I consider myself a fairly frugal person. I like to save money and be as practical as possible. If there’s a coupon available, I’ll use it. However, I have never gone out of my way to locate coupons for specific products, nor have I strategized about using multiple coupons (web, in-store, and manufacturing) for the same product. I guess I have just never taken the time to learn how to do this; thinking it was probably too complicated for me.
Then two things happened. First, I was invited to attend a “couponing class” where I learn more about using coupons and saving money. I am really looking forward to this class next week, as I have a friend who already took the class and loved it. Not only is she saving money, but she’s practically making money. Really?
The other thing that happened is that I connected with a couponing site online called CouponChief.com They were featured a while back by Mashable.com , a social marketing site I trust very much. I figured they would make a great “first” online couponing site that I could go through and discover what I’ve been missing.
I’ll admit that when I have gone to any coupon-type site, CouponChief.com included, I have been a bit overwhelmed. I liked the fact that they included a tab in the upper-right corner titled “How It Works”.
The instructional video guided me through the process, and I realized that the site is heavily focused on coupon codes. I already knew about coupon codes and was using them; however, I didn’t know there was an organized place to find them. My method of madness usually included searching Google, and then wading through results.
CouponChief.com is devoted to helping people save money with codes prior to checking out online. I love the ease at which they make this available, but from what I can tell, they don’t have coupons for offline transactions or groceries. The vast number of online stores and codes they index is amazing though, and I was able to search and find dozens of opportunities I’m sure I’ve missed on recent purchases.
I have added this site to my Delicious account and will return each and every time before I make an online purchase to see if I can save money before I check out.
I will blog again after my couponing class next week to let you know how that goes as well.
I was asked by CouponChief.com to review their site, and compensated for my time
photo credit: Matt McGee
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What coupon class are you going to? I have been watching for one in the Twin Cities but seem to keep missing out.
A friend attended one in a the cities two weeks ago. The speaker agreed to come to Hutchinson to hold a class. I can pass her name and contact info on to you if you’d like. I’ll make sure to collect it on Monday and get back to you.
It will be interesting to see what the speaker tells you about couponing in Hutchinson. Most of the people who make money couponing have a CVS AND a Walgreens, and grocery stores that do double and triple coupons.
You’ll be able to find some decent deals at Cashwise and Target, but I’d be surprised if there were many moneymakers.
Let us know how it goes!
Another coupon code site I really like is http://retailmenot.com. In addition to a good base of coupons, people have the option of indicating whether (and when) the code worked for them, so you don’t waste your time on expired codes.
http://evreward.com is also a good place to use when online shopping; if you’re a member of several rewards sites (Upromise, Cashbaq, Ebates, etc.) it will tell you the rewards level of each for the store you’re shopping at, so you can maximize your cashback.
I will be sure to follow up with what she says. Apparently she was going to tailor everything specific to Hutchinson, so she may have found a challenge. I agree on the double/triple coupon thing.
Yes, I agree with neither a Walgreen’s or CVS in town, it makes it a little difficult, but in my opinion, more choices sometimes also complicates things. I have made money twice in the last month with purchases at our local Target. They are the only store in Hutchinson, however, who does the gift card offer, which is really nice.
I will now plan ahead if I happen to make a trip into the cities, or to a larger city near Hutchinson where they have a Rainbow, Cub, Walgreens, etc. and have my coupons with me…………..just in case.
I also have checked out Couponchief.com and yes………remember to check there before you order anything online to get a coupon code.
For those of you who want to take a class in the metro check out: http://www.couponsinourhands.com and there is a class listing of where and when they offer classes.