Coupons can be found for free in a number of ways and places. Find what methods work for you and those with which you feel the most comfortable. There’s nothing wrong with starting small and working your way up to more avid couponing! Here are five more ways you can get coupons for free.
Check Peelies on Grocery Store Products
Oftentimes when buying groceries I’ll find coupons right on the products themselves. You will either to be able to use them instantly or with a future purchase. Sometimes, they will be for a separate product. In the past, I have found $1.00 off fruit coupons on certain cereal boxes and ketchup coupons on packages of hot dogs.
Look for Tear Pads and Blinking Dispensers
Dispensers and tear pads can often be found in your grocery store aisles. These are an easy way to instantly save on items that are on the shelves right in front of you. At the same time I always find it essential to remember that it’s not a deal unless you will really use it!
Take Advantage of Freecycle and Craigslist to Find Coupons
Post a want ad looking for coupons on either of these free advertising sites and you’re likely to get replies. I’ve never tried this approach but have heard of others who have had good fortune. Of course ,it’s a good idea to calculate the distance you may have to drive to pick up the coupons to see if it’s worth your time.
Host a Coupon Swap
Exchanging coupons with a group of friends through a coupon swap makes couponing a little more fun. It also gives you the chance to share the coupons for products you don’t buy with someone who can put them to good use. You can set limits on how many coupons a person can take or which types you’ll be swapping (baby, grocery, cleaning, etc). Make it a “girls night in” and bring a dish to pass or order a pizza–purchased with coupons of course!
Check Your Mailbox for Coupons
Once a week I find several flyers in my mailbox with coupons for local restaurants and fast food chains. My local post office typically sets out an extra stack of the inserts that are stuffed in our boxes. They are free for the taking! If you are on a local paper route you can try asking your delivery person if they have extra newspaper coupon inserts (some delivery personnel stuff their own papers). Restrictions on these practices vary by neighborhood, so double-check to be sure you’re playing by the rules.
Enjoy your newfound savings and don’t forget to use the occasional coupon to treat yourself too!
Read Five Ways to Get Coupons for Free for more ideas.
photo credit: Matt McGee, lisaclarke