Coupon Q and A

How can you get copies of coupon inserts without buying several copies of the Sunday paper?

I get mine from my mom, who doesn't use hers.  Ask away - friends, family, neighbors.  Do you have a recycle bin at work, or a communal one in your HOA clubhouse? Check those - people often toss the paper in the paper recycle bins! Honestly, though, the coupons on coupons.com are generally better than those in the paper. Once in a while, there will be an awesome one in the paper, but for the most part, the printable are just as good, if not better. A lot of times, the Sunday paper coupon will be good off of 2-3 items whereas the printable will be good off of 1. The paper is still worth it to me, but if you really don't want to pay for it, you can get by just printing.

What are the best websites to check for coupon matchups?

I started with krazycouponlady.com. She has a ton of good information and links to many of the major stores. For Target, I love www.totallytarget.com.

How do I find more coupons?

You can print them online, from coupons.com. Most of the blogs have a coupon database, showing which coupons are available from mainstream sources. You can also sign up for the free sample websites, such as bzzagent.com or freeflys.com. They often come with really good coupons not otherwise available. Facebook has tons of offers. I usually find those on the blogs. One of my favorites is the buy one get one free Coffeemate coupon. It's run on facebook every few months.

Is the Sunday paper worth getting for the coupons? Should I get the circulars?

Yes, for me. Even if you print coupons online, you can get multiple copies by having the insert ones as well. I can always find enough coupons to offset the cost of just the Sunday paper. You can get by without it, but it's not something I would give up. The ads aren't as important to me, as the coupons. I can find the ads and deals online and often I do only that. I hardly ever open my Target ad, unless there is a coupon in it!

How do I find out if my store accepts double coupons? How do I double a coupon?

You can check your stores coupon policy online, to find out if they double coupons. If it's not available online, you should be able to ask at the service desk. My local grocery stores double coupons, up to $.99, automatically. They even double coupons that say "do not double".

How much time do you spend doing matchups?

The matchups aren't usually what take up the most time. It's the cutting and organizing of the coupons. Once I'm organized, which can take anywhere from 2-3 hours, I can buzz through the blogs and matchups in an hour or so. I cut and organize my coupons on Sunday nights, while watching tv, so I'm ready to go Monday morning.

What's the easiest and most efficient way to do coupon matchups?

I recommend finding a favorite blog or two and sticking with it. Consider Frugal Mamas to be sort of an accent to your favorites - if there is a really good coupon deal, It does take a lot of time, in the beginning, to get into a groove that works. I also recommend picking a store or two and just doing the deals there. Personally, I know drug stores have great deals, I just don't have the time to add another store to my list and I can't cook dinner with what I purchase at a drug store. I stick with Target and my local grocery stores. They have everything I need, and more.

Feel free to comment with anymore questions you might have!