Whether you’re a coupon novice just dipping your toe or a full-time coupon clipper, couponing is a terrific and easy way to save your hard-earned cash.

WHERE TO FIND COUPONS

Sunday Newspaper. Not all coupon inserts are created equal. Larger newspapers tend to have more coupons, and the types of coupons can vary from region-to-region. Think about subscribing to more than one newspaper to get the best selection and best deals.

Online Coupons. Printable online coupons can be found all over the Internet, from the merchant’s direct website to Online Coupon sites like RetailMeNot.com, CouponCabin.com, SmartSource.com or TheKrazyCouponLady.com. Make sure to stock up on ink and computer paper!

Store Coupons. Oftentimes, these are given to you at checkout for use on your next visit.

Mobile Coupons – download free SmartPhone apps like GeoQpons, Coupon Sherpa or A Full Cup to get access to coupons right on your phone!

On Packaging. Referred as “peelies” in the Couponing World, these coupons are attached to the actual product. Manufacturers offer these in hopes that you’ll buy their product over their competitor’s sitting on the same shelf.

Loyalty Programs. Many companies have membership cards or “frequent buyer” programs, where customers are given access to special discounts and coupons. Signing up is usually free!

NOW THAT YOU HAVE THE COUPONS, WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT?

Stack Coupons. Some stores will let you stack store coupons with manufacturer’s discounts.

Double Coupons. Some stores will double (or even triple!) your coupon up to a certain dollar amount or up to a maximum quantity.

Be Competitive. Sometimes competitor coupons will be honored. It never hurts to try!

Learn Sales Cycles. Use your coupon when the product is at its lowest price.

Be Flexible. Are you tied to certain brands? Ditch the brand loyalty when coupons are offered from different manufacturers.

Double Check. Check receipt to make sure that the cashier included all the coupons.

GET ORGANIZED!

Think Ahead. Set aside space in your pantry and stockpile non-perishables. Get creative with freezing foods. Stock up on products with a long shelf life: shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste.

Make a List. Let your coupons – not your regular grocery list – be your guide. Make meals based on what foods have coupons.

Use a Filing System. Keep track of all your coupons in an accordion file or in clear binder inserts. Organize coupons
by category, alphabetically by brand, by expiration date, etc. Purge any expired coupons.

GET INSPIRED!

Extreme Couponing. Check out the TLC Network television show Extreme Couponing. These folks have clearly taken couponing to the next level. Click here for the television programming schedule.

Donate. Did you buy more than you need? Consider donating any excess items to charity or to your local food bank.

HOW CAN YOU SAVE EVEN MORE?

Buy discounted gift cards from Plastic Jungle! As the web’s largest gift card exchange, you can save up to 35% on from over 400 merchants. Shipping is free and all transactions are guaranteed.

Well, only 15 days until the taxes are due. Better enter some giveaways and sweepstakes to lift your spirits!

Coupons and Freebies Mom $250 Target Gift Card Giveaway – Just sign up for Coupons & Freebies Mom free email updates or updates via RSS feed & then fill out the entry form on the giveaway’s main page. Gain additional entries with the directions on the contest’s main page. The giveaway will end on April 27 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.

Get discounted Target Gift Cards on Plastic Jungle   >>

Cha Cha “What Kind of Car Are You?” Sweepstakes – Well? Take the Cha Cha quiz to find out and you’re entered to win one of two cars they’re giving away. You can enter up to once a day. Invite your friends to take the quiz, and if they take the quiz, you just got yourself another entry. The more friends you invite, the more entries you get! (See official rules here.) NOTE: If one of your invited friends wins a car, then so do you! Winners will be announced 11/11/11 at 11:11pm.

Get discounted Sonic Drive-In Gift Cards on Plastic Jungle   >>

Olive Garden’s Tour of Italy Sweepstakes 2011 (or instantly win a $20 Olive Garden Gift Card!) – Four grand prize winners will enjoy an eight-day Italy trip for two and take cooking lessons in Tuscany and also visit Rome and Florence, including a winery tour. Instant winners score a $20 Olive Garden restaurant gift card. Sweepstakes ends May 9, 2011. You can enter once per day! See official rules for details.

Get discounted Olive Garden Gift Cards on Plastic Jungle   >>

Jimmy Fallon “Band Bench” Sweepstakes – Attention music lovers! If you’ve been setting notifications for Ticketmaster and iTunes Gift Cards, then you’ll relish the chance to see one of your favorite musical performers or bands up close and personal at a Late Night with Jimmy Fallon musical guest taping in New York City. You could win two tickets to Jimmy F’s “Band Bench” (the location of which is outlined on the sweepstakes page). The prize does not include transportation to the evening of the taping, and you will have an opportunity to enter for many different bands through June 30, 2011. Today, you could enter to win tickets to see Paul Simon, Wire, The Strokes, or Duran Duran play on the Jimmy Fallon Show. See Band Bench official rules for details. For an idea of what the experience is like, check out the Alex Suskind Spinner Blog post.

Get discounted Ticketmaster Gift Cards on Plastic Jungle   >>

Get discounted iTunes Gift Cards on Plastic Jungle   >>

Congratulations to all the $50 Gift Card winners in Plastic Jungle’s Spring Cleaning Sweepstakes. Check the Plastic Jungle Facebook Sweepstakes page for a list of winners as they are confirmed! Stay tuned for more Plastic Jungle offers and sweepstakes coming your way.

Who’s got a sweepstakes they would like to share? We’d love to highlight your sweepstakes or giveaway — just email me at blog@plasticjungle.net. Have a great weekend!