All About Couponing-Part 3-Stockpiling Coupons

Photo courtesy: Bettina Smith

In the previous two "All About Couponing" series, you learned everything from learning about the couponing language to how and where to find them. Now, this is the wrap-up on this series--Stockpiling coupons.

In terms of couponing, you may ask, "What is stockpiling?" To tell you the truth, stockpiling refers to purchasing more than what you really need for that particular moment. This is usually done when the prices are ridiculously low--this way, you will not pay the full price. Stockpiling is a great plan of your budgeting plan in terms of keeping some money.

Here are a few suggestions for stockpiling your coupons:

• Purchase more than one Sunday newspaper: In other words, you will need to combine quite a few coupons, either from collecting from a stack of Sunday newspapers, or just randomly collecting them. This is one way of starting up your stockpiling coupons.
• Look out for sales: Sales are your friend! Products generally goes on save at least every eight weeks. For example, if you were to purchase something within an eight week period, then you will have plenty of stuff to last until it goes on sale the next sales cycle.
• Pay attention to expiration dates: Paying attention to expiration dates is a must-do! Your must put your new purchased items in front and the older ones in the back.
• Last, but not least--do not overdo it!: Many people will take things to the extreme--even when it comes to couponing! Only purchase the things with coupons that you want. Some people will even buy impulsively with coupons because it is a discount.  This means do not buy forty boxes of cereal when in reality you do not eat cereal. Some people may think that it is a smart idea to do--it is a waste of energy, time, more importantly--your money!

Stockpiling coupons are a great way of saving money and getting the items that you really need. The main thing is play your cards safe and you will be on your way to saving hundreds (or maybe thousands) of dollars. Also, you can save your gas from all of those late-night store visits.

Next post: 5 Ways You Can Stop Living from Paycheck to Paycheck

All About Couponing-Part 1 Common Coupon Language

Everyone knows that coupons refer to a promotional tool that allows you to get discounts on different products and/or services. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the lingo in the couponing world. Here are a few of these terms:

• Blinkies: These are the coupons that are issued through the red blinking box (with a red light) in some stores, especially in supermarkets.

• BOGO or B1G1 Free: Stands for buy one, get one free.
• CAT or Catalina: Coupons that are printed at the register.
• Double coupon: Coupon in which the supermarket doubles in value.
• IP: Internet Printable Coupon
• MFG or MQ: Manufacturer's coupon
• MIR: Mail-in rebate 
• NED: No expiration date
• Peelie: You can pull the coupon from the product.
• RP, or Red Plum: These coupons are found in the Sunday newspaper.
• RR: Register Rewards 
• SS, or Smart Source: Like the Red Plum, these are also located in the Sunday newspaper.
• $1.00/1: One dollar off of one product
• $2.00/2: Two dollars off two products. This is the catch: You have to purchase two items; otherwise you will not reap any savings. In other words, the coupon cannot be redeemable with one item for half the value.

These are just the common lingo that exists in the couponing world. Now that you know the terminology, we can talk about the other aspects of couponing, as long it is not about extreme couponing--a bit too much for me.

Next post: All About Couponing-Part 2-Where to Find These Coupons

Happy Savings! Talk to you later!😄📝💻📱