Couponing: Below is a compilation of much research, trial & error, and ultimately success. I share this in an effort to help us all reach financial freedom!
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Before I begin, I need to lay some ground rules. Couponing is a great way to save money. Unfortunately, it can turn into something ugly real fast if done improperly. Just take a moment right now and whisper to yourself *Don't get greedy*
Couponing etiquette 101:
1. Do not clear shelves! There are some amazing deals out there. Let's all enjoy them.
2. Do not cheat the system! This is bad, bad, bad. It ruins couponing for everyone else. If the coupon says one per person, one per transaction, one per item etc. Follow the directions.
3. Read the coupon policy for the stores you plan on using coupons at. Do this! Every store has it's own policy in place for a reason. Do not bypass this step. Print it out and bring with you if you can't remember.
Okay, if you are thinking 'I can follow those three vital rules,' then let's move on to saving money!
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Here is a list of coupon apps I personally use. You will need a PayPal account and a spot to keep your receipts for 1 week at a time!
These apps can be downloaded through play store on your smartphone.
1. Krazy Coupon Lady- This is the most important app. It kick-started my couponing days. Choose your favorite stores and be updated on amazing deals! The mobile app looks different than that on my computer unfortunately. There are tabs I can only see on my computer such as 'Moneymakers, Freebies, and Under $1' You want to check these tabs for obvious reasons. Huge props to the ladies who run this app, they do ALL of the hard work for us. They make it super easy to follow. They also have a 'tips' tab which goes further into couponing etiquette. Please read. They are the professionals. I do a quick check here everyday for the best deals of the day.
2. Fetch Rewards- The easiest app to use. Simply upload pictures of your receipts to earn points. *Use DE8GY referral code and we each get 1,500 points, which is equal to $1.50.* You can cash out when you hit 3,000 points or more for gift cards or to donate to charity.
3. Makeena- This is a great app for organic produce, vegan or vegetarian goodies, or gluten free items. *Use referral code XNXGSR and we both get a free $1.* Much like Ibotta, you select the rebates you want, then upload your receipt. Simple. Cash out at $20.
4. SavingStar: For those with food allergies, this tends top be a good app. I score rebates on Enjoy Life Brand foods and Larabars. It also has 'Healthy offers' every so often for things like apples, oranges, tomatoes, limes, cherries etc. AND Cash out at $20.
5.Coupons.com app: This app is a goodie. I have gotten free eggs, bananas, bread & makeup. Just upload a receipt and it pays out directly to your PayPal account within a week.
6. Checkout51- referral link
This app tends to be more fickle. You really need to read the fine print. Some of the offers are for specific stores or for a specific sized item. Check out the FAQ section in the app. Don't be alarmed however, this app has gotten me freebies! There are also rebates on produce weekly. Payout when $20 is reached. It takes awhile to arrive, but is legit!
7. BerryCart- referral link You like healthy, organic, allergy-friendly or Vegan foods? This app is for you! How awesome it is to get paid to eat healthy. Transfer for free to your Paypal account at only five dollars.
8. CoinOut- Do you watch Shark Tank? You know the entrepreneur show where they share awesome inventions. Okay, so this app was on the show. So cool. and it's majorly easy to use. Simply scan your receipt from any store and get money back. It is a randomized amount, but so far I've seen 4-11 cents a scan. Not much, butit adds up & free money! Cash out at $2.50.
9. Fred Meyer- If you have a Fred Meyer loyalty card, utilize their app to get Friday Freebies! Each Friday, select the freebie in the app, which then loads to your card. Hit up the store and the free item will be on display at the entrance of the store. Scan your card or enter the alt ID # and pay $0.00 for this! I have received various items such as cold coffee, gum, rice, granola bars, instant potatoes etc.
10. Chick-Fil-A- If you like Chick-fil-a, you are going to want this app to earn 'treats' a.k.a freebies. Every so often they will throw in a random free fry or ice cream cone. When you purchase an item from the menu, be sure to scan your UPC from the app, at the register. This will accumulate rewards points and earn you free food!
..........................................................................................................................
Here is a list of Non-App ways to Save...
1. Newspaper coupons- This is most certainly an acceptable way to coupon. However, I find it more time consuming than simply using rebate apps and printable coupons. You will have to find a fellow newspaper coupon clipper for the deets if you choose this route.
2. Coupons.com- is a fantastic site for coupons you can print from the comfort of your own home. I use it often. The website often has coupons that the corresponding app does not. Simply print and cut out. Do NOT photocopy the coupon to make more for yourself. That is an illegal practice!
3. Azure Standard.com: This is not necessarily couponing, but it is a huge factor in how I keep my grocery budget on the slim. I buy all organic pantry staples in bulk such as oats, rice, beans, flour, sugar, peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup etc. The cost goes down when you buy 25 to 50 pounds. Granted this may not be plausible for everyone, but it's great for those who have the space &/or large families.
4. Markdowns! Never pay full price for meat again. Always check the meat section when you go shopping. Every time. And buy when you see markdowns. If you want candy, wait until the day after holidays to stock up. I scored YUM Earth, allergy friendly candy, just this week for half price!
.....................................................................................................................
Many people will argue that couponing is for things you wouldn't normally buy. I say, couponing has allowed me to buy items I could not normally afford due to price. And yes, I still coupon for money makers and freebies, even if I won't use them. Why? Because it allows me to give to extended family, churches, food banks, women's shelters, orphanages, and families in need. Couponing has allowed me to help far more people than before. Please spread the love and donate your excess!
~Shantel
*I do get a small referral bonus if you use my links.
**Disclosure: This information is based on personal experiences and are not a guarantee. Sometimes the apps will contain differing rebates than your neighbor. Some rebates are regional.
.........................................................................................................................
Before I begin, I need to lay some ground rules. Couponing is a great way to save money. Unfortunately, it can turn into something ugly real fast if done improperly. Just take a moment right now and whisper to yourself *Don't get greedy*
Couponing etiquette 101:
1. Do not clear shelves! There are some amazing deals out there. Let's all enjoy them.
2. Do not cheat the system! This is bad, bad, bad. It ruins couponing for everyone else. If the coupon says one per person, one per transaction, one per item etc. Follow the directions.
3. Read the coupon policy for the stores you plan on using coupons at. Do this! Every store has it's own policy in place for a reason. Do not bypass this step. Print it out and bring with you if you can't remember.
Okay, if you are thinking 'I can follow those three vital rules,' then let's move on to saving money!
..........................................................................................................................
Here is a list of coupon apps I personally use. You will need a PayPal account and a spot to keep your receipts for 1 week at a time!
These apps can be downloaded through play store on your smartphone.
1. Krazy Coupon Lady- This is the most important app. It kick-started my couponing days. Choose your favorite stores and be updated on amazing deals! The mobile app looks different than that on my computer unfortunately. There are tabs I can only see on my computer such as 'Moneymakers, Freebies, and Under $1' You want to check these tabs for obvious reasons. Huge props to the ladies who run this app, they do ALL of the hard work for us. They make it super easy to follow. They also have a 'tips' tab which goes further into couponing etiquette. Please read. They are the professionals. I do a quick check here everyday for the best deals of the day.
2. Fetch Rewards- The easiest app to use. Simply upload pictures of your receipts to earn points. *Use DE8GY referral code and we each get 1,500 points, which is equal to $1.50.* You can cash out when you hit 3,000 points or more for gift cards or to donate to charity.
3. Makeena- This is a great app for organic produce, vegan or vegetarian goodies, or gluten free items. *Use referral code XNXGSR and we both get a free $1.* Much like Ibotta, you select the rebates you want, then upload your receipt. Simple. Cash out at $20.
4. SavingStar: For those with food allergies, this tends top be a good app. I score rebates on Enjoy Life Brand foods and Larabars. It also has 'Healthy offers' every so often for things like apples, oranges, tomatoes, limes, cherries etc. AND Cash out at $20.
5.Coupons.com app: This app is a goodie. I have gotten free eggs, bananas, bread & makeup. Just upload a receipt and it pays out directly to your PayPal account within a week.
6. Checkout51- referral link
This app tends to be more fickle. You really need to read the fine print. Some of the offers are for specific stores or for a specific sized item. Check out the FAQ section in the app. Don't be alarmed however, this app has gotten me freebies! There are also rebates on produce weekly. Payout when $20 is reached. It takes awhile to arrive, but is legit!
7. BerryCart- referral link You like healthy, organic, allergy-friendly or Vegan foods? This app is for you! How awesome it is to get paid to eat healthy. Transfer for free to your Paypal account at only five dollars.
8. CoinOut- Do you watch Shark Tank? You know the entrepreneur show where they share awesome inventions. Okay, so this app was on the show. So cool. and it's majorly easy to use. Simply scan your receipt from any store and get money back. It is a randomized amount, but so far I've seen 4-11 cents a scan. Not much, butit adds up & free money! Cash out at $2.50.
9. Fred Meyer- If you have a Fred Meyer loyalty card, utilize their app to get Friday Freebies! Each Friday, select the freebie in the app, which then loads to your card. Hit up the store and the free item will be on display at the entrance of the store. Scan your card or enter the alt ID # and pay $0.00 for this! I have received various items such as cold coffee, gum, rice, granola bars, instant potatoes etc.
10. Chick-Fil-A- If you like Chick-fil-a, you are going to want this app to earn 'treats' a.k.a freebies. Every so often they will throw in a random free fry or ice cream cone. When you purchase an item from the menu, be sure to scan your UPC from the app, at the register. This will accumulate rewards points and earn you free food!
..........................................................................................................................
Here is a list of Non-App ways to Save...
1. Newspaper coupons- This is most certainly an acceptable way to coupon. However, I find it more time consuming than simply using rebate apps and printable coupons. You will have to find a fellow newspaper coupon clipper for the deets if you choose this route.
2. Coupons.com- is a fantastic site for coupons you can print from the comfort of your own home. I use it often. The website often has coupons that the corresponding app does not. Simply print and cut out. Do NOT photocopy the coupon to make more for yourself. That is an illegal practice!
3. Azure Standard.com: This is not necessarily couponing, but it is a huge factor in how I keep my grocery budget on the slim. I buy all organic pantry staples in bulk such as oats, rice, beans, flour, sugar, peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup etc. The cost goes down when you buy 25 to 50 pounds. Granted this may not be plausible for everyone, but it's great for those who have the space &/or large families.
4. Markdowns! Never pay full price for meat again. Always check the meat section when you go shopping. Every time. And buy when you see markdowns. If you want candy, wait until the day after holidays to stock up. I scored YUM Earth, allergy friendly candy, just this week for half price!
.....................................................................................................................
Many people will argue that couponing is for things you wouldn't normally buy. I say, couponing has allowed me to buy items I could not normally afford due to price. And yes, I still coupon for money makers and freebies, even if I won't use them. Why? Because it allows me to give to extended family, churches, food banks, women's shelters, orphanages, and families in need. Couponing has allowed me to help far more people than before. Please spread the love and donate your excess!
~Shantel
*I do get a small referral bonus if you use my links.
**Disclosure: This information is based on personal experiences and are not a guarantee. Sometimes the apps will contain differing rebates than your neighbor. Some rebates are regional.
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