Aug 13, 201208:57 AMThrifty Mom
Let's be Thrifty Together
The great search for coupons
Your Sunday paper isn’t the only source for coupons. Some of the best coupons and rebates can be found online.
I’m not saying you should stop getting the Sunday paper—those Red Plums and SmartSources still are valuable commodities in the couponing world.
But I suggest supplementing your weekly coupon collection by being a regular at a few coupon websites.
Before I give you the specific sites, here are a few rules and tips that every smart couponing mama should know:
- You will have to install a coupon printer application. It’s easy and takes just a few seconds to download and install. Coupon sites use this to keep track of printing limits. Note: I’ve never had any issues with these, so I’m pretty sure they are safe.
- You can print two of each coupon per computer. It doesn’t automatically print two of the coupon, so after you print it once, you’ll have to go back and print it again. There is no “rule” saying you can’t use more than one computer to print more than two coupons, although some coupon “purists” frown upon that. Personally, I stick to the two coupons, unless it’s a really good deal. Then, I use my second laptop to print some more.
- Most sites are pretty straightforward. You see a coupon you want, click the “clip” button then hit print.
Now for the sites.
- Coupons.com: This is the biggie. Right now, it’s telling me I have a possibility of $307.98 worth of savings. This site also offers sending coupons directly to your store card—unfortunately there aren’t many local options right now. Also, Coupons.com offers a membership service for $3 a month, along with a free 30-day trial. Through the Savings Club, you gain access to exclusive coupons, which can sometimes be high value and rare.
- RedPlum.com: Yep, just like the insert. While there are only a few dozen coupons on this site, you can often find one matching with a coupon you found in your Sunday paper. This is a good way to get multiples of a coupon you know you’ll use.
- SmartSource.com: Pretty much the same deal as RedPlum.com. You’re not going to find as many coupons on here as Coupons.com, but it’s still worth checking out.
- Target.com: If you are a Target lover, you’ll want to check out the coupon section of the store’s website on a weekly basis. Most of the coupons offered actually are store coupons, which means you can stack them on top of a manufacturer’s coupon. (Tell the difference by what is printed on the top of the coupon near the expiration date.)
- Manufacturer’s websites: If you are looking for a coupon for a specific item, try going to the manufacturer’s website. A lot of times they’ll offer coupons. If not, you can usually sign up for a mailing list that will tell you if new coupons are available. Also check out a manufacturer’s Facebook page. They do a lot of marketing tactics on Facebook these days, and they often include coupons.
- SavingStar.com: This site is a little different than the others. All the coupons are loaded on to your store card. After you buy the item, the store reports it to SavingStar.com, which then adds the money to your account. So it’s not instant savings. However, they are stackable, meaning you can use a manufacturer’s coupon in-store for instant savings and still get the SavingStar coupon savings in your account, too. After you reach $5 in your account, you can cash out via bank transaction, PayPal or Amazon gift card. Many of our local stores are available, including CVS, Rite Aid, GIANT Foods and Weis.
Those are the basics. I hope it helps.
This week’s deals:
CVS:
Gillette Fusion ProGlide or Venus Razor, one count
(Sale) Price: $9.99
Use $4 off one Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor from Aug. 12 RP
OR use $4 off one Venus refillable razor from Aug. 12 RP
Pay $5.99, receive $4 EB*
Final price: $1.99 (80 percent savings!)
Suave Invisible Antiperspirant, 1.4 oz.
(Sale) Price: $1
Use $0.50 off one Suave deodorant product from July 29 RP
Final price: $0.50 (50 percent savings!)
Starbucks Refreshers
(Sale) Price: Two for $3
Use two $1 off one Starbucks Refreshers found here
Final price: $1 or $0.50 each (67 percent savings!)
Note: If you have access to four computers, print eight of these coupons. Then activate the SavingStar coupon for $2 off $11 worth of Starbucks products at CVS. You’ll get eight drinks for $2, or only $0.25 each!
Here’s a Proctor & Gamble deal scenario for some mascara and hair color
CoverGirl Lashblast Mascara
(Sale) Price: $7.50
Buy two, spend $15
Use $5 off two CoverGirl LashBlast Mascaras from Aug. 12 RP
Clairol Nice ‘N Easy or Root Touch-Up hair color
(Sale) Price: $5.99
Buy two, spend $11.98
Use two $2 off one Clairol Nice ‘N Easy or Natural Instincts from Aug. 12 SS
Use $2 off any hair color $5.99 or more printing at the CVS Coupon Machine
Pay $15.98 OOP, receive $5 EB
Submit P&G rebate found here, receive $5 by mail
Final price: $5.98 or $1.50 each
Mead Five Star Four-Pocket Portfolio
(Sale) Price: $0.50
Buy two for $1
Use $1 off two Five Star products from Aug. 5 RP
Final price: FREE (100 percent savings!)
This next deal is available at several stores. I took advantage of it at Target, although read on for a possible moneymaker at Weis. If you stick with Target, I recommend checking your store’s stock before making the trip. Do this easily on Target’s website.
Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser starter kit
Price: $5.99
Use $5 off one Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser starter kit from Coupons.com
Final price: $0.99 (83 percent savings!)
Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist starter kit
Price: $2.99
Use $3 off one Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist starter kit from Coupons.com
Final price: FREE (100 percent savings)
WEIS:
Weis also carries the Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist starter kits, which they normally price at $3.99. You can still get them for free using the same deal above and by getting a $1 off your next order coupon that will print at the register. However, my Weis had some of these air fresheners marked down to just $1.99. Make sure to buy these along with something else you were planning to get anyway and you’ll have a $2 moneymaker on your hands.
Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist starter kit
(Sale) Price: $1.99
Use $3 off one Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist starter kit from Coupons.com
Pay nothing, receive a $1 OYNO Catalina
Final price: $2 moneymaker!
Index:
OOP — Out of Pocket
EB — ExtraBucks (from CVS)
SS — SmartSource (insert found in your local Sunday paper)
RP — Red Plum (insert found in your local Sunday paper)
OYNO — On Your Next Order
*ExtraBucks are not deducted from your order right away. They are printed on your receipt to be used on your next visit.
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