Couponing for Beginners! {Couponology 101}

Get ready for some help couponing with these helpful Couponing for Beginners tips!

Are you new to using coupons? Or would you like to take your couponing to the next level?

The Frugal Girls Couponology is here to help. Couponology is Couponing for Beginners + more!

Frugal friend Dolly sent over this adorable picture of her seriously cute dog Lexie! She said Lexie gets soooo excited when she’s cleaning out her expired coupons… and loves to jump in and ‘help’ out! See… you can get the whole family on board!

Now are your ready to slash your bills with coupons? Here are some helpful clues, tips, and additional sources of coupons to help you save the most money possible…

Related:

How to Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half! {25+ Brilliant Tips}

Couponing for Beginners

Get organized! Check out My Basket Coupon Organizer… then check out what other Frugal Girls do to organize their coupons!
Or… if you prefer organizing your coupons in a Coupon Notebook, you can find notebook inserts here… and then you can find coupon categories here!

Don’t feel like you have to go overboard with the stockpile of the century, there will always be another sale! 😉

Found some bargains on items you don’t really need? Donate to others in need! {food pantries, homeless shelters, animal shelters, schools, churches, Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, etc.}

What your frugal friends are saying…

Patti writes: “I still use my 3-ring binder, divided by category (food, HBA, cleaning, paper, etc) and it takes less than 5 minutes a week to keep it updated. I save anywhere from 10% + by using coupons each time I shop. That doesn’t include BOGOs and specials. Couponing is worth it!”

General Coupon Abbreviations and Lingo:

Wondering what all this coupon code language is??

P&G insert or P&G = Sunday Newspaper Proctor & Gamble coupon insert
SmartSource insert or SS = SmartSource Sunday Newspaper coupon insert
RedPlum insert or RP = RedPlum Sunday Newspaper coupon insert
GM insert = General Mills Sunday Newspaper coupon insert
Pepsi insert = PepsiCo Moments to Save Sunday Newspaper coupon insert
BOGO = Buy 1 item, Get 1 FREE!
B1G1 = Buy 1 item, Get 1 FREE!
ECBs = CVS Extra Bucks rewards
MIR = Mail-in rebate
NLA = No Longer Available
PSA = Price Starts At
RRs = Walgreens Register Rewards
WYB = When You Buy

Coupon Printers & Printing Coupons:

Printable Coupons and Grocery Store eCoupons:

Heading to my local grocery store’s website is one of my favorite sources for Printable Coupons and eCoupons. Before I head to the store, I make sure to check my local store’s website for any new coupons that match up with items I already plan to buy.

For example, I use the eCoupons for my local Fry’s Foods (part of Kroger), and also at my local Sprout’s Farmer’s Market.

Purchase Coupons with a Discounted Newspaper Subscripion:

Load up on coupons when you get a Discounted Newspaper Subscription! This is one of the easiest ways to consistently collect the most coupons.

FREE iPhone & Android Coupon Apps:

Many stores offer Free iPhone and Android Apps with regularly updated coupons. Craft stores like Hobby Lobby, JoAnn, and Michaels all have great apps that offer regular discounts. Search for your favorite store’s app in the App Store, and check for coupon offers before you head out shopping. It’s an easy way to save even more using coupons from your phone when you’re out and about!

Need More Coupons??

Exchange unwanted coupons with friends
Host a coupon exchange party
Sign up for Free Samples! {many come with coupons!}
Ask your friends, family, or neighbors for their unwanted Sunday Newspaper coupons
Check your newspaper and discounted magazines for coupons inside!
Check your local library or grocery store for coupon swap boxes {where people can share coupons and take coupons}!

More Shopping Tips and Tricks:

How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half {25+ Brilliant Tips}

How Rakuten Works! {Get Paid to Shop + a Free $10 Bonus}

18 Ways to Save More at Target {Money Saving Hacks}

Get Free Walmart Gift Cards {12 Tricks + Shopping Hacks}

Free Sam’s Club Gift Cards {+ 17 More Thrifty Money Saving Tips}

How to Get Free Stuff at Safeway! {+ Money Saving Tips}

9 Easy Walgreens Tips to Save More Money

9 Easy CVS Tips to Save More Money

7 Best Ways to Save Money and Score Rite Aid Deals

10 Old Navy Shopping Hacks You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner!

Free Kohl’s Gift Card + 14 Genius Savings Hacks for your Next Shopping Spree!

Get a Free JCPenney Gift Card + 8 Awesome Shopping Hacks!

Free Macy’s Gift Card {10 Shopping Hacks To Save Money!}

Free Best Buy Gift Card + 13 Shopping Hacks that will Save You Money!

Get Free Home Depot Gift Card + 18 Shopping Hacks to Save Money!

Free Lowe’s Gift Card + 19 Shopping Hacks You’ll Regret Not Knowing!

29 Eat Out Cheap Ideas for your Favorite Restaurants

Know Your Store’s Coupon and Price Match Policy:

Before heading to your local grocery store, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with their Coupon Policy and Price Match Policy. Head on over to the store’s site and search for their policies, so you’re aware of your store’s coupon rules and guidelines. Keep in mind that coupon policies and price match policies can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check periodically for new guidelines.