FAQ’s

 

Video Tutorials:

How to use the Shopping List Feature

Coupon Database – Video Tutorial

Coupon Binder Organization

Follow Me On A Shopping Trip

Coupon Lingo

• SS = Smartsource insert
• RP = Red Plum insert
• PG = Proctor & Gamble insert
• BOGO = Buy one get one free
• OOP = Out of pocket
• Q = Coupon
• WYB = When you buy
• IPQ = Internet printable coupon
• Blinkies = Coupon dispensers at stores with blinking lights
• Peelies = Peelable coupons located on the package
• MFR = Manufacturer coupon
• Catalina = Coupon that prints after your receipt at checkout
• ECB = Extra Care Bucks – CVS “money” printed after the receipt to be used like cash in store (with expiration dates)
• RR = Register Reward – Walgreen’s “money” printed after the receipt to be used like cash in store (with expiration dates)
• YMMV = Your mileage may vary – You may have to drive further to get stores that accept the coupons you have.
• NLA = No Longer Available – Usually refers to a printable coupon that you can no longer print, but check your coupon binders in case you had already printed it.
• R = In coupon matchups it typically means it was a ‘regional’ coupon, only available in some areas.

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Store Coupon Polices

There are several stores that have official coupon policies and I have linked to these.  I suggest printing them and keeping it in your coupon binder.  Sometimes we are more knowledgeable about coupon polices than cashiers are. It’s helpful to have it with you if you need to support your coupon usage.  Unfortunately, many companies leave their coupon policies up to Store Managers, who are not always consistent.  You may have to drive out of your way to find a store that has the policies that work for you (YMMV – Your mileage may vary).  Even though Walmart’s coupon policy states that they take internet printable coupons, my local Walmart stopped taking them for a few months because they had several fraudulent situations that cost them over $200.  If you use coupons ethically, then you should have no problem standing your ground and requesting a manager if it’s needed.  As always I recommend being friendly and smile.  It will get you further than stomping your foot and causing a scene.

Publix Coupon Policy - Updated May 10, 2011

If you love shopping at Publix you can read my post about shopping at Publix and maximizing your savings.

Target Coupon Policy

Accepts 1 Target coupon & 1 MFR coupon for each item
Will not take competitor coupons
Will take internet printable coupons
Target is now starting to price match if you bring in the competitor ad.  I’ve had to go to Customer Service to handle these.

Walmart Coupon Policy

Will not double coupons
Accepts only 1 MFR coupon per item
Will take internet printable coupons – Your mileage may vary (YMMV) on this one
Does not accept competitor coupons
Will price match competitor prices

Winn Dixie

As of February 15, 2012 they now have a written policy.

BJ’s Wholesale Club

Accepts 1 BJ’s coupon & 1 MFR coupon for each item
They will accept multiple MFR coupons for items that can be separated from the packaging.  For example if they sell a 6 pack of soup and those 6 cans can be sold separately at a regular grocery store, then you can use a coupon for each can.  You can read my previous post on BJ’s shopping for more details.

Food Lion

No official coupon policy
Will not double coupons
Accepts 1 Food Lion & 1 MFR coupon per item
Will Not accept more than 1 of the same printable Food Lion coupon.  (Coupons specify one 1 print per coupon)
You can use 2 coupons on BOGO items because they actually ring up half price (You need only buy 1 for the sale price)
Does not accept competitor coupons

Walgreens

Accepts 1 Walgreens coupon & 1 MFR coupon for each item
Will accept internet printable coupons
Does not match competitor ads or prices
Does not accept other stores coupons

CVS

Accepts 1 CVS coupon & 1 MFR coupon for each item
Will accept internet printable coupons
Does not match competitor ads or prices
Does not accept other stores coupons