Couponing FAQ

I started this blog and Facebook page to help others save money because I have always loved to find a bargain! I'm no couponing master (yet!) lol But I've done a lot of research on my journey. I try to read up on store coupon policies and things of the sort. So here is a list of questions I had, and have gotten from others, to help you with your couponing journey! If you have any other questions to add, let me know! 


First, these are a few of the couponing blogs I follow, and have learned so much from! I recommend following them to find good deals! 

Southern Cali Saver
Hip2Save
TotallyTarget.com
TheKrazyCouponLady.com


Q: Where can I find coupons?

A: The Sunday paper is the best way to do it! 
I personally like the L.A. Times, and I like to purchase the WEEKEND edition on Saturday, 1. It's cheaper ($1.50 instead of $2.00) and 2. It has the advertisements ahead of time! 
The Daily Bulletin is also a good newspaper, and they also have a WEEKEND edition. They are actually cheaper than the L.A. Times ($1.00 on Saturday and Sunday) But The Daily Bulletin doesn't always have all of the regional coupons.
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune has coupons as well, but I haven't found a WEEKEND edition yet. It is also $1.00 on Sundays.

Here are some great sites for printable coupons!
coupons.com 
Red Plum
Smart Source
Coupon Network
Target Store Coupons

- If you are looking for a particular coupon, use a Coupon Database to locate it! I usually use the one on the Hip2Save site! Very easy to use, and makes finding deals soooo much easier!

*Also, make sure to "Like" your favorite brands/products on Facebook and check for available coupons! Most pages have coupons and deals available!

Q: What do all of these abbreviations mean??

A: Here's a list of a few of the abbreviations we use here on the blog, and the Facebook page! 

Q = Coupon
$1.00/1, $2.00/1, etc: One dollar off one product, two dollars off one product, etc.
Printable = Internet coupon available to print from home (NEVER photocopy printable coupons!)
Blinkie = The small machines found in grocery stores that spit out coupons
BOGO, B1G1 = Buy one, get one. Usually bogo free, bogo 50% off. Describing a sale.
Catalina = Coupons printed at the register that can be used on a future purchase
Peelie = Peelable coupon found directly on a product
ECB = Extra Care Bucks (CVS rewards program)
RR  = Register Rewards (Walgreens rewards program)
+UP Rewards = Rite Aid rewards program
OOP= Out of pocket (usually money spent after coupons/before earned rewards)
wyb = when you buy
SS = SmartSource coupon insert found in the Sunday Newspaper
RP = Red Plum coupon insert found in the Sunday Newspaper
P&G = Proctor & Gamble coupon insert found in the Sunday Newspaper

Q: Can I use multiples of the same coupon in one transaction, or is it one coupon per transaction?

A: Most of the time, store policy is (4) like coupons per transaction. 
A coupon worded "One Coupon Per Purchase." can be used in multiples. Each item in a transaction is considered a purchase. Here is an example:

Deodorant X is on sale for $1.99. I have FOUR $0.75 off one Deodorant X coupons. I can PURCHASE (4) Deodorant X and use all (4) of my $0.75/1 coupons because each deodorant is considered a purchase.

Now, some coupons may be worded as "One Coupon Per Person..." Those are just that. Only one at a time. So if I had (4) coupons worded this way, I would do (4) separate transactions. This is just to make sure I am playing the couponing game the right way, and that the business/store receives their money from the manufacturer.

Q: Can I use coupons on Clearance/sale items?

A: YES!! This is the best way to score an awesome deal! Just make sure to read your coupon to eliminate any mishaps!

Q: Can I use more than one coupon on one item?

A: Yes and no lol. Most stores, like Target, CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens and Rite Aid allow what is called "Coupon Stacking." This is the art of using ONE manufacturer coupon along with ONE store coupon. This allows for some SUPER AMAZING deals when set up with a sale! Here's an example of Coupon Stacking:

Downy Unstopables are on sale at Target for $4.00 each. I have a manufacturer coupon for $2/1 Downy Unstopables AND a Target coupon for $0.50/1 Downy Unstopables. I can use both the Manufacturer and Target coupon to pay for my item, and buy it for only $1.50 instead of the $4.00 sale price!

But you may never use two manufacturer coupons on one item!


Q: I printed this coupon, and it says "Available at Walmart", But it says manufacturer coupon, can I use it at a different store?

A: Yes! As long as it is a manufacturer coupon, you may use it at any store. When it says "Available...", it's just advertising that you can find it at Walmart. 

Q: I printed this coupon and it says "Redeem ONLY at Walmart", but it says manufacturer coupon, can I use it at a different store?

A: No. This coupon was specifically created for use at Walmart. If you try to use it at another store, and it goes through, that store will not be reimbursed from the manufacturer. Please use coupons honestly, there are so many legit deals to be had, there is no need for fraud. :)

Q: I was only able to print this coupon twice from the website, can I photocopy it to get more copies?

A: No! Please do not photocopy printable (or regular) coupons! This is considered fraud and can result in jail time. Each manufacturer allots for a certain amount of coupons to be available to shoppers. I'm sure it has something to do with budget. We need to play by the rules and not cheat the companies. 


Happy Couponing!