Coupon Sherpa has put together a list of 52 places to find coupons. Here are some of my favorites:
Direct Mail Packets
Remember those snail-mail envelopes packed with coupons and delivered to your mailbox every month? Some of the coupons aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on, but others are very useful. I used one to replace my shattered windshield for just $100 when other glass shops quoted prices of up to $200. The most popular of the direct-mail companies are Valpak and Money Mailer.
Junk Mail
Postal carriers hate these loose packets of flyers, but they’re a good source for coupons. Some replicate newspaper-insert content, while others offer entirely different coupons from manufacturers, services and retail stores.
Coupon Clipping Services
You’ll pay a nominal fee for coupons from these services, but you can register to receive coupons in specific categories or for preferred manufacturers and stores.
Coupon Trains
Hop on board a coupon train or start your own. Trains are a way for enthusiasts to exchange coupons through the mail. Every train is different, but the rules are basically the same. An envelope of coupons, usually 40 to 200, is mailed from the “conductor” to the first person on the list. They remove their desired coupons and replace them with those of equal value and number before mailing the envelope onto the next member of the train.
With Your Grocery Receipt
Catalinas are the coupons that print out with your grocery receipt. They’re usually keyed to your purchase for that day or, if you use a loyalty card, previous purchases.
Supermarket Tear Pads
Tear-pad coupons usually hang out next to a product in grocery stores. As the name suggests, you simply tear the coupon off a pad and use it at checkout. Don’t be greedy, however. Leave some behind for the next shopper.
Inside Packaging
Look on the inside of cereal boxes and product labels for printed coupons good towards your next purchase. (Don’t forget to recycle the boxes, cans and bottles when you’re done.)
After Providing Feedback
A lot of companies, like SC Johnson, will send coupons if you provide their customer service departments with feedback on a product.
Credit Card Promos
Before you throw away that hundredth credit card solicitation, check the envelope for useful coupons. Apply for the card, including store cards, and you’ll frequently receive coupon savings.
With Rebates
The majority of consumers don’t apply for rebates because the paperwork is a pain, but your hard work is sometimes rewarded with a coupon for the manufacturer’s products.
At Coupon Classes
Coupon classes have been around for awhile, but the TLC show “Extreme Couponing” has blown the doors off these private lessons. Most instructors provide students with starter coupon kits.
Be sure to check out my own list of coupon resources!