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My Precious Pennies

I will be AWAY until late February as we do this moving thing...again.

Ginger from Attention Target Shoppers & Tricia from 1stopmom
will be holding down the fort in the meantime - thank you so much, ladies!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Coupon Counselor: Couponing Dictionary

Thank you to everyone who participated in the very first installment of Coupon Counselor. I received some GREAT questions, and I hope that you were all able to walk away with at least one piece of "new" information. The winner of the $400 in coupons by random.org is #24, which happens to be Amanda Mae. Amanda asked the question "Can B1G1 coupons be used on B1G1 [sale] items [so] you get them for free?". You can read the answer to this question (and many more) here.

If you didn't win the $400 in coupons, don't worry, because this week I will be giving away $600 in coupons! Most of the coupons are for items that we just don't use, and recently I've been getting multiple copies of the paper, so my loss is your gain! To be entered into the giveaway for $600 in coupons, just leave a comment on this post with a topic that you like the Coupon Counselor to address in a future lesson. This giveaway will end Tuesday 11/11 at 11:59pm CST. Unique ideas only - if someone posted your idea before you, I'm sorry, but you will just have to think of another topic. DUPLICATE IDEAS WILL BE DELETED. Any entry without an email (either in the comment, in your profile, or in your blog) will be deleted. If I do not hear from the winner within 48 hours, I will draw a new winner.

Today, I will be providing a dictionary of commonly used terms and abbreviations. For us seasoned couponers, these terms come out in everyday talk, but for the newcomer it can be quite overwhelming, so hopefully this will help alleviate some of that stress!

B1G1: Buy 1 Get 1 [free, $ off…etc.]
BLINKIES: Coupons from a little blinking red box that are found in-store on the shelf by the item.
CARD SCANNER: CVS card scanner that will give you the price of an item and also print out coupons if you scan your ECB card.
CATALINA: coupons that spit out of the register (or a coupon printer by the register) after your transaction is completed
ECB: ExtraCare Bucks (CVS currency)
ESR: EasySaver Rebate (the Walgreens Monthly rebate program)
FAR: Free After Rebate
GC: Gift Card
MFG: Manufacturer’s Coupons – normally found in Sunday paper inserts, but can also be found in a number of places (printables, samples, peelies, tearpad…etc.)
MIR: Mail in Rebate
MONEYMAKER: Get money “back” by using a high value coupon in conjunction with a sale, rebate, and/or ECB/RR deal. Rarely means cash in your hand – just means extra “money” so you end up paying less for other things in your transaction
OOP: Out of Pocket expense
OVERAGE: Get more money off than the item sells for – accomplished by combing a high value coupon with a sale or a store coupon. Some stores allow this, others do not.
PEELIES: Stickers on products that are actually coupons
PRINTABLE: Just that – manufacturer’s coupons that can be printed online
RC: Raincheck
RR: Register Rewards (Walgreens version of ECBs)
TEARPAD: Promotional coupons that are found in-store on the shelf by the item.
WAGs: Walgreens
WAGging
: Shopping at Walgreens

These are just SOME of the abbreviations that I use on a daily basis here on My Precious Pennies. I have also taken the liberty of explaining some frequently used terms. If you would like a definition or just clarification on anything (whether you heard about it from My Precious Pennies or elsewhere), feel free to contact me! I'd be happy to answer any and all questions!

Don't forget that you can win $600 in coupons by simply leaving a comment on this post with a topic that you like the Coupon Counselor to address in a future lesson!

55 comments:

Unknown said...

I am thrilled beyond all belief...and shocked! haha...I never win anything! This is the best! Thank you!!

Bay said...

I would like to enter! The topic I would like addressed is easysaver rebates...I just don't get Walgreens. :(

Amber R said...

What about a feature on stacking coupons at WAGS, CVS, and other stores? There is a whole article alone worth of information on how to hand the RR's, store coupons, and man. coupons to the cashiers.

Shaybplus3 said...

Okay so the topic that I would like you to blog about would be... How do you decide which store would your coupons be best used at? More like how long does it take you or what is your process on how you deicide? Yes that is my question what is your process in how you decide to use your coupons?

Thanks,
Shay B
Hopefully I will win this time!

Candace said...

What are the different ways of sorting and storing coupons?

Jennifer, A Self-Confessed Foodie said...

I'd like to know how you decide if you use your coupon with the current sale or hold out for something better. Do you have a limit on the price you're willing to pay for certain items?

Unknown said...

I would like more information on Rainchecks and how to use and make them moneymakers?

Jo Ann said...

I would like to know what resources you find the most helpful when it comes to couponing. I need to save money, but also I need to save time.

Anonymous said...

I think a good topic would be the use of internet coupons - how to tell if they are real or fraudulent and what stores no longer accept them (I've been told some chains now refuse them all). I'd love to enter! Thanks very much!! :)

Unknown said...

I would like more information about what to do with expired coupons.

couponcupcake@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would like to know if you have like a list of items and what a good price is for each of those items and if you really stock up (on groceries in particular) on them when you can get them for a really good price, and also if you don't buy any of the items unless it is at that price or under. Thanks! I'm loving this blog!
lovemycoach1377@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

can you send the coupons off to the address that is printed on them and get the cash value for them?

Sonya
thunchero@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Great blog! Best wishes to your daughter - she's in our thoughts and prayers. I would be interested in an article on the best places to find deals for the upcoming Christmas shopping season!! It would be great to get some of the same type of grocery and drug store deals on Christmas presents as well!

Take care, Jennifer

jls48152@yahoo.com

Dana and Chris Sheheane said...

I would love an article on a coupon box and a way to organize it...either by date or by items, whatever is easiest. I am new to the coupon world (after good conversations with girls tonight) and would LOVE to save money. thanks!

Anonymous said...

How often do you shop? Do you visit the same store multiple times in a week or do you try to do it all at once? I had been shopping every 2 weeks, but now like to make sure I get the deals each week. Although I feel like I'm always running somewhere.

jdl214(at)Juno(dot)com

Unknown said...

Good morning
My cashier at Walgreens last nite refused some of my coupons on bogo items. I would like to know how you would handle this situation, and what I can do to prevent this in the future. Thanks!
coupons.for.laurie@gmail.com

Emily said...

Topic: Why do coupons have an expiration date? I've heard some stores will still accept expired coupons. Do you know which ones or if this is even true?

Would love to win!
Emily
eechesney@verizon.net

Emily said...

I'm new to couponing...so anything you can share about the art of saving money would be helpful to me!!
Right now I'm just trying to build up my "stash"!!!

harleygertie@yahoo.com

Emily M

Mrs.Wilson said...

I would like to know how cvs online works. If you order stuff online can you use your coupons and ecbs, and do you earn ecbs shopping online. That is all a little confusing to me.
Thanks for a great giveaway!
lacy.reyes@yahoo.com

Precision Quality Laser said...

Can you do a post about how to find out about a store's specific coupon policy? Who do you ask, what questions do you need to ask?

Thanks for the great blog and the awesome giveaway!

fjgallegos (AT) verizon (DOT) net


Blessings!
Mrs. Querido

Anonymous said...

Can you explain the Wag's rebates? Does it have to be done by snail mail or can you do it online. I can do CVS shopping, but the rebate stuff has me stumped!

bj_texan@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I need tips on how to store, sort, and travel with the coupons.

ladyinwaitingarea@yahoo.com

Carolyn Sharkas said...

I would like to know is it easier to go to a store with your coupons and price match pther ads at that store (if available)or just go to the individual stores. I am trying to get started and just not sure how to go about it.

thanks,

carolyn s.

ceashark at aol dot com

Jared, Lana, Morgan, and Kelsey said...

When places offer deals and limit it to one free item or deal per online account / email address, is it "legal" to use mine, my husband's, and my work email to get the deal? Do these places know they are all coming from me? (For instance, Shutterfly has 50 free prints and free shipping on first new orders. Can I use different emails to set up a few accounts to get the deal more than once?)

mary said...

how do you go about getting newspapers to carry more coupons? The local paper seems to have less and less each week.

Donna V said...

When you are shopping at multiple stores with coupons, store ads, and rebate offers, how do you manage your shopping trips to be most efficient? Is there a system that works for you that keeps each trip organized and short, as far as using all of your coupons and deal, lists, etc? I'm starting to learn all of the tricks for saving at Walgreens but I'm spending more time than I would like and I'm sure more experienced shoppers have great suggestions. Thanks!

Erin said...

We eat a lot of fresh produce and fresh meats. I struggle to find coupons for such items. Any ideas? Thanks!!

Renae @How to Have it All said...

I subscribe to our local paper and get the coupons on Sunday. Are there better coupons distributed in bigger papers like the Washington Post? Do you subscribe to more than one sunday paper?
Thanks!
Renae
renaelyn@wildblue.net

Anonymous said...

Can you address the process of writing to companies to request coupons? Do you know of companies that are reliable in sending coupons if you ask, and how should you go about asking, by email or hand-written letter? Thanks!

my email is:crystal531@juno.com

Elissa said...

I would like to learn more about internet coupons - what are the best sites? Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I would love some tips on have to stay organized from the stand point of shopping at more than one store. We have 3 grocery stores in my area and it can be an all day event to shop at all three....
hushmouth{at}verizon{dot}com

vbjones said...

Is there a way to tell if a coupon will work on a product based on the barcode??

Thanks for the giveaway.

vlbradley21@tntech.edu

aLise said...

I would like to enter. The topic I need discussed is keeping up with stockpiling and regular grocery shopping. I'm getting side tracked and not getting all I need. Please help!

Mindy said...

First, I really think this information on couponing is great! I just want to know what stores double coupons on a regular basis and up to what amount? Also, which stores will match sales flyers from different stores or take competitor coupons?

Jennifer said...

I would love to hear more about military coupons and commissary deals.

noreen said...

I clicked on the link but did not see the answer to B1G1F
Besides Winco which store don't except printed coupons?

Jessica said...

I would also like to hear more about using expired coupons. Thanks!

Tickle Me Pink said...

I would love hear about the method for CVS. I just can't grasp the concept as well as for Walgreens!

jules said...

Upromises new ecoupons to pay off college -- for you or saving for kids!

Unknown said...

I would love to be entered :) My question is .. can you double B1G1?? So you can get the deal on 4 products?? THANKS

smdrm said...

Thanks for the giveaway! Do you print your coupons in color?

TRACI said...

I am new at couponing and love reading your emails. I still don't understand e upromise. More info on this would be great! Thanks.

Traci
camfoth@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

My question is do you only buy things if they're next to nothing with a coupon or do you only buy things that you have a coupon for? What makes you decide to use the precious coupon??

corkyscoupons@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'd love to know a way to keep track of regular prices so you know when something is really a good deal. For example, T.P. You can buy single, double or triple rolls- how can you compare prices?

Once upon a Qpon... said...

I would love to win 600 coupons to share with my friends that I am encouraging to use coupons! I think a good post is holding out on rebates till there is a coupon to go with it and all the rebates out there!

Cara said...

I would like to know more about catalina coupons. I understand they will sometimes print out at the grocery store - but what determines when/if one prints out. Are they special offers manufacturers set up or is this on a case by case basis for each retailer?? Thank you very much!

Marisa said...

Thanks for doing this! I think a post on how to use the different programs, like the ECB's at CVS or the rebates at walmart or whatever program rite aid has. I've seen things about these programs on-line, but I don't get at all how they work. sometimes it just seems like so much time to me to do coupons and rebates and such at different stores. Is there a way to make it efficient?
Thanks!
marisajayne_16@hotmail.com

Diana said...

I would like to know more about Expired coupons.. Why do some stores take them and others don't. I can see on some that have a big value but these 25 or 30 cent ones why have an experation on them?
Buy the way GREAT GIVEAWAY!

Unknown said...

Okay, you seem to be in the know. What do you know about The Grocery Game? Is it worth the $$? I have been tempted to try it, but it only covers 1 grocery store in my area and Walgreens, so I would be a little limited. My grocery store doesn't accespt double coupons, so are the deals as good as they sound when you can only use the coupon for face value?
beccaj73[at]hickorytech[dot]net

Alissa said...

I would love to read more about a better organization system- no matter what i try, i still fumble around looking for the ones i want to use. Thanks!!!!

Anonymous said...

I struggle with waiting too long to use my coupons. I hold on hoping for a better deal, and then my coupons expire! Any wisdom to share about that? Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Okay... I know what a catalina is but my question is where does this come from?? Is there a catalina company?? Is it from the store itself?? How does it know what coupons to print?? They are always coupons for items that I usually purchase or same items different brands. They must have some type of profile somewhere right??

Angie said...

I have always wanted to know that if you write or email the companies of your favorite products, will they send you coupons for those products? Thanks for the chance to win these...wow is that generous!

Ashley said...

I would love to see a feature on CVS-ing.

Anonymous said...

Why do some stores refuse Internet coupons? There is an overabundance of these and I frequently find cashiers who refuse them even though their corporate policy clearly states that they accept them. How do you handle this situation without seeming difficult?

diana at amlitrocks@yahoo.com

 
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