where to find coupons

Now that you know a little bit about the basics of couponing, are you ready to start?? Or do you still have more questions? If you aren't sure how to get started, here is some information to get you through the first step  - FINDING COUPONS!!

There are a lot of ways to obtain coupons, but the most common places for a beginner to find them are in:
Newspapers- the Sunday newspaper is the BEST way to get coupons. You will find Smart Source, Red Plum and the P&G (Procter and Gamble) inserts in your paper. Inserts vary by region, month and unfortunately if you have a home delivery or buy at a gas station/grocery store.
Magazines -  you can find manufacturer and some specific store coupons in publications such as Woman's Day, Red Book, Family Circle, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, and the Wal-Mart published All-You Magazine (found only at Wal-Mart stores).
In store - look for coupons on store shelves that other customers leave, on products, in blinkies (in-store coupon dispenser), on the back of your receipt and look for Catalinas (coupons that print out at the register after your transaction).

Some places are going to be easier for others to find coupons but here is a list of additional places that you can find coupons:
Online - there are a TON of websites that offer printable coupons. Not all stores take them; but if yours does, you’re in luck. You can always check your stores' coupon policy online. The best place for a beginner to try is Coupons.com and manufacturer websites. (Personally, I don't like to print out a ton of coupons online because let's face it, ink isn't cheap - but if I find a high value coupon for an item that I KNOW I will use, then I will print it).
Junk mail - if you remember, I did a post about this a few days ago. Single high value manufacturer coupons have started to appear in junk mailers as well as whole coupon inserts so be sure to look before you toss.
Direct from the manufacturer- check manufacturer websites for printable coupons or contact companies (by mail, e-mail or phone) to request coupons. I have done this in the past for products that I love and don't see a lot of coupons for, for products that I want to try but wouldn't purchase without a coupon and for special diet products that I have to purchase like gluten free food. By doing so, I have been able to get high value coupons that I otherwise wouldn't be able to receive, coupons for FREE products, FREE samples of products and an average coupon that I would find in the newspaper - but every little bit helps.
Store mailings- get a frequent shopper card for the grocery stores that you shop, and you may be rewarded with special coupon mailings. I get special store coupons from Kroger ALL the time. They even give you at least TWO coupons for FREE products. How awesome is that!!!???!!! Another reason why I love Kroger!!!
On products- look in and on the packaging of the products that you buy. For instance, I bought Kings Hawaiian rolls for a Christmas Eve appetizer and on the package, there was another $1.00 off coupon. Score!!

I hope this helps you with any questions you have about where to find coupons. As always, leave a comment if you have a question and I will definitely help you out!

Happy Shopping,
J