When should I buy coupons?

Guest Post by Emily @ Cuttin' Corners:

"Have you ever read about an incredible upcoming deal only to be severely disappointed when you realize that coupon is not in your binder? Or perhaps you've just started couponing and your stash is not quite as large as you'd like. Utilizing a clipping service is a great way to resolve this issue. In the event that there are moneymaking scenarios, freebies, or products that are at their rock-bottom prices and I do not have an adequate amount of coupons, I turn to a clipping service."

Keep in mind the following pointers when using clipping services.

• Begin reading about upcoming sales as early as possible. The earlier you can order, the more likely you are to get in on the deal.
• If you are using eBay, sort your search results for the "Buy It Now" items. This cuts down on bidding time and ensure that your coupons get in the mail in a decent amount of time.
• There are lots of great coupons available on eBay; however, be aware that some people's prices are way too high (see next bullet).
• Consider how much you are saving. Aim to pay about 10% of the coupons value. For example, if I need a $4/1 coupon, I expect to pay about $0.40 (sometimes less).
• NEVER buy Internet printable coupons. You don't have a way of knowing if these are photocopied.
• Read for important information such as expiration dates and whether or not the coupon allows doubling.
• Order a reasonable amount to hold you over but don't go crazy. Recognize the difference between greed and need.

Clipping Services

eBay

The Q Hunter

The Coupon Master

The Coupon Clippers 

Coupons &Things by Dede

WeClipUSave

Emily is a proud wife and stay-at-home mommy who has been couponing for nearly five years. She is the creator of Cuttin' Corners and loves to share her passion for saving money while teaching coupon workshops in the evenings. 

Self Sufficiency Classes

Cristy Anderson of Aerybeth Designs has begun a series of Self Sufficiency classes. We were thankful to be the 1st of the series with our coupon class! Next month, she will have Valerie Clearman teaching how to make your own laundry detergent, dish detergent, and some bath moisturizers.
The class is on Tuesday, July 5th, at 6:00 pm at Corner Bakery. The cost to attend is $10 and can be paid at the door. To sign-up for the class, contact Cristy here.

Food for Thought Sundays-Coupon Barcodes

Today's Food for Thought is how to read a coupon code to make it easier when coupons have alot of restrictions on them.  

As always, this is information to help you be a better couponer, not to abuse the system as we've seen on the infamous Extreme Couponing show. 

I got this picture from reader Lauren, with the question "Is this a store coupon or a manufacturer coupon?"

 Well, after some research it is a .50 off Procter and Gamble manufacturer coupon that can be doubled if the store allows.

Here's the information I had to determine that-I also looked at other coupons to compare them.

 

• The first number on most manufacturer coupons is a 5 or a 9. This number is only significant because when read, it tells the system whether or not that coupon can be doubled. Coupons beginning with a 5 may be doubled, while those that begin with a 9 will not. Other than that, there is no real purpose for this number other than to identify the barcode as a coupon.
• The next 5 digits are what is known as the Manufacturer Code. This code identifies the company which manufacturers the item shown on the coupon. Each manufacturer has its own set 5 digit number.
• The next 3 numbers is the family code. Manufacturers make several different lines (or families) of products. These three numbers identify into which category the product falls. 
• The next 2 numbers are called the value code. These numbers describe the value of the coupon. 
• The last number is the Check Digit Code, scanners use the Check Digit to ensure that the numbers it has read are the correct numbers.  

 I hope this information helps you when trying to determine if you can stack coupons, if the coupon can be doubled, and how to use coupons in the right way. 

Thanks, Lauren for the question! If you have a question that you think would make a good post, please email thesavinglife@gmail.com, we'd love to hear from you!