Where can I find coupons?

Coupons are all around you! Here's a list of where I most often find my coupons:

1. Newspaper: Newspapers often have a coupon insert or two in the weekend edition. My small town newspaper leaves a lot to be desired in the coupon department. It comes with a Red Plum (very limited--usually less than 15 coupons total). It also comes with a Procter & Gamble insert once monthly. In addition to the local paper, I usually buy a Knoxville News-Sentinel each week. It tends to have higher quality AND a larger quantity of coupons. It often contains a Smart Source coupon insert, as well as Red Plum and the monthly Procter & Gamble.
   
   A newspaper subscription for my local paper costs $8.95 per month. The Knoxville News-Sentinel costs $2.00 for the Sunday edition. Occasionally I buy more than one when I know great coupons are included. I also get the inserts from my grandparents. If you don't want to buy any additional papers, ask a non-couponing friend if they'll give you their inserts. Be sure to also check those little magazines that come in the weekend edition of the paper, like Parade. Sometimes they contain coupons, too!
   
   
2. Internet: I also print coupons from the Internet. This requires a one-time installation of a coupon printing program on your computer so a scannable barcode will print. Websites I often use for printable coupons are: Coupons.com, Smart Source, and Red Plum. There's also a number of blogs you can follow that post updates as new printable coupons become available.
   
   You can find printable coupons directly on some manufacturer websites. You can subscribe to their mailing lists and get coupons sent directly to your inbox. Some stores let you register your loyalty card online and send valuable coupons electronically. Facebook is also a great place to find coupons. Almost every company has a fan page you can "like" and information about coupons or savings events will be posted directly in your newsfeed.
   
   Word to the wise: Coupons from the Internet are free, but you still have to pay for paper and ink. If your printer is anything like mine, ink is EXPENSIVE! Be sure that you'll use the coupon before you print it. I learned that lesson the hard way when I got a bit print happy last month. I had literally 100+ coupons go to waste because I couldn't use them all before the expiration date.
   
   
3. With your receipt: Ever been to the grocery store and have a cashier hand you a coupon that printed along with your receipt? Those are called catalinas. Make sure you check them out before you throw them away. I've gotten some great ones for money off your next purchase, money off a specific product, or even FREE products.
   
   
4. On or in the products: You've probably seen coupons stuck to items at the store. Those are called peelies. Make sure you read them before you take them off the products because sometimes they're only valid if removed by a cashier.
   
   Take a look at the packaging after you purchase products. Sometimes coupons are included inside the box. For example, I bought a tube of toothpaste a few weeks ago for $1.00, but it had $10.00 worth of coupons inside the box.
   
   
5. At the store: Sometimes stores have those little red or black coupon boxes with the flashing red lights near specific products. Occasionally they're store-specific coupons, but often they're manufacturer coupons you can use at any store. For example, I saw a coupon for dog food at the dollar store. The dog food wasn't on sale, but I got one of the coupons because it was a brand I normally use. I saved the coupon until a good sale came along (at a different store), and I ended up scoring a 5-lb bag of Pedigree dog food for less than $2.00.
   
   Some stores also have coupon booklets at the front of the store near their weekly ads. Be sure to look for those when you walk in. Occasionally store coupons can be combined with manufacturer coupons (example: Walgreens) and that equals double the savings.
   
   Some stores (CVS) have a coupon machine. You scan your store loyalty card and coupons print out for you. Those coupons can also often be combined with manufacturer coupons.
   
   
6. Magazines: You can occasionally find coupons inside magazines. I buy All You magazine each month because it is FULL of coupons. It's only available at Wal-Mart or by subscription. I find it to be well worth the $2.49 cover price.
   
   
7. Mailbox: Ever get free samples mailed to you? I love them! I often check Wal-Mart and Target sample centers for freebies. It's a great way to find out if you like a product and get some high-dollar coupons. You can also check the webpages and Facebook pages of specific products for samples.
   
   I also get coupons in the mail every couple of weeks or so. They're usually for fast food restaurants, but there's the occasional manufacturer coupon stuck in there.
   
   
   You can find coupons in a number of places!