Wise Bread Picks
This article shares tips from the newest episode of Dealista, our podcast that'll help you get more for less.
You could sit and wait every week for your Sunday paper to shower you with coupons for your next money-saving shopping trip…or, you could go out there and get them yourself. Online! We check out some of the best sites for getting both printable and traditional coupons via the web.
Coupons — Just plug in your zip code and see what offers are available to you! In addition to getting printable coupons for cents (and dollars) off cereal, coffee, diapers and more, you can see what restaurants are offering deals in your area. Another nifty feature? Skip the printing and just upload the coupons to your store chain savings card (like Kroger, for example). Take your card with you when you check out and let the cashier scan your card. No need to stuff coupons in your purse or wallet!
RedPlum — Owned by Valassis, the same people that put coupons in your Sunday paper, this site offers printable coupons, articles, freebies, and giveaways. Get even more savings by purchasing a Sunday paper and printing the maximum number of coupons from the website!
Target — This retailer lets you double-dip by taking typical manufacturer’s coupons and special Target store coupons that you can print right from their website! Available for items that wouldn’t normally give you printable coupons from your paper (like broccoli and store brand juice), these can be combined with manufacturer’s coupons and weekly sales or clearance discounts for the most savings.
Smart Source — Another major company that offers paper coupon inserts, Smart Source has taken its gig online! Print higher valued coupons (like $1.00 off or more) and special purchase coupons (savings on new release DVD’s, for example) before they run out.
Valpak — Remember when you used to get that little Valpak envelope in the mail? Another player in the online printable game, this company has become super savvy by giving you the best offers by your location. They still give you the chance to look for savings on plumbing, car washes, and maid service, but by clicking on the “grocery” tab, you can skip all the service offerings and get straight to the savings most likely to be on your shopping list.
Facebook — Now you can save money on milk while you secretly check out your ex-girlfriend’s new beau. Many companies are giving their Facebook fans exclusive savings and freebies just by joining. Check out your favorite freebies sites and Wise Bread’s Daily Deals to see how this social media site can score you free or low-cost coffee creamer, shampoo, and more!
In addition to these sites that give you savings for many brands, some major companies host coupons on their own sites. Two of the largest ones include:
EatBetterAmerica — This site is owned by General Mills, and will offer printable savings on brands like Nature’s Valley, Bisquick, and Yoplait.
PGEveryDaySolutions — A site of Proctor and Gamble (P&G), you’ll find coupons from Febreze, Tide, Crest, and more! (The coupons will be mailed to you!) Sign up for samples, as well.
Think you’re ready to go online and start couponing? There are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind before you start:
Prep Your Printer — Once you click the “print” or “clip” button on the website, your printer will need to be ready to go. If you’re out of ink or paper, or the printer is offline (or you send it to the wrong one), you’ll miss out, since they rarely prompt you the way a normal document will. Since you only get one or two chances per coupon, be ready!
Know Your Limit — Many coupons can be printed once or twice per household or IP address. A few can be printed time and time again. Know how many you can print, and plan the best savings by taking advantage of multiple purchases.
Update Your Profile — For offers that will be mailed to you, be sure that your profile is updated with the correct address for mailing. If possible, check out your profile before you make your request, since changes might not be able to be made once you hit “submit.”
Printed coupons can be a huge benefit to the savvy shopper, but only if your store takes them. Call ahead to get their coupon policy before you waste money on paper and ink!
Dealista is a collaboration between Wise Bread and Quick and Dirty Tips, the producer of popular podcasts such as Grammar Girl, Money Girl, Winning Investor, and Mighty Mommy.
If you enjoyed these tips you can find more in our show's archive.
