Couponing Basics: Collect Coupons

If you are new to using coupons, you may find this series on couponing basics helpful. I will share everything you need to know to get started. Before you know it you'll be saving more than you ever thought possible!

The first step in couponing is to collect coupons. You will want to collect as many coupons as you can get your hands on. Even if you find a coupon for something you don't normally buy, keep it anyway. As you get more into couponing, you'll find out that there are many times you can actually make money by purchasing certain items. There are many different sources where you can find coupons.

The Sunday paper

Every week (except for major holiday weekends) you will find coupon inserts in the Sunday paper. Here are a number of ways you can obtain the coupon inserts.

1. Pay for your own subscription.
2. Buy newspapers from the newstand (make sure you check to make sure the coupons are actually inside the paper.)
3. Collect from friends and family who don't use their coupons.
4. Buy extras from a coupon clipping service such as The Coupon Clippers.
5. Buy whole coupon inserts from Coupons & Things by Dede.
6. Look in newspaper recycling bins.


Write or call companies praising their product (or complaining if you have a legitimate complaint.) Very often they will send you coupons in appreciation for your feedback.

Look for coupons in the stores. You can often find blinkie machines, tearpads full of coupons, or peelies on product packages.


Now that you know where to go to collect your coupons, watch for the next post in this series. I will share how to organize all of those coupons!