Building your stash of "Q"s

There is a common misconception that in order to really "coupon", one has to eat nothing but junk. While I can't deny a lot of coupons are, but there are many coupons for organics and gluten free. I have noticed an increase seeing some in the Sunday inserts. The key is to seek out the coupons you want. I am on several organic sites mailing lists and they send me coupons periodically. A lot of websites have printables as well. My favorite organic blogger can be found here.

One of the key ways I save money aside from shopping sales is by using coupons.
1. Chicago Tribune Sunday paper.  In my area this is the paper that has the most and best coupons. If you are in another area, get the big market paper in your area. Look at diners and coffee shops for folks throwing away inserts. Have family pass you theirs. Find a way to organize your coupons so you can find them when you need them. I use the envelope/category system. Others use binders or index card boxes, its all about what works for you.

2. Make a list of must haves, and frequently purchased items. Like for me I cant live without Pantene Conditioner or Cottonelle TP. Other brands just don't do it for me. Go to their websites, see if they offer coupons, or mailing lists. Write to them (or email) telling why you like/hate their product. Be honest in your feedback, you would be surprised at what they send. This is how I had so many free coupons on double stamp day.

3. Facebook is a treasure trove of coupons if you know where to look. I would have a separate account (separate email too) to take care of coupons and help avoid spam.

4. Discover the bloggers. There are so many wonderful sites and blogs that I use to aid me on my savings adventure. Hip2Save , ChiTown Cheapskate , Couponing to Disney and Couponers Wanted . These are my main sites that I check several times a day. They will alert you to new coupons, sales and freebies.

5. Grocery stores frequently have seasonal coupon books or tear pads with coupons. When I see them and know I will use the coupon I may take 2 to help with future deals. Do you drink? Alot of liquor manufacturers offer coupons off other items when you buy that liquor/beer/wine. Sometimes when the sample people are out, they will also have coupons.

6.  Learn the brands. A surprisingly few companies own most of the products we use daily. There was recently a coupon in a Sunday insert for $2 off ANY Clairol family product. There was a picture of hair dye. Herbal Essences is a Clairol Family product and was at cvs recently on sale free after extra care bucks. This made money maker herbal essence. Learning the brands also allow you to take full advantage of a sale.

7. This is not really a coupon but close enough for me to add it. lol. REBATES!!! I used to be one of those people who hate rebates but I have grown to love them. They always seem to show up right when you need them. Now I wouldn't buy something I wouldn't use just because it has a rebate. But if it is something that is a staple in my house then DUH! Why wouldn't I? On black Friday I purchased the products to do the Olay/P&G rebate, buy $50 get $20 back found here . Walgreens had everything free after register rewards, and you know I had coupons on top of it so on some purchases I made money. Now the things I bought I will use, and I brought some to my Grams and also donated to the troops. These same purchases are what is allowing me to survive well of $20 and I have shopped a lot :oD. Now in a couple months I will receive a check for $20,

8. Another not a coupon, and already mentioned above, but I rely heavily on this site for the sneak peaks at the upcoming ads. Couponers Wanted ! The ad previews and having so many eyes and ears on coupon matchups , prices and deals, the site is incredible. The ad previews allow me to know in advance what products are going to be a deal so I can work on getting coupons to help with the purchase.

Any I missed?