Coupon NEWS

Did you know that you can use a store coupon and a manufacturers coupon for the same item at both Target and Walgreens? In other words, you can use two coupons for one item. I wish I had known this sooner. This really works to your advantage if the item is also on sale!

Amazing Deals at Amazon

I got a tip from a friend that the new Snow White Blu-Ray DVD (includes 3 discs) at Amazon was only $14.99 if you pre-order it using the promotional code snowhite. The list price is around $40. It is being released on October 6th. If your order is over $25 you may also qualify for FREE Super Saver Shipping.

I also got a one year subscription to Disney's Family Fun Magazine for $9.95 (the newstand price is $39.50). In October if you purchase select magazines at Amazon, you will get a $5-$15 promotional code good for your next online purchase. My subscription scored me a $5 coupon code (which I will get in about 2 weeks). It was like getting the subscription for only $4.95.

Coupon Savvy

Here are some tips to get the most savings:

1. Sometimes it pays to wait to use certain coupons. If you don't need an item right away, wait to use the coupon. Check your local store circulars. A week or two after the coupons come out, local grocery stores may have a sale on the items you have coupons for. (See #3)

2. Check out the Internet. There are a lot of good sources that have free printable coupons.

• Redplum
• SmartSource
• Coupons.com
• FreeFlys (has a large list of coupons but also has free sample offers)
  
• Individual companies websites (such as Betty Crocker and Target) often have free printable coupons
  

3. Check out sites that list the sales at local stores and then tell you where to find additional coupons for extra savings. They do your work for you.

• BeCentsAble (you don't need a subscription to view the grocery gathering section that lists blogs to check out that detail the savings for local stores in your area)
  
• RefundCents (you need a subscription but it is only about $1/month to view the online material)
  

4. Join a company's club (Gerber, Similac, Enfamil, and Huggies) to receive free coupons and offers.

5. Check out blogs online for online coupon codes or free offers.

• Saving Cents With Sense
• Confessions of a Thrifty Momma
• Scoring Deals
• Deal Seeking Mom
• A Thrifty Mom
  

6. Get together with friends to share/exchange coupons or to exchange information about where to get good deals.

7. Take advantage of stores that double your coupons up to $1.00.

8. Of course, checking the Sunday paper for coupons is also an excellent way to get coupons.

Mambo to Your Local Grocery Store

If your a fan of organic products, you know that you often have a higher grocery bill. There is a site called Mambo Sprouts that offers free printable coupons on organic products. You can also sign up to receive their free coupon mailer and newsletter three times a year. They also occasionally send out free samples for people to try. When you sign up you can choose to receive just the mailer or you can also sign up for email alerts for new coupons and offers. The website also features printable coupons, recipes, articles, contests, and activities for kids.

BZZZZZ

For a few years now I have participated in Bzzagent. It is an online site where you can sign up to try out new products. All you have to do is buzz (or tell your friends and family) about your experiences with the product. Then, log onto the site and post what you said and everyone's reaction (ie. Would they buy the product?). It's easy and takes a small amount of time. You can gain MyPoints which can be redeemed for gift certificates. My favorite part is that you get to try new products (often just as they are being launched into stores). This year alone I have been part of the following campaigns: CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain, Pledge Fabric Sweeper, Palmolive Pure + Clear, Afrin PureSea, Children's Claritin, got2b smooth operator smoothing lustre lotion, Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock SPF 60+, OFF, Windex Outdoor All-in-One, and Fruit2Day. You get free coupons for products or you get the actual product in the mail to try. Sometimes you'll also get samples to pass out or additional coupons. Keep in mind you have to work your way up the honeycomb to get the best campaigns. It's all about word of mouth.