Coupons - Where To Get Them

Couponing has become America's favorite pasttime, but every serious couponer knows the greatest challenge is getting your hands on coupons for the products you use regularly!  I thought I might take a few minutes and discuss where you can get those coupons:

• Newspaper Inserts.  The easiest way to acquire coupons is to subscribe or purchase the Sunday newspaper.  In our area, the Sunday paper costs $3.50 (more reasonable subscription prices-$0.75/issue -are available through Grocery Smarts) and contains the Smart Source insert.  I consider the Smart Source coupons the best insert coupons - there are more of them and the values are higher than other inserts.  Because the Smart Source is delivered in the newspaper, you decide on the number of inserts you receive by the number of newspapers you purchase either on the stand or by subscription. 
• Mailed Coupons.  In some areas (mine included) the Red Plum is mailed weekly and usually delivered on Tuesday or Wednesday.  The Red Plum insert usually has fewer coupons than the Smart Source and the coupon values are usually a lesser value.  The Proctor & Gamble insert is also mailed monthly.  You have no control over the number of Red Plum or P&G inserts you receive (or if you receive them at all!) because they come one to an address.  However, it may be possible to persuade neighbors to share if they aren't couponing.
• Printable Coupons.  Links to several coupon sites can be found on the Grocery Smarts website (coupons.com, Smart Source printable coupons, and Red Plum printable coupons).  These coupons can be used to supplement the inserts your receiving in newspapers and through the mail.  When using printable coupons, you'll also need to consider the costs associated with them - paper, ink and time spent downloading and printing.
• eCoupons.  Digital coupons that can be loaded on customer loyalty cards are available at several sites:  (Smith's) Softcoin, Cellfire, Shortcuts, P&G eSaver, Target Coupons to name a few.  Smith's and Vons are the only participating stores in the Las Vegas area.  The advantage to using eCoupons is that the coupons will redeem automatically at the checkstand when you purchase products with corresponding 'loaded' coupons without having to produce a paper coupon; the disadvantage is that you are limited to one coupon. 
• Purchased Coupons (Coupon Services).  You can buy whole coupon inserts or individually clipped coupons from coupon services.  If you want many of the coupons included in an insert you would want to buy the entire insert.  I use Coupons by Dede for my extra insert purchases- there is a $3 minimum purchase.  If you want one or two coupons from an insert, you may want to order clipped coupons.  I use My Coupon Hunter for my extra cut coupons.
• Magazine Coupons.  Some magazines are devoted to bargain shopping and coupons - All You Magazine for example.  This magazine is worth the subscription price for the coupons alone ($70+ - $90+ each month).  Many others, such as Good Housekeeping or Women's Day are also sources for occasional coupons.
• Facebook Coupons.  Many manufacturers will offer coupons on their Facebook pages.  By simply 'liking' them, you'll be able to print coupons directly from the page.  When I become aware of these offers, I'll post them on my blog.
• Request Coupons.  Manufacturers want to hear from you.  They want to know what you think of their products.  If there's a product you use regularly and you want or need coupons, let them know.  Sincerely tell them what you think of the product and ask where you might get coupons.  If you would like to try a product, tell them why and ask where you might get coupons.  What do you have to lose?  An email costs nothing and you might get lucky!

Hopefully this will give you ideas for getting those coupons you need when you need them.  Don't be overwhelmed!  The more you coupon the more adept you'll become at the process!  Happy shopping!