No Inserts This Weekend!

There will be NO coupons in this weekend’s newspaper! This will give you time to organize what you do have. I know I have several coupons expiring, and need to go through to make sure I don’t let any good ones go to waste!  Bag the expired coupons up and get them to either Stacy Gooden or Myself and we will help you donate them to the military overseas.

You’ll also want to take the time to print any of the printable coupons you have NOT yet printed from Coupons.com, Redplum & Smartsource before they reset or disappear.


I hope everyone has a wonderful LONG weekend and come Tuesday morning…ORGANIZED Coupons!!

**NEW** Walmart Ad Match/Coupon Policy

This is the official policy given to the stores.  They do not have anything that tells about the doubling, but it is pretty cut and dry.  They will double any Manufacturer's Coupons up to $.99.  Competitor's coupons are accepted, but only at "face value".  The picture is of a high enough quality that it should print well enough to read.  This even explains how the cashier's are to ring up the coupons.  The "X'd" out part is not how they properly ring up Competitor's Coupons for $ off.  They take that amount off of the actual price of the product, then you can use a Manufacturer's Coupon as well.  Hence, you can stack a Store Q & a Man. Q now!  I hope this helps everyone to understand the policy a little more.

Walmart is going to Double Coupons!!!!

**UPDATE**  I just saw with my very own eyes the new policy!!!  It does exist and it is going to be better than we expected.  They are basically minimizing their limitations.


I just got off the phone with the Vienna, WV store.  They house our regional Walmart headquarters for our regional stores.  They have verified some of the information that we have been given and also gave me a new bit of info that is just icing on the cake.  Here it is:

• They will be doubling coupons up to and including $.99 (Manufacturer's Coupons Only)
• You need to make sure to watch and pay attention.  You have to hand the coupon to the cashier when they scan that item because they have to monitor and manually double the coupon.  It is still in test phase so we need to be patient.
• All the fun begins this Saturday, July 30th
• It is just a regional test run.  We don't know how long it will last or if it will change.

and for the new bit of info!!!

• They will now accept other's "store" coupons.  Yes, that includes Target Printable Coupons!!!  It just has to be scanable.  This includes BOGO coupons and Sale price coupons.
• They will most likely be allowing stacking.  I say most likely because they don't have it either way in the new policy.  We will have to play that one by ear.

This information was first given by the office of the Walmart Regional Manager and tonight I was able to see the policy first hand.  I will do my best to locate the policy as soon as possible.  I have also been told to call the Manager, when he gets back from his vacation, to possible get my hands on a copy of the policy.  It is very well set up, just like their other policy is laid out.  Very easy to read.  Keep checking back for more info.

CVS: Load Coupon To Card or Print

Make sure to check your email for a link similar to the one above.  When CVS sends your special dollar off coupons, you can now either print them off at home (as usual) or you can just have it sent directly to your card.   You just have your card scanned and the discount will be applied to your purchase.   I love that I don’t have to remember to print that off and can just now have it with me when I shop — yeah CVS!!

New Coupon Barcode – DataBar Coupon Code

New DataBar Coupon Barcodes

Many of you may have noticed that some of the coupons, specifically the Pop Tarts printable coupon, are only printing with 1 long barcode.  There is nothing wrong with this coupon.  This is the start of the new DataBar Coupon Barcodes.

The long Databar Coupon Barcodes have been on coupons for a while long along with the old, shorter UPC Codes.  They have done this to transition over to the new longer Databar Coupon Barcode.  Here are some things you should know about the new DataBar Coupon Barcodes

Why the new DataBar Coupon Codes?

Contrary to popular belief, this has nothing to do with the Extreme Couponing show.  This is has been in the works for at least a couple of years as they transition from one to the other.  Here are some of the reasons for the new code:

The DataBar Coupon is capable of encoding an extremely large amount of information.  Some of the additional information included will be expiration dates, product specifics such as size, weight and quantity required.  Buy including this information it will reduce the misuse of coupons.

Also, companies have the flexibility to make the coupon value any dollar amount.

How it will effect your Checkout

Once all POS systems are updated to accept the new DataBar Code, ceckout should be faster and more accurate for the retailer since the coupon can only be used for the product it is intended to be used for.  There should be less cashier intervention necessary.

Companies have the option of leaving both of the barcodes on the coupons so you may continue to see some coupons with both barcodes as well as some with only the long new DataBar Code.

Retailers have had about 6 months to update their registers to accept the new barcode.  Most of the major retailers have already updated their systems however some of the regional stores may not have done so yet.  So, if the barcode does not scan, in most cases, the stores registers are not updated yet.  To use the coupon, they simply have to enter in the barcode.  Hopefully, most retailers will have made the changes or are, at the very least, aware of the changes, and will know to input the code.

Props to Living Rich With Coupons for this info!

Cutting costs at the grocery store often involves stockpiling coupons, planning menus, giving back

Here is a great article from the NY Daily News on how to "Non-Extreme Coupon". 

I think it hits on some great pointers.  Happy reading!

The New DataBar Barcode Appearing on Coupons!

Have you noticed a change in coupon barcodes? Manufacturers have begun removing the 12 digit barcode (seen on the left hand side of the coupon) and are only using the longer barcode, called a DataBar barcode which you will find on the right hand side of your coupon.

And most stores have already started to update their POS system to be compatible with these new barcodes.

Why the switch?

The old 12 digit barcode looks more like a UPC and is intended to link directly to a product. We all know there are more than a few products in the store, so manufacturers have had a huge challenge to make a coupon for a specific product.

For instance, a shopper may be able to use a coupon that is intended for a 4-pack of yogurt for single yogurt cups with no “beepage”. Because the bar code cannot be linked directly to the 4-packk yogurts, but rather the company who makes the yogurt, the coupon scans fine at the register.

Manufacturers have a problem at this point because coupons are being used outside of their intention. Also, some shoppers and stores have the motto that they don’t read the wording on the coupon – if it scans, it must be legit. (I am in no way suggesting to you that this is acceptable coupon usage!)

The Solution

The DataBar barcode contains much more information than a UPC code does. For example, it accommodates longer manufacturer identification numbers, which check to see if you purchased the correct item. Also, since there is minimal human readable text, this means the end of barcode decoding!

Retailers that utilize DataBar will experience automatic expiration date checking, reduced cashier intervention and improved scan rates. This means your checkout experience should be much less painful and will be faster.

Of course, in order for these coupons to scan, the retailer would need to update their POS system to accommodate the new barcode. Most major retailers like Target and Walgreens already support DataBar barcodes, with other retailers soon to come.

CVS Coupon Policy

CVS does not have a written Coupon Policy.  This information is more like a guideline and can be changed at any time.  The manager has the right to limit quantities and CVS reserves the right to change the policy at any time.

·      

T            *   The registers are set to allow 1 CVS coupon and 1 Manufacturer’s coupon per item.

·          *    Free coupons or “offers at the register” (OAR’s) are unearned and issued to you as a valued member of     the CVS/pharmacy ExtraCare Program.  These coupons take the form of “open ended” coupons such as $3 off $15 or a certain dollar amount off a specific item.  In any given transaction our registers will allow only one “open ended” coupon per transaction.

·         *    CVS Extra Buck coupons are earned when you make a qualifying purchase.  These print out instantly at the register upon reaching the threshold for the offer.  You can use more than one Extra Buck coupon provided the purchase threshold has been met for each offer amount on a per-transaction basis.

·         In the case where a particular item in on sale for “buy one get one free” (BOGO), you are only allowed to use one manufacturer’s BOGO coupon.  For instance, if Revlon lipstick is on sale BOGO, you can use one manufacturer’s BOGO coupon.  You would get both items for free and pay any applicable sales tax.

·         

             *    We reserve the right to limit quantities.

·         

             *   If our store is running a sale for BOGO, you can use two manufacturer’s coupons for a specific dollar amount off.  For example, if Revlon lipstick is on sale at our store for BOGO, you can use two $1 off Revlon lipstick manufacturer’s coupon.

·         

             *     CVS/pharmacy does accept manufacturer’s coupons that have been obtained from manufacturer sponsored and/or authorized Web sites.  The coupon should be complete and contain a bar code that can be scanned at the register.  If the coupon does not scan, the cashier should politely inform you that we cannot accept the coupon.  We do not allow manual overrides at the register for coupons printed from the internet.

·         

             *    CVS/pharmacy will not accept offers printed from unauthorized Internet postings or reproductions, copies, or facsimiles.

·         

             *   We do not accept competitor’s coupons for front store items.  We feel that our sales and ExtraCare program are comparable if not better that any sales or coupons offered by our competitors.

* 

·         *    We also do not accept expired coupons, CVS or otherwise.

       

       *  We do not “double” or “triple” coupons.

2011 Sunday Coupon Insert Schedule

2011 Sunday Coupon Insert Schedule (Smartsource Coupon Preview 2011, Redplum Coupon Preview 2011, Proctor & Gamble Coupon Preview 2011, General Mills Coupon Preview 2011)

January
2— (2) Smart Source (2) Red Plum and General Mill
9— Smart Source and Red Plum
16 — Proctor & Gamble
23 — Smart Source and Red Plum
30 — Smart Source and Red Plum

February

6 — Smart Source
13 — No Inserts scheduled (Valentine’s Day)
20 — Smart Source, General Mills and Procter & Gamble
27 — Smart Source and Red Plum

March
6— Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smart Source and Red Plum
20 — Smart Source and Red Plum
27 — (2) Smart Source, Red Plum

April
3— Smart Source and Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
10 — Smart Source and Red Plum
17 — Smart Source and Red Plum
24 — No Inserts scheduled

May
1 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
8— Smart Source and Red Plum
15 — (2) Smart Source and Red Plum
22 — Smart Source and Red Plum
29 — No Inserts scheduled (Memorial Day)

June

5 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
12 — Smart Source
19 — Smart Source and Red Plum
26 — Smart Source and Red Plum

July
3 — No Inserts scheduled (Independence Day)
10 — Smart Source and Red Plum
17 — Smart Source
24 — Smart Source and Red Plum
31 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble

August
7 — Smart Source and Red Plum
14 — Smart Source and Red Plum
21 — Smart Source and Red Plum
28 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble

September
4 — No Inserts scheduled (Labor Day)
11 — Smart Source and (2) Red Plum
18 — Smart Source and Red Plum
25 — Smart Source and Red Plum

October
2 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
9 — Smart Source and Red Plum
16 — Smart Source and Red Plum
23 — Smart Source and Red Plum
30 — Smart Source and Red Plum

November
6 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
13 — Smart Source and Red Plum
20 — Smart Source and Red Plum
27 — No Inserts scheduled (Thanksgiving)

December
4 — Smart Source, Red Plum and Procter & Gamble
11 — Smart Source and Red Plum
18 — No Inserts scheduled (Christmas)
25 — Procter & Gamble

Target Updated Corporate Coupon Policy

Target has released a new updated Target Corporate Coupon Policy. Be sure to print a copy and keep it with your coupons. Most of the changes have to do with BOGO Free coupons and sales. Here are the updated policies regarding those:

1. BOGO coupons cannot be combined (i.e. you cannot use two BOGO coupons on two items and get both for free). Unless stated otherwise on the coupon, the use of one Buy One Get One Free coupon requires that two of the valid items are presented at checkout of which one item will be charged to the guest and the 2nd item will be discounted by its full retail price.

2. A second cents-off coupon of the same type cannot be redeemed towards the purchase price of the first item.
This means they are now prohibiting in writing the use of a $ Off manufacturer’s coupon on the non free item when using a manufacturer’s B1G1 coupon.

3. If a Target BOGO coupon is used, one additional manufacturer coupon maybe used on the first item.
You can no longer use 2 manufacturer’s coupons against a Target B1G1 Store Coupon. So in other words if you have a B1G1 Free Pantene Target Coupon, you may only use one $1/1 Pantene Manufacturer Coupon, you can no longer use 2 manufacturer’s coupons against both items.

4. If a Manufacturer BOGO coupon is used, one additional Target coupon may be used on the first item.
You can no longer use 2 Target Coupons against a Manufacturer’s B1G1 Coupon. So in other words if you have a B1G1 Old Spice Body Wash Manufacturer’s Coupon, you can no longer use two $1/1 Old Spice Body Wash Target Store Coupons along with it. you may only use 1 store coupon.

Change coming for Coupon “buying”?

Check here for an interesting article on some changes that are coming.  I personally will not be affected in my couponing practice, but I know some others who will find this a difficult change.

READ YOUR COUPONS FINE PRINT

I recently went to Magic Mart with (6) $1/2 Xtra coupons in hand.  I had it in my mind that I was just buying 12 of the Xtra and using 6 coupons.  Seemed like a simple transaction.  (BTW, they had them on sale for $1.98).  I quickly realized that the coupon said "1 per transaction" in the fine print.  With that said, I had to ask that it was ok to run 6 separate transactions to accomplish my goal.  I didn't tie up the lines, because the manager offered to check me out at Customer Service.  Long story short take note of the following:

READ YOUR COUPONS FINE PRINT!

If it says 1 per transaction, you can only use 1 per transaction! If it says 4 like coupons per transaction you can only use 4. If you think your "getting one over" on someone by COMMITING COUPON FRAUD, your only hurting yourself and the rest of us. REGARDLESS what you see on that uneducational show Extreme Couponing, DO NOT follow their practices!

 By asking for permission from the Manager, he now respects me and was very friendly.  I approached him with a sweet smile and was willing to accept the answer "No" if that is what he said.  I would have just come back the next day and done another one or had gone to Walmart with their ad in hand and price matched them.  Please play by the rules!

How to Find Coupons

I am often asked where I find my coupons?  One great resource is on/in packages!  I love when manufacturer’s reward us with a coupon either on (a peelie) or inside a package.


There are a variety of sources for collecting coupons, always be sure to check our free coupon database too!

1. Sunday Coupon Inserts – Check out the Charleston Gazette OR Herald Dispatch to set up a delivery
2. All You Magazine – We have a deal where you can buy it for only $.83 an issue!
3. Digital Coupons – Some stores allow you to load coupons to your shoppers card.
4. Coupon Clippers – A great resource for purchasing hot coupons or multiple copies used to stockpile
5. Trading – One of the best resources is your friends and family! Ask them to share with you after they clip. Or organize a coupon swap. We also have a Coupon Trading Page here on the blog!
6. Collect Coupons at the Store
7. Print them online – another great resource and way to obtain additional copies of the coupons from the Sunday paper insert is to print online.
8. Contact companies – if there is a brand you love try contacting the company and they may send you a coupon! Also check their websites and see if they have any online.

Coupon Trading

This is going to be something that is on the HONOR system and something we are not going to moderate.  So it is up to you to follow through with your trade with each other.  It is important when you trade that you mail your coupons quickly so that the person looking for the coupon can receive it quickly.

1)  Feel free to trade OR giveaway manufacturer coupons, tear pads, rebates, store coupons, store coupons or restaurant coupons.  There will be NO trading of Internet Printable Coupons.

2)  If you are simply giving away coupons for free you can request that the receiver sends you a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that you don’t have to pay for the postage.

3)  Do not type out your email address as one word when you trade with each other.  For example, if your email address is couponsarecool@fuse.net do not type out your email address in full.  Instead, type it like couponsarecool (at) fuse (dot) net. By typing it this way you will not get spam from robots that scan websites.

4)  Do not type out your mailing address on the blog.  Once you have worked out a trade, email the person you are trading with and exchange your mailing address via email.  This is for your privacy.

5) To make a trade, offer a giveaway or if you are looking for a coupon, simply make a comment with the quantity and description (include expiration date).

6)  To respond to a request respond directly to the original comment.  Exchange email addresses and then exchange address through the email.

7)  Once a trade or giveaway is taken, please leave a comment under the comment that it is complete.
This is something we are going to try and see how it goes.  The most important part is to have FUN and be FAIR.

Organize a Coupon Swap

If you are purchasing several papers a week you will find that you end up with many “extra” coupons.  One of the best sources  I find for finding coupons is through “swapping”.  you could get together once a week and simply swap coupons.  It is nice because you can find coupons that were “leftover” from each other and put them to use. you can also create a swap with our local library in your community that meets, maybe twice a month.
It is simple to start a swap.

1. Start a swap at work.  For those interested place your leftover coupons into a rubber maid container with lid and then everyone can pass the container back and forth or place in your break room.
2. Form a lunch bunch swap and enjoy a sack lunch together while you swap.
3. Form a coupon swap with members of your MOMS Club, MOPS, Homemakers or PTSO.
4. Swap with the Moms at your children’s school, ask if you can swap in an extra room of the cafeteria after drop off or before pick up.
5. Another idea is to email a group of friends and see who would  be interested in participating and how often.

Swapping is great because for example I personally don’t use all the coupons in an insert, however those might be in “high demand” for many of my friends.  If you form a group with a diverse group that will make swapping even more profitable!

Just a reminder never throw away an expired coupon.  You can read about donating expired coupons.
Hope these tips help you organize a coupon swap!  It only takes 2 people to start one!

Donating Your Expired Coupons

DON'T THROW THOSE EXPIRED COUPONS AWAY!!!

aS A HUGE GROUP, WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE A LARGE IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY AND IN THE WORLD.  wITH THIS SAID, WE ARE SENDING ALL EXPIRED COUPONS OVER SEAS TO A MILITARY BASE, AS THEY CAN USE THE COUPONS 6 MONTHS PAST THEIR EXPIRATION DATE.  pLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH ME, mELISSA OXLEY OR sTACY GOODEN TO DROP OFF/MAIL THOSE COUPONS.  wE SEND ON A MONTHLY (SOMETIMES BI-MONTHLY) BASIS TO THE MILITARY BASE THAT WE HAVE ADOPTED.  PLEASE HELP US TO DO OUR PART TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.

Coupon Clippers

Another resource for collecting coupons is available through purchase from a coupon clipping service.  Instead of purchasing multiple papers for only 1 or 2 hot coupons that you want in large quantities you can order those coupons through a coupon clipping service.  When you purchase from a coupon clipping service you are not paying for the coupon but for the time clipping it.  You should never pay face value (or more) for a coupon.  We prefer coupon clippers instead of Ebay.
We are affiliates with all of these coupon clippers therefore when you purchase through our site you are supporting us. We personally use all 8 of these clippers and they are reliable and legitimate.  You are receiving manufacturer coupons from the Sunday inserts.




The Q Hunter is located in Ohio – Sells only Whole Coupon Inserts and Coupon Related Accessories




Coupon Dede is located in Texas – Sells Whole Inserts and Clipped Coupons



Kuntry Klippers are located in Ohio – Sells Clipped Coupons


The Coupon Carry-Out is located in Ohio – Sells Clipped Coupons




The Coupon Clippers is located in Florida – Sells Clipped Coupons




Manufacturers Coupons is located in Washington – Sells Clipped Coupons




Coupon Beat is located in Lebanon, TN – - Sells Clipped Coupons and Whole Inserts




Bliss Coupons is located in OH -  Sells Clipped Coupons

Digital Coupons

Some stores accept digital coupons that you load to your shoppers loyalty card.  These coupons typically do not double, if your store doubles coupons.  Sometimes these coupons do stack though.  Digital coupons can be a great way to take your savings to the next level!  Always check with you store coupon policy to see if they accept digital coupons and if they stack.

Additional Resources that we are not affiliates with are:
P&Gesaver.com
Kroger.com
Shortcuts.com
Target.com/mobile – Or go to m.target.com or text “COUPONS” to 827438 and you will receive a monthly message with exclusive deals. The cashier scans the bar code right on the phone.

All You Magazine Deal

“All You provides value-minded women with practical, affordable, no-nonsense ideas for your everyday life with budget-friendly recipes, health information, and fashion, beauty and home ideas that won’t break the bank.”
This is the best deal out there. For just $1.66 an issue you can save big and read great articles, frugal tips and more!  This subscription deal could actually pay for itself in one issue! I know you may not use every coupon in the issue but you could and pay for your magazine. We actually have 2 subscriptions, to take advantage of BOGO sales.
This would make a great addition to your coupon resource for yourself and for gift giving too!

Collecting coupons, at the store?

A source for collecting coupons that I want to mention is one that is often overlooked.  A great resource for collecting coupons is at the grocery store!  When shopping keep your eyes peeled for blinkies, hang tags and tear pads.  These coupons are provided by the manufacturer and you can always find them!  I love when I find these on a product as a surprise as i am buying them in a deal already.  One thing I want to mention is that you can collect them while shopping to strategically use later when an item is on sale at rock bottom!  I never take more than my fair share (meaning I don’t take more than 4 of any given coupon) or all that are available if there are only 2 I would take 1.  it is the polite thing to do.