Have you always wanted to try couponing, but have no idea where to start? I’ve been couponing since 2008. I’ve tried many different strategies over the years—some good, some bad. My best advice is to start small. If you try to do everything at once, you’re bound to get overwhelmed and quit.
The easiest way to start is buying or borrowing a Sunday paper. Don’t buy a subscription yet, just get 1 paper—whichever has the largest circulation in your area. Where I live, the best coupons come in the http://www.bostonglobe.com/
There are 4 inserts in today’s paper: 2 RedPlum and 2 SmartSource. I know this because I checked the Insert schedule before I bought it.
For handy reference, here is the 2014 Coupon Insert Schedule:
~ January ~
05 – RedPlum (2), SmartSource (2)
12 – RedPlum, SmartSource
19- SmartSource
26 – RedPlum (2), SmartSource, Proctor & Gamble
~ February ~
02 – RedPlum, SmartSource
09 – RedPlum, SmartSource
16 – RedPlum
23 – SmartSource
~ March ~
02- RedPlum, SmartSource, Proctor & Gamble
09 – RedPlum (2), SmartSource
16 – RedPlum, SmartSource
23 – RedPlum, SmartSource
30 – Proctor & Gamble
~ April ~
06 – RedPlum, SmartSource
13 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
20 – No Inserts Scheduled (Easter)
27 – RedPlum, SmartSource, Proctor & Gamble
~ May ~
04 – RedPlum, SmartSource
11 – RedPlum, SmartSource, Proctor & Gamble
18 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
25 – No Inserts Scheduled (Memorial Day)
~ June ~
01 – RedPlum, SmartSource, Proctor & Gamble
08 – SmartSource
15 – RedPlum, SmartSource
22 – RedPlum, SmartSource
29 – RedPlum, SmartSource
~ July ~
06 – Proctor & Gamble (4th of July)
13 – RedPlum, SmartSource
20 – No Inserts Scheduled
27 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2), Proctor & Gamble
~ August ~
03 – RedPlum (2), SmartSource
10 – RedPlum, SmartSource
17 – RedPlum, SmartSource
24 – RedPlum, SmartSource
31 – Proctor & Gamble
~ September ~
07 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
14 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
21 – RedPlum, SmartSource
28 – RedPlum, SmartSource, Proctor & Gamble
~ October ~
05 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
12 – RedPlum, SmartSource
19 – SmartSource, Little Tykes
26 – RedPlum, SmartSource, Proctor & Gamble
~ November ~
02 – RedPlum, SmartSource (2)
09 – RedPlum, SmartSource
16 – RedPlum, SmartSource
23 – RedPlum, SmartSource
30 – Proctor & Gamble (Thanksgiving)
~ December ~
07 – RedPlum, SmartSource
14 – RedPlum, SmartSource
21 – No Inserts Scheduled (Christmas)
28 – Proctor & Gamble (New Year’s)
There will be slight geographical variations, but this is a very good overview. So, buy that paper and set your inserts aside. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss what to do with them.
Do you buy a Sunday paper? If so, do you use the coupons?