As you become more comfortable using coupons, you will learn that there are certain rules to follow.

Here are a few tips to remember as you become a savvy shopper and a knowledgeable couponer!

Coupon Rules

1. Stack 1 manufacturer coupon with 1 store coupon per item
2. Use coupons by their expiration date (YMMV)
3. Read the fine print on the coupon; don’t focus on the picture
4. You can stack a BOGO with another manufacturer’s coupon (only $/1, not $/2 coupon because you are not buying 2)
5. If you have a BOGO coupon and there is a BOGO sale, you get 2 FREE!

Money-saving Tips

1. Don’t use all of your coupons just because you have them
2. Don’t print every internet coupon out there (ink/paper cost $$$)
3. Drugstores will reward you with gift cards/certificates for transferring prescriptions
4. Coupon & sale cycles run every 3-4 months – not once in a lifetime!

Printing Coupons on the Cheap

1. Print high-value coupons when they become available
2. Wait on printing other coupons until there is a sale – most expire 1 month after printing
3. Hit the cancel print button once the coupon has printed (ink-wasting ads often print on the bottom)
4. Print on both sides of the paper when possible
5. Most websites will print 3 coupons per page
6. Set the printer to print only in black/white
7. Recycle ink cartridges at Staples (receive $2/cartridge) and use the rewards check to buy more ink
8. Refill ink cartridges at Walgreens

Save it for a Rainy Day

1. Take advantage of rain checks – you can purchase the item for the sale price when it is back in stock
2. Make sure the rain check does not expire before items are restocked
3. Rain checks do not work for promotions (spend $20, save $10 instantly)
4. You can’t receive a rain check on clearance prices
5. When redeeming a rain check, inform the cashier beforehand

By Emily Browning

If you are a parent or a teacher, you know how hard it is to get kids to wash their hands long enough.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) is giving away a free hand-washing timer to teach kids the correct amount of time to wash their hands.

You can request up to 3 free timers. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Jack in the Box is one of the few fast food places (and Taco Bell) that actually hosts a promotion well. When they do their FREE days, they all actually honor them!

Get a free Chicken Fajita Pita at Jack in the Box with a large drink purchase. I don’t know the exact prices but I know a Chicken Fajita Pita is $4+ at my locations, I’m sure a large drink can’t be more than $2. Not a bad deal!

Make sure to bring this printable coupon to your local Jack in the Box to get the free chicken fajita pita.

The printable coupon expires January 31st, 2011.

Thanks Dealectible Mommies!

As a parent of 2 cats, I know how expensive it is to buy food, litter, treats, toys, etc.

I am still waiting on the IRS to declare pets as independents.

Several of the large pet stores have rewards programs and coupons you can print off their websites.

Here are a few to check out:

1. PetSmart Pet Perks

• Receive a coupon booklet with over $200 in savings
• Qualify for special member pricing on in-store items
• Get a birthday greeting for your pet
• Special e-mail offers

2. Printable coupons and emails from PETCO

3. Petland Club Pet Discounts

• Monthly e-mail coupon offers
• Everyday in-store discounts

4. Pet Supplies “Plus”

• Receive emails about special offers, in-store events

Do you know of any other pet rewards programs to add to the list?

by Emily Browning

Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB) is a condition that occurs during or after exercise.

The symptoms are very similar to those of asthma.

ProAir HFA, an inhalation aerosol, has put together an EIB Active Kit to encourage those with EIB to Educate, Inspire, and Be Active.

The kit includes an inhaler pouch to hold an inhaler and a brochure to help you learn more about managing EIB.

Every month I like to give away the gift cards you guys help me earn through Amazon.com gift cards that I earned through Swagbucks. I find that the $5 ones are the best value and you can ask for a maximum of 5 per month.

If you aren’t on Amazon.com gift cards that I earned through Swagbucks yet you could be missing out in several FREE gift cards per month. They reward you for searching on their website (like Google), finding codes, and doing various tasks for bucks. Those bucks add up!

As a thank you I am giving away 5 $5 Amazon gift cards.

To Enter: Comment below on your favorite site that you use to “earn” prizes. It could be a survey site, Swagbucks, or anything else. If you don’t use a site, mention what kind of promotions you like or have liked in the past that reward you for “referring” users etc.

The giveaway is open to residents in the US. Entries are valid until Wednesday January 12th, 2011 (11:59PM PST).

Please only ONE entry per person. Anyone found breaking this rule will be removed from the contest.

My contest winners are always contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Once selected, winners will receive their prize in 4-6 weeks.

As an owner of many pets, I know how expensive your furry friends can be, especially those big, cuddly pups!  I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss out on these great money saving coupons being offered by The Nutro Company.  Right now they are offering three printable coupons: $4 off any one bag of Nutro Natural Choice cat or puppy food, as well a BOGO coupon for a for a free Greenies Individually Wrapped Canine Dental Chew Bone (with the purchase of another bone). 

Click here to register with The Nutro Company and print your coupons.  If you are unable to print coupons, you can have the coupon mailed to you by clicking on “help” at the bottom of the screen when the “coupon print” screen pops up.  Once you click “help”, type in your mailing address and the coupon will be mailed to you.

By Shannon Mooney

It’s a new year and a new you!  24HourFitness.com is helping you start your new year off right with this awesome offer!

Hurry on over to 24HourFitness.com to score some great fitness items and health suppliments for FREE or very little money!  Right now you can get a free $10 credit plus free shipping at 24HourFitness!  There’s No Minimum purchase is required.  Use Coupon Code: myOW2424 (case sensitive) at checkout.

The Children’s Place is currently having a 50% off sale on all fall & holiday items.

Socks are $1 a pair and there are nine pages of items under $10.

Use coupon code: RETAILMENOT1C to save an additional 15% off

FREE Shipping on all U.S. orders!

High Country Kombucha is giving away coupons valid for a free bottle of High Country Kombucha Organic Iced Tea.  Join their mailing list by providing your address and receive a coupon good for 1 free bottle!  

See where you can buy this product in your area HERE.

Visit their homepage to find out more information on this product.

Free samples are always great, but sometimes you can use a coupon and get an item next to nothing, or even free!

Get a free pack of Orbit Gum (possibly 2!). Use this printable coupon to get a free pack of Orbit gum with the purchase of any 14-piece pack of Orbit Tropical Remix.

Starting January 16th, CVS will have Orbit on sale BOGO. Using the coupon and the sale you should be able to score two free packs of gum!

Cool Diaps will hit the stores exclusively at Babies R Us on January 26th.

To order a free sample before the diapers hit the shelves, send an email to paige@cooldiaps.com with your name, phone #, address, design choice, and size choice.

You have three designs to choose from: Zebra Diaper, Peace Sign, and Happy Face