Free/cheap coupons

I recently received an email from someone asking for help couponing. This person said they couldn't afford a printer or the Sunday paper. I thought I'd share my response with everyone:

I'm horrible at budgeting myself. So I don't know if I can help you stay under your goal. here are some thoughts about less expensive coupon sources.


You should be getting the RedPlum inserts in your weekly mail. These are really quite valuable and should be used.

When you are at the grocery keep an eye out for tear pads, peelies and blinky machines. These are often identical to the Sunday paper Qs, some are much better, and it's fairly easy to get multiples if you need them.

Don't be afraid to dumpster dive a bit. Paper recycling dumpsters are usually chock full of in-date coupons, and they don't stink a bit. I usually pick through the top layer when I drop off my recycling.

Hit the forums at WeUseCoupons.com (link to the right). There are always coupon trains looking for members, and tons of imaginative ways to save a buck.

Check Freecycle.org and see if you can get a free printer. People throw them out all the time even when they still work.

Save some money, even if it's pocket change, to get a printer. Even if you get a free one you'll need ink. You can easily use notebook paper instead of printer paper. Since you have kids, I'll assume you have a steady supply.

Use generic ink from a place like 123inkjets.com. If you are really technical/adventurous, try to find a continuous ink system for the printer. I just bought a 2 years supply of ink for around $30.

Hope some of this helps!