Our Coupon Organization Method & a Giveaway!

Hey everybody! We wanted to take some time and show y'all our way of organizing coupons. This is the method that works best for us! Everybody is different and whatever works best for you is great! A lot of people like the binder method, however, we both tried that and it just didn't work out like we had hoped. We would get so confused and hated having to fold all of our coupons and stick them in baseball card sleeves. So, the search began for a new organization method...we decided on the 'box method'. Now, let me just say, we are in no way saying that our method is perfect but, like I said, it works for us! 

 

We use a clear plastic box with a locking lid and handle, similar to the one shown below. These can be found at Wal-Mart, Dollar General and I've even seen them at Hobby Lobby.

 

We also use 4 1/8 x 9 1/2 (letter size) envelopes. We seal these shut then trim a little bit of the top off, just enough to open the envelope. Next, we take 3in x 5in index cards and write our categories (I'll include them at the bottom of this post!) on the top (turned diagonally ) then, we stick it inside the envelope so that our category is showing out the top. You do this for all of your categories so you can easily open your box and find the coupon you're looking for. :) Hope that makes sense! It's kind of hard to explain so here's a picture of Kayla's box.

 

 **I apologize for the poor picture quality! My camera died so I had to use a cell phone.**

We like this method because we can easily flip through the index tabs to the category we are looking for and find the coupon we need. There's no folding needed! We can also keep our calculator, scissors, pens, notebook, and anything else we need inside it! The pink thing inside is where she keeps her receipts because she likes to keep them on file to look back on. We also carry a bigger expandable file folder with us to carry our Publix coupon booklets in and any other coupons we haven't clipped.

Now for the fun part! We are hosting our first giveaway! One lucky reader will get to try this method out because we are giving away a free coupon organizing kit! This kit includes a box, envelopes, index cards, calculator, scissors, pens, a notebook and an extra surprise! :) If you would like to enter, follow the directions on the rafflecopter form. This giveaway will start at 11:59PM on Saturday, January 19, and it ends on Sunday, January 27th at midnight. We will share this post again tomorrow, and through out the week, on Facebook to remind everybody! We just wanted to give everybody a heads up :) We are so excited!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Tab Categories

• Air Fresheners (candles, reed diffusers)
• Baby
• Baking (flour, sugar, oil, cake mix, frosting, chocolate chips, raisins, evaporated milk, shortening, etc.)
• Beauty (cosmetics, beauty tools, chapstick)
• Bread
• Breakfast (cereal, oatmeal, toaster pastries, syrup, pancake mix, etc.)
• Candy
• Cold Medicine (allergy medicine, pain releivers)
• Condiments (salad dressing, mayo, mustard, ketchup, soy sauce, etc.)
• Deodorant
• Dish Washing (dishwasher detergent, liquid soap)
• Drinks (juice, drink mix, hot cocoa mix, creamer powder, coffee)
• Feminine Hygiene (pads, tampons, pregnancy tests, lubricant)
• First Aide (bandages, ointments)
• Frozen (veggies, pizza, meat, ice cream, rolls)
• Fruit (canned fruit, fruit cups, applesauce, etc.)
• Granola Bars (fruit snacks, energy bars, etc.)
• Hair Care (shampoo, conditioner, stylers)
• Laundry (detergent, fabric softener, bleach)
• Lotion
• Meat (canned meat, beef, chicken, pork, fish, etc.)
• Miscellaneous (lighters, batteries, office supplies)
• Oral Care (toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes, whitening)
• Paper Products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, trash bags)
• Pasta (dry noodles, pasta sauces)
• PB&J
• Pets
• Prepared Sides (rice, knorr, instant potatoes, country crock sides, etc.)
• Produce (fresh fruits, veggies and anything else in the produce section)
• Refrigerated (eggs, cheese, dairy, dips, etc.)
• Restaurants (fast food, fine dining)
• Reynolds (Ziploc, containers, wax paper)
• Snacks (crackers, chips, pretzels, popcorn, snack mix, cookies)
• Shaving (razors, shave cream)
• Soap (body wash, cleansers, bar soap)
• Soup (canned soup, broth and dry soup mix)
• Spices
• Surface Cleaners (Lysol, Swiffer, 409, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, etc.)
• Vegetables (canned vegetables, pickles, beans, etc.)
• Vitamins
• Yogurt

 

 

Publix Coupon Policy (Decatur, AL store)

Here is the Publix coupon policy, along with some questions and answers, for the Decatur, Alabama store. To look for your store's coupon policy go here. It's important to always have the policy with you just in case you have any trouble at the register or need to remember something.

 

**I got this off the Publix website. I take no credit for it!**
 

Publix Coupon Policy Q & A

Publix accepts manufacturers' coupons (limit one per item), Publix coupons (originals only—no copies), valid Internet coupons, and coupons from nearby competitors identified by each Publix store. (Competitor names are posted at each Publix store.) We will accept coupons from competing pharmacies for prescriptions only. We will not accept percent-off-items or percent-off-total-order coupons. We will only accept coupons for identical merchandise we sell. Acceptance is subject to any restrictions on the coupon, and we reserve the right to limit quantities. Manager approval is needed for individual coupons above $5.00. For a buy-one-get-one free (BOGO) offer, each item is considered a separate sale. We will accept a manufacturer’s coupon and either a Publix or a competitor coupon on the same item. Dollars-off-total-order coupons will be limited to one Publix and one competitor coupon per order. The order total must be equal to or greater than the total purchase requirements indicated on the coupon(s) presented.

Buy One Get One Coupons

Q: I have a buy-one-get-two-free coupon from a competitor of Publix. Will Publix accept it?

A: Yes. If you’re purchasing the identical merchandise at Publix, we’ll accept BOGO and buy-one-get-two-free coupons from competitors’ stores.

Dollars-Off-Total-Order Coupons

Q: A competitor on a store’s approved list is offering a $5 off a $25 order coupon when I sign up to receive communications from them. Will Publix take this coupon?

A: Yes. You’ve already signed up with the competitor to receive the coupon, so now all you have to do is purchase $25 worth of groceries.

Q: Will Publix accept a competitor’s coupon that indicates I must present my retailer rewards card to use the coupon?

A: Yes. Publix doesn’t require you use a reward card, but we would be happy to honor this coupon if you meet the other purchase requirements on the coupon.

Coupon Stacking

Q: Can a store coupon, competitor coupon, and manufacturer’s coupon all be used for one item?

A: No. A manufacturer’s coupon can be combined with a Publix coupon or with a competitor’s coupon, but not both.

Q: If an item already has a manufacturer’s coupon attached, will Publix still take an additional manufacturer’s coupon on the item?

A: Sorry, but no. Publix will take an additional Publix or competitor’s coupon, but we can only take one manufacturer’s coupon for an item, regardless of where the coupon came from.

Q: I have a “$1 off the purchase of two items” manufacturer’s coupon. Can another manufacturer’s coupon be used for either of these items?

A: No. When the manufacturer issues a “$1 off the purchase of two items” coupon, it requires the purchase of two items. So, because you have to purchase both items to meet the coupon’s requirements, a manufacturer’s coupon has already been applied to both items.

Q: I have a BOGO manufacturer’s coupon. Can another manufacturer’s coupon be used for either of these items?

A: No. When the manufacturer issues a BOGO coupon, it requires the purchase of two items. So, because you have to purchase both items to meet the coupon’s requirements, a manufacturer’s coupon has already been applied to both items.

GIFT CARD COUPONS

Q: Will Publix accept a competitor’s coupon for a free $5 gift card with the purchase of an item or items (e.g. a coupon for “Buy both Raid Max Bug Barriers 1 gallon Starter Kit and Refill, Receive a $5 store gift card”).

A: Yes, if we carry the identical items named on the coupon, you’ll receive a $5 Publix gift card with the required purchase.

PHARMACY COUPONS

Q: Does Publix accept prescription coupons from all pharmacies or only from your listed competitors?

A: Publix accepts coupons for prescriptions from all local retail pharmacies.

RAIN CHECKS AND COUPONS

Q: What if I have a rain check and a coupon for an item, but the coupon is now expired, though it was valid on the date the rain check was issued. Can I still use the coupon on the item?

A: Yes, Publix will accept the coupon that was valid on the date the rain check was issued.

PRIVATE LABEL COUPONS

Q: Will Publix accept a competitor’s coupon for a private label item?

A: Yes. We’re happy to accept a coupon for a competitor’s private label product because it’s a chance to introduce you to our terrific Publix brand.

 

Ibotta Coupon App

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to take a few minutes to share something with you, it's the new Ibotta coupon app:) Ibotta makes it easier than ever to make money on products YOU already buy! It's super easy to use & allows you to keep the money you earn, donate it to any school in America or donate it to United Way!
New users will receive $5 just for signing up but hurry, the offer expires Friday!!!

Sign up for Ibotta here: http://ibotta.com/r/WGNzuA

 

 

 

Happy Couponing!

-K.Goble

Kayla's Publix, Kroger & Target Deals 12.13.12

I'm a terrible blogger y'all.

I get so side-tracked that I completely forget to share my trips here:(

 

I've not shared my last few weeks trips but I'm happy to say that I've now ventured into couponing at Kroger AND Target, along with Publix, of course! It's been a learning curve but I love it. Since I've been MIA the past few weeks, I'm pretty excited to share this weeks trip with y'all....I finally got my entire grocery total under $100 (not counting Target)...$96.52 to be exact!!! That's been a goal of mine since the beginning:)

I've decided I'm going to try including the price I pay for each item, after coupons. I really enjoy seeing a price breakdown on other couponers' hauls, I thought y'all might too! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like included and I'll do my best to make it happen:)
Anyway, enough rambling, on to the fun stuff!

 

Publix 12.13.12

Total Before Coupons - $249.06

Total After Coupons - $84.78

Savings - $164.28

 

I forgot to put the dog food in the first picture and had already put everything away

before realizing it:(

 I've told y'all before but I'll say it again, I'm definitely NOT a photographer, please excuse my low quality pictures!


Here's what I got:

8 - Campbell's "Great for Cooking" Condensed Soups (FREE + $0.64 overage!)

4 - Alessi All Natural Pasta Sauces ($1.49 each)

2 - Campbell's Gravy ($0.63 each)
6 - Del Monte Tomatoes ($0.30 each)
4 - Llyod's BBQ products ($1.99 each)
9 - Ore-Ida Potatoes($0.89 each)
9 - Kibbles N' Bits Dry Dog Food ( $1.49 each)
2 - Wishbone Salad Dressings ($0.32 each)
3 - Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls ($0.73 each)
2 - Pillsbury Grands! Sweet Rolls (FREE!)
1 - Stouffer's Family Size Entree ($2.49)
2 - Capri Sun 10pk. ($0.79 each)
2 - Domino Pure Cane Sugar 5lb. ($1.49 each)

3 - Idahoan Mashed Potatoes ($0.12 each)

6 - Campbell's Chunky Soup ($1.16 each)

2 - Publix Brand Canned Black Beans ($0.89 each)

1 - Publix Bakery Hamburger Buns ($2.29)

1 - Yellow Squash pack ($0.99/lb, $1.49 total)

1 - Zucchini pack ($0.99/lb, $1.40 total)

1 - Fresh Express Bagged Salad ($2.00)

1 - Bottom Round Roast ($4.49/lb, $12.39 total)

2 - Colgate MaxCleanToothpaste ($0.99 each)

7 - Colgate MaxFresh & MaxWhite Toothbrushes ($0.99 each, two were $0.79 each)

 

Since Kara went with me & I had two $5 off $25 Save-a-Lot coupons, (they're a competitor for our Publix!) we split my items up and was able to use both of my $5/$25 coupons! That helped a lot!!! If your Publix considers them a competitor, be on the lookout for those coupons! We'll try to share when we find them.

 

 

 

Kroger 12.13.12

Total Before Coupons - $27.67

Total After Coupons - $11.74

Savings - $15.93

 

2 - Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles (FREE!)

1 - Kroger Brand Sour Cream 16oz (1.00)

1 - Kroger Brand Flour 5lb ($1.99)

2 - Tennessee Pride Breakfast Sausage ($1.00 each)

1 - Tyson Boneless Chicken Breasts ($1.79/lb, $4.53 total)

2 - Bird's Eye Steamfresh Frozen Vegetables (FREE!)

 

 

 

Publix & Kroger Combined

 

Total Before Coupons - $276.73

 

Total After Coupons - $96.52

 

Savings - $180.21!

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Now, on to the trip I'm the most proud of this week, Target! I went in there for the Suave Body Wash because it was a much better deal there than anywhere else....I left with 6-12 months worth of razors for almost freeeeeeeee, TWO $5 gift cards, the 4 body washes I had originally went in for (they were 50% more value size bottles too, Score!) and a catalina coupon for $1.50 off any one Schick HydroSilk Razor or Refill (that's the type of razors I bought)  I was on Cloud Nine!!! If you see a deal, ALWAYS check your coupons! I carry mine with me everywhere I go, you never know when you'll need them:)

 

Target 12.13.12

 

Total Before Coupons - $70.74

 

Total After Coupons - $26.76

 

Savings - $43.98 + $10 in Gift Cards & $1.50 coupon

 

 

To get the razor deal, I stacked two BOGO coupons (worth $12.99 each!) & two $2.00 off coupons...Target had the razors on sale for $9.49 and the 4 pack refills were $14.99. They had a promotion going on where if you bought two razors or refills they would give you a $5 gift card, I bought four, so I ended up with $10 in gift cards:)

 

That means I only paid $18.98 for 10 razor refills & 2 razors! If I subtract the $10 gift cards it would mean I really only paid $8.98 for them, that's less than just ONE of the razors would've cost me!!!!

 

The Suave Body Wash was a really great deal too, it was on 'price-cut' for $1.44 each and I had two $1/2 coupons, meaning I only paid $0.94 each. I even lucked up & got the value size bottle that had 50% more in them:)

 

 

I had a great time shopping Thursday with my sister and had a wonderful lunch at Olive Garden with her & our Mother. I can't wait for next week's trip! :)

Y'all have a wonderful week, a Merry Christmas & happy couponing!

 

-K.Goble

 

 

 

 

Pin my Publix Trip!


Pin my Kroger Trip!


Pin my Target Trip!

Coupon Policies

One of the most important thing's when it comes to couponing is knowing your store's coupon policy! It would be a great idea to print out the policy and have it with you when you go to a store. Policies are always changing so I recommend checking quite often to see if anything has changed.

I've put together a list of store's for you...if you would like to know the policy just click on the store name!

***Please note: These coupon policies are for stores in the Cullman/Decatur, Alabama area and every store is different so just do a quick search for your store policy. The policies are not too hard to find usually!***

 

Publix 

Target

Walmart Coupon Policy

Walmart Ad Match Policy

Kroger Digital Coupon Policy

Kroger Print at Home Coupon Acceptance Policy

Dollar General

Family Dollar

Fred's

 If there are anymore you would like me to add to the list just let me know!

 

Coupon Abbreviations & Terms

New to couponing? And not sure what all the letters and terms mean? Well, hopefully we can help!

These are abbreviations for inserts that come in the Sunday paper:

• P&G - Proctor & Gamble
• RP - Red Plum
• SS - Smartsource
• GM - General Mills
• V - Valassis (usually combined with Red Plum)

If you follow us when putting together your deals we put what coupons you should have and which insert it came in. It will look something like this:        
 

Chex Mix $1
-$0.50/1 Chex Mix  (RP 6/12/11, expires 8/6/11 )

As low as free, if your store doubles

The RP 6/12/11, means it came from the Red Plum insert that came out on June 12, 2011.

**Sometimes you may see an R, which means it was a regional coupon and only some areas recieved it! Will look like this: (RP 6/12/11 R)

Here are a list of other abbreviations & terms:

• Q - Coupon
• Blinkie - in store coupon dispensers near certain products, usually have a blinking light
• CAT or Catalinas - Coupons that print off at the register
• Peelie - Coupons that are on the outside of products
• RR - Register Rewards (Reward program at Walgreens)
• R - Regional Coupon
• BOGO, B1G1 - Buy One Get One free
• MFC or MQ - Manufacturer Coupon
• OOP - Out of Pocket...how much money you actually pay
• UPC - Universal Product Code/bar code
• ECBs - CVS Extra Care Bucks (Reward program at CVS)
• Stacking - Using a Manufacturer Coupon & a Store Coupon together for bigger savings (not all stores allow this so check your stores coupon policy...some also allow stacking a Competitor Coupon and a Manufacturer Coupon) 
• $1/1 - one dollar off one item
• $1/2 - one dollar off two items
• 2/$1 - two items for one dollar
• IPs - Internet Printables (online printable coupons)
• MIR - Mail-In Rebate
• NED - No Expiration Date
• PSA - Price Starts At
• Tearpad - Pads of coupons found in store
• WSL - While Supplies Last
• WYB - When You Buy

Stacking Example: Cottonelle Toilet Paper is $6.49, you have a MFC for $1/1 & you have a Store or Competitor Coupon for $0.75/1 that you stack on top of your MFC....it will end up costing you $4.74 because you stacked both coupons for that one item.

Those are the basics! Hopefully not too confusing or overwhelming! Let me know if there are anymore you can't figure out!

 



10 tips to help you find coupons!(:

New to couponing? Not sure where to get coupons from? Well, we have a few tips on where to find some(:

Tip #1 -

We print most of our coupons. This is my favorite way to get coupons! You can read my previous post, Printable Coupons, to learn where I print them from.

Tip #2 -
 

Go to your nearest gas station or store that sells the Sunday paper and pick one up to get the inserts that come in it. You might want to go and get your paper pretty early before they are all gone. Also, this is REALLY important, check to make sure your inserts are in your paper BEFORE you close the newspaper stand door! It is so frustrating to pick up a paper and get home only to find that your inserts are NOT there! PLEASE don't steal the inserts out of papers either! Take what you PAY for and ONLY that! You can also subscribe to the Sunday paper. We usually purchase 5-10 papers (ours are $1 each)each Sunday. 

Tip #3 -

This one could solve the problem of people taking inserts out of papers, but it also causes it. If you find a coupon(s) in your insert that you really like, you can order it from a clipping service online. The only problem with this is that some people steal the inserts from papers and then sell them on Ebay or other places.  Make sure it's a legit clipping service that pays for their coupons and inserts before they sell them! We will only ever list reputable clipping and printing services on our blog. 

Tip #4 -

Ask your family members, friends, neighbors or anybody else that get's the paper, but doesn't use the coupons, if you can have them. Also, if you have a recycling center/bin in your area you can check there! Make sure it's ok for you to do so first though!

Tip #5-

  Sign up for samples/freebies! I am all the time 'liking' new pages on Facebook and the reason for this is that I'm either getting a coupon or getting a free sample. Sometimes when you sign up for samples they will send you coupons in with those free samples!

Tip #6 -

Look for Blinkies in your store! Publix usually has a lot of these(: You can hold onto that coupon, if you can't use it then, and wait for a good deal to come along. The coupons that you get in blinkies are usually manufacturer coupons so you can use them at any store not just the store you got it from.

Tip #7 -

Check the products you buy for coupons/peelies! Inside or stuck to the outside.

Tip #8 -

After checkout you may recieve some coupons that printed out at the register. These are called 'Catalinas' and they can be used on your next purchase!

Tip #9 -

Write a letter and mail it or email Manufacturers and tell them how much you like their products and they will often send you some coupons back as a way of saying thanks!

Tip #10 -

Use E-Coupons, or coupons that you can put directly onto a card from the internet. Example: Kroger's has a 'Kroger Plus Shopper's Card' (ask to sign up for one next time you're at Kroger's) and all you do is sign up on the Kroger website, enter your card number, and start loading coupons onto it, then when you're at the register you scan your card and it will automatically take those coupons off! Be careful though! If you have 2 coupons for the same product, but one is an e-coupon for $0.50 off and the other is a printable coupon for $1.00 off, which ever one you use first will be the only one you can use. Which means if you scan your card first the $0.50 coupon will be taken off and you will not be allowed to use the $1.00 off coupon causing you to not have as good of a deal. Does that make sense? I'm not sure who all has cards for E- Coupons, but I know CVS has a card and they also have a coupon machine, when you go to the store you scan your card and it will print out coupons for you!

I hope these tips help! Feel free to leave comments!

I LOVEEE Couponing(:

I am SOOO excited to start this blog! My mom and I recently started couponing and we just fell in love with it! I'll admit, we're couponaholics(: lol It is just so addicting and I love to see how much we can save!  Our favorite store is Publix because they have a ton of BOGO (Buy 1 Get 1 free) sales each week. They double up to $0.50 and they also have a special penny item each week on Wednesday. Yesterday, it was Apple Juice.

So far we've gotten Cheese, Toilet Paper, Vanilla Wafers and now Apple Juice for ONLY $0.01 each!(: 

Anyways, we tried couponing before and quit, but this time we've got it and there ain't no turning back! We can't believe we use to pay full price for things that we could've been getting for really cheap or FREE! There ain't a day that goes by that we don't look at our coupons at least once. Sometimes it does get frustrating, like when you go to buy something and there all gone. Well, were not EXTREME COUPONERS and we're not going to clear the shelves so that nobody else can take advantage of a nice sale. We don't have 50 of the same coupon so there is no way we could even if we wanted to. Some people think stockpiling is 'hoarding', but there is a HUGE difference in my opinion. My mom went into couponing thinking she didn't wanna stockpile because she didn't wanna have so much stuff, but I think you will find you stockpile before you realize it. I've had to clean out a few cabinets to have room for things and we've only been at this a couple of months maybe. I read a blog the other day and she explained it better than anybody i've seen. Sales cycle every few months so when something goes on sale you want to buy as many of that item as you can. (Once again, not saying clear the shelf) You want to have enough though to last you til that item goes on sale again if possible. As soon as I find her blog again i'll link to it so you can read all that she said. Another option is donating. I've heard a lot of people ask about expiration dates for things, I ask the same thing, but when you can get something for really cheap or free, but you don't think you will use that item before the expiration date then just donate it because I guarantee somebody out there will use it and they will be so thankful for you(: When it comes to couponing you can't be BRAND PICKY. You have to try new things because your not gonna find coupons for the EXACT stuff you would regularly use. Couponing is VERY time consuming, but SO worth it when you get BIG savings! It will overwhelm you at times though. You will start to accumulate so many coupons and you don't know what to do with them all, but it's all about finding a system that works for YOU! Apparently, my mom and I have different systems that work best for each of us, but somehow we put both together and it just works(:

This is my mom's way of organizing:

This was the first thing I bought when we got into couponing and it quickly got to the point of NOT closing, but no matter what we've tried my mom always goes back to this. She's the kind of person that it doesn't matter how cluttered usually, she knows exactly where SHE put it so it don't matter if anyone else can find it.

Here is my way of organizing:

I've turned into an organizing freak....I've organized our cabinets to the point where my family was scared to touch stuff afraid of messing it up. My dad even went without his medicine one day I think. Seriously though, I NEED it organized. I can't find anything in my mom's coupon holder.  

Are you thinking, "Does she seriously carry that Big Ole' thing in stores?"

Yes, I do(: It's kind of embarrassing, but what's even MORE embarrassing is paying full price for stuff so i'm ok with carrying it(:

We've tried the binder and that didn't work for either of us.

Here's a neat website my mom found that might be helpful to you. It's called Track My Coupons and you just enter your coupons and it keeps up with them for you(: It tells you when coupons are about to expire too. It might help those just starting out. We tried it, but we already have so many coupons that we didn't wanna go through ALL of them and put them in.

Ok, I guess i'm finished rambling for now so if you have any questions just comment and i'll try my best to answer(: