Get organized
Store coupons in color-coded envelopes, a portable file with dividers, a tabbed binder, or a photo album.
Collect a lot
Nab every coupon that you might use; don't limit yourself to those for products you need now. Look in the usual spots—the Sunday paper, coupon packs sent in the mail—but also check manufacturer websites and giant coupon sites including Coupons.com, CoolSavings.com, and GrocerySmarts.com. And see the box below for where coupons lurk in stores.
Stack coupons
Stacking, a top strategy of coupon enthusiasts, means redeeming at least two coupons—one from the manufacturer and one from the store—on a single purchase. Manufacturers and grocery stores don't necessarily offer coupons for the same items at the same time. The trick is to hold onto manufacturer coupons until your store offers coupons for the same product.
Be smart online
Set up a separate e-mail account for couponing. You have to register at most sites before you can print out coupons, and once you do you'll be bombarded with spam. Be selective about which online coupons you print, or you'll spend too much on ink and paper. Because manufacturers can discontinue online coupons at any time, print them close to when you intend to use them.
Look beyond the supermarket
In 2009 about 1.2 billion coupons—a third of all redeemed—were for nonfood products such as paper goods, cleaning supplies, and personal-care items. You can often find deals on those products at big discount stores, drugstores, and even dollar stores, most of which accept coupons. Many drugstore chains distribute their own coupons, which you can stack with manufacturer coupons. CVS has a strong coupon program tied to its loyalty card. Target distributes its own coupons.
Get coupons for favorite brands
Use Facebook or Twitter to sign up with a favorite brand and receive coupons and offers not available elsewhere. Here's another way to find coupons for specific brands: Do an Internet search for the brand name and "coupons" or "discount coupons." When you find a good deal on a favorite, stock up.
Stay on track
Don't use the cash you've saved to splurge on unnecessary extras. Instead, put it in a jar. Watching the savings grow can motivate you to keep clipping.
