Helpful Hints

In the beginning, couponing can be very overwhelming, but don't give up because it get's easier as you learn the techniques. I will list below some of the techniques that help me.

• Set-up a paper file folder to hold the coupons that come in the newspaper such as Smart Source and Valassis-RedPlum (TM). You will then file them by the week they are printed (found on the fold in small print).
• Set up an e-file folder in your email account just for your coupons, I have mine set up in Outlook.
1. Make folders in Outlook for each manufacturers or brand name.
2. Next, go to the manufacturer/brand name of the products you use and look for coupons or sign up for their e-letters, promotions and/or coupon offers.
• If there is not a promotion or coupon sign up, I send myself an email with the web address pasted in and save it in the designated folder (this keeps me from searching for the site the next time I wish to check for coupons.).
• The list of brand name/manufacturer to the left of your webpage will help you find many of the well-known items (Please let me know if any links are broken ~ thanks!).
3. Assign rules to the emails when they first arrive so they will go to the designated folder which you made previously.
• This keeps the coupon emails tidy.
• When you need coupons from this brand/manufacturer, simply go to the email folder, check for coupons or go to the website to check for coupons.
4. Register online for sites such as MyPoints, SmartSource, Coupons.com and install the necessary coupon printers.
5. Only print coupons if you cannot find them in the newspaper or magazines (printer ink is expensive).
   • If you do need to print, print it when you are ready to go shopping because the expiration date comes really soon after the print.