I wanted to bake my mom’s famous chocolate cake. After calling her to get the recipe, I realized that I used the last of the baking cocoa a month or so again. Blah. I also realized that I used the last of my homemade butter and the baking soda as well…I even managed to bake so much this week I kicked the whole bag of organic sugar I bought on my Channel 69 shopping trip! We also needed potato chips for our guests!

Last minute trips like these I despise because I know I’m going to pay full price for the groceries! I thought I would share with you how I managed to still save a couple bucks on this mornings trip.

1. I made a list (that way I didn’t get distracted and forget)

2. I quickly went to a coupon database (Today I used We Use Coupons because it was non-organic items)

3. Found 2 printable coupons in about 1 minute and printed them out. Found a coupon for Domino’s sugar and Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.

4. Grabbed my list headed out the door. Had to scrape my entire truck off. Almost busted my butt getting to the truck. Got stuck in my driveway. Got stuck in our alley way. Hit a small snowbank going backwards when I was trying to go forward. Got to the Weis’ to realize that I forgot my wallet. Turned around and did it all over again (in reverse)…

*** Hopefully you all can skip step 4:)

5. When I arrived at Weis (for the second time, I got the items I had coupons for. The coupons saved me $1.60 with doubles. I found generic baking cocoa for $.69 less than the brand name. I also found the Weis Brand Chips (On Sale) for $2 a bag. Did you know they are made for Weis by UTZ? I saved $1.79 off of the full price brand. I bought the Weis Brand Butter for $2.99 – the full price for name brand was around $4 so I saved $1 there. It’s possible to save $ with or without coupons – even on last minute shopping trips!

Total saved $5.08…. Now I can use the savings to go buy some rock salt so I can get back into my house!

Categories: Couponing Basics, Grocery Deals, Saving Money, Weis | Leave a Comment »

Feb 1 2011

Check out this shopping trip at Giant today…..and a surprise!

by admin

Here is my score today at Giant… before Bonus Buy Savings, Instant Savings, and Coupons it came to over $120….I got:

2 Tyson Grilled Chicken Breasts family packs
2 packs 2% Cheese singles
Organic Baby Carrots
Organic Apples
4 Kiwi’s
Organic Whole Milk
1/2 Gallon Soy Milk
2 Ritz Chips
2 packs Al Fresco sausages (natural)
2 International Delight coffees
6 pack Pediasure
Pickles
2 Kraft Shredded Cheese
A1 Steak Sauce
2 Oscar Meyer Carved Lunchmeat
4 pack Stoneyfield Yogurts
Bread
4 boxes of Lipton Recipe Secrets (great for the crockpot!)
3 packs Knorr pasta sides
Organic sugar
2 boxes Green Giant Veggies
2 pack of Ball Park Hotdogs
Land O Lakes Eggs…

So how much did all this cost me???

The total before savings: $125.63
Bonus Card Savings:         $28.74
Extra Rewards Savings:      $9.00
Manufacturers Coupons    $27.10
Doubled Coupons               $2.25

Total Saved at checkout: $67.09!
Total Paid $58.54

*** I recieved 200 Giant Bonus Points or .20 a gallon off (worth about $5 for our gas tank)
*** I also can submit the Try Me Free Rebate for Pediasure in the Sunday Paper Inserts worth $9.59
*** When I got home, there was a coupon that printed out for $1 off my next order I wasn’t expecting…

So with the indirect discounts the total came to $ 42.95!

I used 24 coupons. Of those, 16 were printables found at the various coupon websites like Coupons.com, Red Plum, Smart Source etc.

I used coupon matchups using a coupon database and also printed a list with coupon matchups from For the Mommas who is a blogger who provides matchups for Giant. Please remember the following when you watch the segment….

1. Yes I am a big dork – no amount of editing will cover that up. I am always flying my freak flag.
2. Yes I do get excited about couponing – Refer also to #1
3. Please remember to deduct the 50 lbs that HDTV adds on:)
4. Also remember that I did my own makeup and hair and wardrobe. Be glad I actually wore something other than Aeropostale sweatpants.
5. Please take into consideration when seeing the dark circles under my eyes that I have a two year old that hasn’t slept through the night in 2 years – that is 730 days of sleep deprivation. No amount of MAC NC20 concealer is going to cover that up.
6. The store was filled with the milk and bread people. Despite it being crazy busy there, it was still strange yet fun to be followed around Giant with a camera:)
7. Wendy Davis is really cool and very sweet and I had a really great time!

P.S Thanks to my dad and Step-mom for elder and baby sitting so this was possible!!

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