Day 1: We all have to shop! Why not save money while doing it?
Day 2: The Language of Couponers – Translated!
Day 3: Where Art Thou Coupons?
Day 4: Know Thy Coupon (What does that fine print mean?)
Day 5: When to Use Your Coupons
Day 6: Buy Groceries, Pay for College with Upromise eCoupons
Day 7: eCoupons the Alternate to Clipping
Day 8: Don’t Get Mad, Get a Rain Check
Day 9: Advance Your Couponing Skills with Rebates
Day 10: Stockpiling
Day 11: Organize Your Coupon Stash
Day 12: Surviving the Checkout Lane

In case you run into any problems with your coupons, KNOW what all the “official” language on it means. Many of the problems at the register occur because we don’t read the fine print as many coupons as size or variety specifications.

One Coupon per Purchase

If you buy one bottle of shampoo, you can use one manufacturer’s coupon for that bottle. If you have additional coupons, you have to buy another item to be able to use that coupon. You are not allowed to use two manufacturer’s coupon per item. So if you had 10 coupons and 10 items, this is allowed. I used to think this meant I could only use one coupon per transaction. How far I’ve come! (You can still use (1) manufacturer’s coupon and (1) store coupon at many stores.)

One Coupon per Item Purchased
This is the same as one coupon per purchase but with better language specifically stating one coupon per item purchased.

One Coupon per Customer/Family
This is rare but I have noticed this on some internet coupons or a big coupon like $5/20 purchase. The way around this is to make multiple transactions (if store allows) or multiple trips. YMMV on these types of coupons.

One Coupon per Transaction

You are only allowed one coupon for this item for each transaction. This is to try to limit how many you purchase in a transaction. So, just make a few transactions whether in one trip or multiple trips to get around this.

Do Not Double

Language on a coupon that does not allow doubling. However, if the coupon starts with a 5 will double regardless (if the store allows doubles). If the coupon starts with a 9, it will not double.

The 15 Days of Couponing will guide you through the art of couponing. It is a skill that you can learn and maximize to the full potential to help your family and help others. So if you are interested in cutting your grocery budget in half or more, read yesterday’s edition and stay tuned for tommorrow’s edition where I will tell you how to maximize your coupons by using them at the right time!