Getting Started: Using Coupons

Here are some general tips on using coupons:

1. Don't think that you have to use the really great coupons right away.  Hold onto them, they usually don't expire for a bit and sometimes the sales that come along a couple weeks down the road are better than what you can get it for here and now without a sale. 
2. Buy One Get One Free Coupons (B1G1) - if you combine these with a Buy One Get One Free sale at the store, then you get both items for FREE.  Watch for these items to go on sale B1G1 and that's the best time to use them. 
3. Watch for coupons that do not specify a size.  If there is a $1.00 off coupon on ANY size, then check out the travel size section of your store and see if the item is there in a small size.  A lot of the time these items are under $1.00 resulting in a FREE product, sometimes with overage. 
4. Coupons for FREE items - do not run out and use these coupons the minute you find them, watch for the B1G1 sale and use it then to get TWO for FREE. 
5. B1G1 Free sales - technically you are "buying" two items, the B1G1 is a store sale.  If you have two $1.00 off coupons for those items, you can use both - one on the item you are purchasing and one on the free item. 
6. Make sure that you read the description of the coupon, don't rely on the photo on the coupon.  If the coupon states that it's good on ANY item, but only has a few of the products pictured you can use that coupon on ANY item that manufacturer produces, not just what's pictured.