Confessions of A Tightwad Housewife: Electronic Coupons
Last week I admited my obsession with coupons. I love them all…
Sunday paper coupons,
register coupons,
“Peelies” (that you peel straight off the product),
store-specific coupons,
…all of them hold a special place in my heart.
But my heart skips a beat when it comes to printable and electronic coupons. Yes, coupons have met technology. I imagine a future of only electronic coupons…and you don’t even have to pay me for that little nugget of clairvoyance.
There are so many sources for electronic coupons that I couldn’t possibly list them all here. But here is a handfull I think are worth mentioning:
1. Coupons.com – Coupons.com is a simple to use site offering manufaturer coupons. You simply “clip” the coupons you need and print them out. (Most stores don’t seem to have a problem with printable coupons since they are becoming so popular). Check out the widget on the right to go directly to the coupons you need!
2. Cellfire – This one is becoming one of my favorites. There is no clipping, no printing, nadda. When you register for Cellfire, you add your cell phone number and any store loyalty cards you have. Then, simply click on the coupons you want, click on “Get Coupons” and login. You will then be asked which card/store you want each coupon associated with. When you go to your store and use your card, your coupon is then applied to your bill. Pretty sweet, huh? Check out the widget to the right for more info.
3. ShortCuts.com – Another great click and save site that adds the coupon directly to your loyalty card.
4. SmartSource – An online version of the inserts in the Sunday paper. Simply click and print. (Note to Mac users: You can only print coupons using Safari).
5. Red Plum – Another online version of the inserts in the Sunday paper. Simply choose your location, click and print. (And there’s a lot more than just grocery coupons…)
6. Check out these links for printable coupons for Target and Walgreens.
7. Upromise – Here’s a great way to save for the future without much effort at all. Upromise offers savings for your children’s future education by applying the coupon amount to the savings account you set up. So, say there is a $.50 Upromise coupon for Fruit Loops. You would select that coupon, have it applied to your loyalty card, make the purchase, and $.50 would be added to little Bufford’s college fun. I just love this idea.
With so many simple options for couponing, it’s easier than ever to save at the grocery store. Are any of these new to you? Have any to add?
April 13th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Love your info! Thanks for sharing. I am familiar with many of those, but am still trying to figure out how to “stack” coupons–I see that being the only way to get worthwhile deals or even have the store owe YOU a penny or two. I’ve tried once or twice to no avail. DO you know the trick?
April 14th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Hi Melissa!
That’s a great question. From what I understand, “stacking” is when you combine two coupons for the same product, and is store specific. So for instance, Target sends out (and offers printable) coupons. Sometimes you can also find manufacture coupons for the same item, and use them together. Walgreen’s & CVS is great for this too. But, you cant normally stack two identical manufacturer’s coupons. Does that make sense?
Mommysnacks.blogspot.com is one of the many blogs that tells you what coupons you can stack and combine with sales for Walgreen’s, Kroger and a lot more!
April 15th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Great suggestions! I can’t wait to look at all of them!
Melissa
April 15th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Try the Grocery Game, you will really go wild with the coupons. It gives you a print out list each week of everything in the store that week that’s on sale, the regular price, sale price and % saved. Plus whether there was a coupon for it and date coupon was issued or if rebate is offered. I am like a madwoman since I signed up. You can go to their site at http://www.thegrocerygame.com and get a free trial to see if the stores in your area participate. Most of mine do and I save a lot of money. Happy frugal shopping ladies!
April 15th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Great tip Kristie! I actually used to be a member of The Grocery Game and I really liked it. Now I use Coupon.mom and it does just about the same thing. I have a hard time buying anything full price now…do you??
April 15th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Oh yeah, I am loathe to pay full price. In fact, if I am paying more than 50% of retail I don’t like it. Hate it when I run out of something and have to buy it full price. I do go to Whole Foods though to purchase a lot of their generic brand organics and whatever produce they have for sale that week. I don’t spend much there. One of my friends calls it “Whole Paycheck” and is amazed I don’t spend a lot there. I did a whole blogpost about it after friends kept asking me about my shopping habits. http://www.socialgracious.com/social_gracious/2009/03/how-to-save-money-on-your-grocery-bill-and-still-eat-healthy.html
I figured it was easier than emailing everyone.
I am going to have to try coupon.mom, thanks for the tip.
I came to your pixelboutique site from your comment on Typepad about designers but I do love a frugal blog.