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Just starting to coupon? Make sure you have these essential tools in your arsenal!
1. The Krazy Coupon Lady app
When you download the free KCL app (on Apple or Android), you’ll gain access to hundreds of coupons, deals, and tips. Sort deals by stores and products, create a shopping list, and even print free coupons right from your phone.
We break each deal down for you so you learn quickly. Plus, you’ll have access to a thriving community of couponers who are there to help you as well.
2. An organization strategy
So…you may have heard about keeping a coupon binder and separating each individual clipped coupon into categories, which works great for some (here’s a breakdown on how to do that). But there’s totally an easier way to stay organized!
For coupon inserts from the Sunday paper, we recommend using the file-box organization system. Instead of clipping individual coupons from the paper, file whole inserts by date. When a good deal comes along, KCL will tell you which newspaper insert to find the coupon in. Check it out:
RMN = RetailMeNot Everyday (formerly Red Plum)
SS = Smart Source
PG = Procter & Gamble
3. Drugstore rewards cards
Signing up for the free rewards programs at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid is your ticket to massive savings with coupons. I’m talking about $3 packs of diapers, free makeup, and other household and personal hygiene essentials for pennies when you stack coupons with member rewards promotions.
All three of the major drugstores have rewards points that can be used like cash on future visits. Buy products that produce points with coupons and you’ll rarely have to pay out of pocket for the things you need.
Check out all the amazing posted deals at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid — but don’t forget to sign up for the rewards cards first!
RELATED: Do You Need a Newspaper Subscription to Coupon
4. Rebate apps
One of the easiest ways to bring your grocery savings to the next level is with rebate apps. No coupon clipping required! Just take a photo of your receipt after buying qualifying products at grocery and retail stores — and even restaurants!
Ibotta, Checkout 51, and MobiSave are three of the best ones to start with, but there are others. If you download them all, you have the chance to save more; a lot of rebate apps have offers for the same products. Buy a product once and submit the same receipt into multiple apps!
5. A bookmarked link to the store policy
Carrying your favorite store’s coupon policy or keeping it bookmarked in your phone is essential — especially when things don’t go as planned at the register. If a cashier isn’t sure about the policy, you can reference it in a jiffy.
You’ll also want to know about price-matching or competitor coupon guidelines. This knowledge can save you an extra trip to the store, not to mention money!
Find your store’s coupon policy here.
6. A printer
You’re gonna need a printer in order to take advantage of most deals. The initial investment may cost you about $30 for the most standard printers, but think of all the savings! KCL posts printer deals regularly here, so score one when it’s cheap!
And if you have an old HP printer, head to Best Buy where you can get a 15% discount when you recycle your old inkjet.
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