How to Get Back in the Coupon Game
Back in the day, I was the queen of using coupons and saving money. I knew how to save with online rebates, weekly coupon inserts and understood the inner workings of every store’s coupon policies. But times change and life got busy and gradually I quit using coupons and resigned myself to paying full price for toothpaste and soap. However, in the last few months, I’ve started easing back into coupons. If you are ready to start saving money again, here are some easy ways to get back into the coupon game.
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How to Get Back in the Coupon Game
Saving money with coupons and rebates is not rocket science, but it does take a little forethought and planning. Here are some things I have started using again to help save money and restock my cabinets. The main thing I used to teach in my coupon classes was that you had to start small and focus on one area at a time, and that still applies. If you are jumping back into couponing, start small and tackle one thing at a time.
Use Digital Coupons
The easiest way to get started again is to use digital coupons for the stores you already shop at. If you shop at Kroger, Family Dollar, Rite Aid or Dollar General, you can download the app to your phone, log in and download coupons that will automatically save you money when you check out at the register.
Just remember that you MUST add them to your account on the app BEFORE you check out as these digital coupons cannot be applied after the fact.
Use ibotta
Once you start figuring out the digital coupons, you might want to start using ibotta. This is a free app that you download on your phone. You can choose which offers you want to redeem from the store of your choice. Then AFTER you shop, you simply take a picture of your receipt and it will credit your account.
You have to get to $20 before you can request your rebate but it doesn’t take that long since there are many offers available for the brands you already purchase. These offers do rotate so take a look several times a month to see what new coupons are available.
Print coupons
I no longer subscribe to the newspaper every week so I don’t have access to all the printed coupons, but there are still ways to get paper coupons. Coupons.com is the most dependable place to start printing coupons. You do have to verify your computer when you want to print and you only get one print per coupon, but these coupons are legit and easy to use.
Walmart / Kroger pickup
I used Walmart grocery pickup for the first time this past week! What a great service.
- You simply fill your cart online with all the things you need to buy.
- Get a $10 off coupon code for your first pickup when you sign up through my link.
- Pick a time that you want to pick up your order.
- Either check in on the app when you get close OR park in one of the pickup spots and call the phone number on the sign.
- They will ask your name and which parking spot you are in.
- Then they bring out your order!
- It’s that easy!
***Note: You can choose whether you want the service shopper to substitute items if your preferred brand is out of stock. Just click the button before you complete your order and tell Walmart whether you want other brands or not.
Mr. Rebates / Ebates
Another super-easy way to get back in the coupon game is to save money with a rebate site like Mrrebates.com or Ebates.
If you already shop online, why not have the companies pay you some of that money back in rebates?
Before you shop at your favorite store (Target, Ann Taylor, Shutterfly, Snapfish, Joann Fabrics, Walmart….) click on Mrrebates.com. or Ebates. (Both sites work the same)
- Login or register (If you are registering for the first time, you will get a bonus just for signing up!)
- Now type in the store name where you want to shop in the search bar at the top.
- A small screen will pop up telling you that you are being directed to your store’s site.
- Then you will be at your store site.
- Shop like normal!
- Pay like normal!
- Receive your product – like normal!
In a few days, you will get an email saying “Thanks, your rebate is being processed at Mr Rebates.”
Follow Coupon Bloggers
Since I have no plans to return to my days of blogging about daily coupons and deals, I have a couple suggestions to help you find these offers and store matchups. Whether you prefer youtube videos, an app on your phone or a traditional blog, here are two options to help you find the deals and save money in the stores and online.
- Krazy Koupon Lady: Savings blog with complete store deals and coupon alerts. Also has a great app to help you save money on the go
- Michelle’s Frugal Living – If youtube is more your style, Michelle from Michelle’s Frugal Living walks you through the deals and shows you exactly how to save money at your favorite stores.
Did you start out back in the days of extreme couponing and got tired of all the scrambling but are ready to get back in the game with easy steps? I’d love to hear how you are saving money in your current life!
