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One of the first things you will need to do if you are just getting started couponing is to build your coupon stockpile. For the first month of your couponing journey this is what you should be focused on.
Yes, there will be some deals that you will not be able to get in on because you do not have the coupon, but don’t worry it will not be that way forever. 🙂
Below is a summary of the many resources you can use to build your stockpile of coupons. You can also visit the Bargain Blessings Coupon Database to search for coupons.
Newspaper Inserts
One of the most well known resources for coupons are the inserts you can find in your Newspaper. These inserts include hundreds of coupons and will be your biggest resource for coupons.
There are three primary Newspaper insert types that we see on a regular basis: SmartSours (SS), RedPlum (RP) and P&G (PG).
Occasionally we will see a few other inserts included in the paper. Some of these are:
If you do not have a subscription to the Newspaper yet, you’ll want to get the most major metropolitan newspaper in your area. Those papers include the most and best coupon inserts. You can also buy papers at some dollar stores, get them from neighbors, family and friends or find them at coffee shops and restaurants.
Quick Tip: If you are like me and you only subscribe to the paper for the coupons, make sure to put your paper on hold for those weeks that we are not expecting any coupons. I will remind you to do this throughout the year as these weeks approach.
Internet Printables “IPs”
Another fantastic way to build up your coupon stock is to use Internet Printables. There are various websites that will allow you to print coupons right from your computer!
Here are some things you need to know about Internet Printable Coupons:
Most Internet Printables have print limit of two coupons per computer. After printing your first coupon (or set of coupons) just hit the back button on your browser to print another coupon. You might need to click refresh after clicking back.
Don’t make the same mistake I did! When I first started couponing I went through every site I could find and printed every coupon I could find. Ink costs money and if all you are doing is spending money on ink you are defeating the purpose of printing the coupons. With that said, there are still a ton of coupons that are worth printing! Just make sure the answer to at least one of these questions is yes:
1. Will I use this coupon?
2. Is it a high-value coupon?
3. Is there an upcoming deal for this coupon?
4. Is the coupon for a product I will use or I can donate?
Coupon Printing Software: Most Internet Printing websites will require you to download their coupon printing software. Don’t be afraid. If you are on a legit coupon printing website (all of those listed above) it will not harm your computer. There are thousands of people all over the country who use these websites to print coupons…they are safe!
Not sure which coupons to print? We always share the best coupons with you in the Bargain Blessings printable coupon section. You can also print coupons directly from Bargain Blessings.
More Printable Coupon Resources
How to Change Your Zip Code in Coupons.com
How to Print Coupons from Bargain Blessings
Store Coupons
Store Coupons are great because they can be combined with manufacturer coupons (at most stores) to make for some sweet deals. Store Coupons will state the store name at the top of the coupon instead of Manufacturer coupon, so for example Target store coupons say “Target Coupon” at the top.You can find store coupons in a variety of places including:
◦ Newspaper Inserts
◦ Store Ads
◦ In stores
◦ Home Mailers
◦ Online
eCoupons
eCoupons are also fantastic because they can be also stacked on top of Store coupons. They just get loaded right on to your store savings card-costing you no ink and hardly any time! Then when you check out at the store the coupons are automatically get deducted from your total! Here are some resources for eCoupons:
◦ Shortcuts
◦ Cellfire
◦ P&G eSaver
Moving right along…Check out the next section of my Getting Started with Couponing guide: Where to Find Coupons (Part 2).
*Find a couponing workshop in your area! They are fun, very inexpensive and being taught all over the US! If you are a local reader, check out this page for Colorado couponing classes.
Brenda says
Hi I am a mother of 6 still have 3 at home an i also have my daughter’s 2 children living with us . My husband an i have worked through out our whole marriage . I work at Wal Mart an see many people come in with the free item coupon’s where they practically pay nothing for almost everything they get . I am wondering if you could help me out on how they do this . Would be greatly appreciated .
Thanks Sincerely,
Brenda
Cindy says
If I get a metro newspaper, how will I know what the ads/sales are in my area? Or should they be similar for the chain stores?
Pam says
Is the date you receive a coupon insert the date you use in your coupon database? Take for instance the Post cereal coupon is supposed to be in the SS 5-4-14 insert. I looked through my SS inserts I received on 5-4-14 but can not find it.This is not the first time I’ve had this happen and I want to make sure I understand the dates correctly. Thank you!
Jennie says
Hi Pam~ You are understanding the database correctly. Sometimes coupons are regional and not available in all areas. That is likely to be the case with the Post coupon.
Ilse Verhelst says
Hi! I was just wondering where i can subscribe for the Denver Post? I know you had a deal recently with the amazongift card, but i totally forgot. I was just wondering if you still offer an amazing deal on a subscribtion through the website.
Thank you!
Jennie says
Hi Iise~ Here you go: https://www.bargainblessings.com/hot-denver-post-subscription-deal-is-back-get-bonus-free-amazon-gift-cards/
Melissa says
I recently moved from Firestone to Windsor & I’m wondering if the Denver Post is still my best option for getting the most coupons each week. Do you have any idea if that is true or if I would have better luck with getting more coupons from a local paper?
Alaina says
My experience has been that the Greeley Tribune has less coupons than the post. the Tribune has red plum and smart source but they are usually smaller inserts and don’t include all of the same coupons. So if I have to choose I would definately go with the Post.
Melissa says
Good to know. Thanks so much.
Rhonda says
Thanks Jennie! I am in aurora and will go order that now…this site has all ready been so helpful and I am looking forward to taking your class when you come back close to me. Thanks again for all you do =)
Rhonda Diamond says
I was wondering…I am just getting started, so how many copies of the paper should I get? Also, do I need just the Sunday? Or should I get the whole week. Thank you for the help, I am excited about this.
Jennie says
Hi Rhonda! Many people will say get one paper for each member of your family, but you can always start with one and then go up from there. Also, you only need to get a Sunday subscription that is really the only paper we consistently get coupons in. If you are in Colorado, you can check out this deal here: https://www.bargainblessings.com/2012/06/denver-post-subscription-deal-up-to-25-in-king-soopers-gift-cards/
Kay Kelley says
can you please let me know what Sunday papers I should be skipping that do not contain coupons. thanks!
*~*~*Bargain Blessings*~*~* says
Hi Lynn! I'm planning to touch on this subject in tomorrow's post on coupon organization. I agree, finding an organization method that works for you is SO key to being successful and enjoying the hobby! It took Alyssa and I a lot of attempts to finally settle on a method that works well for us. Stay tuned!
Lynn says
Will you consider doing a Couponing 101 "lesson" on how you navigate the stores? I have my coupons organizer and actually keep a typed list of all the coupons I have broken down in catagories and update it when I use or add coupons. The problem is, I am looking at almost EVERY item on my list to make sure I'm not missing a deal. As you can image with so many coupons this is taking WAY too long. I enjoy couponing but don't really want to spend 2-3 hours in the grocery/drug store each week. Thank you so much!
Lynn says
Will you consider doing a Couponing 101 "lesson" on how you navigate the stores? I have my coupons organizer and actually keep a typed list of all the coupons I have broken down in catagories and update it when I use or add coupons. The problem is, I am looking at almost EVERY item on my list to make sure I'm not missing a deal. As you can image with so many coupons this is taking WAY too long. I enjoy couponing but don't really want to spend 2-3 hours in the grocery/drug store each week. Thank you so much!