WHICH NEWSPAPER SHOULD I BUY?
Newspapers in large cities (like the Detroit News/Free Press, Chicago Tribune, etc) generally offer more coupons with better values than smaller papers. In the Macomb area, the Detroit News/Free Press is usually your best bet. To be sure this is the case in your area, it’s a good idea to buy a copy of each local paper and compare the inserts.
HOW MANY PAPERS DO I NEED?
A good rule of thumb is to purchase 1 copy for each person in your household. I purchase additional copies if the coupons are especially good that week (i.e. savings on items I know we’ll use) and fewer copies if there aren’t many inserts. If you’re just starting out, 1 or 2 newspaper copies will still help your budget. Many deal matchups may require you to use 2 or 4 coupons in one transaction in order to save – and you’ll want a few to be able to stock up on items when prices are at their lowest.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH ALL THAT PAPER?
ISN’T IT EXPENSIVE TO PURCHASE EXTRA PAPERS?
Since the cost of a newspaper copy has risen recently (in our area to $1.50), you will want to make sure you’re serious about using your coupons if you’re thinking about purchasing extras. You can quickly earn back the money you spent on a paper in one well-planned shopping trip.
- Many dollar stores (including Dollar Tree and Dollar Castle) offer the Sunday paper for $1.00 – and often you can still find remaining copies available on Monday and Tuesday.
- Ask your friends, coworkers and neighbors for extra coupon inserts. Those who don’t use coupons have no use for them! If you’re able to pick up items for cheap or free with those coupons, you might consider bringing them a little treat every once in a while to show your appreciation or letting them know what you were able to donate with their help.
- If you’re a regular drugstore shopper, buying papers is an easy way to use up your CVS Extra Care Bucks, Rite Aid UP+ Rewards or Walgreens Register Rewards before they expire.
DO I REALLY NEED TO CUT and SORT ALL THOSE COUPONS?
NO. (That’s the easiest answer). 🙂
And if you’re short on time (like I am), I don’t recommend it. I like the whole insert method Coupon Mom endorses. Keep your coupon inserts uncut and group your together each week (use a paperclip, binder clip, staple, rubberband, file folder, etc.) then write the date on the front. (If you receive inserts from a friend, you’ll find the date in microscopic print on the edge of the insert).
Use the free Grocery Coupon Database she provides to search for existing coupons and clip only those you’ll use as you prepare your shopping list each week. (You’ll be asked to register, but there’s no cost). At the end of each month, you can purge expired coupons and inserts.
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Do you buy extra papers each week? Do you have any questions about collecting coupons from newspapers? Share your best tips!