Hello my lovely coupon friends!

I have noticed today in some of the forums there were a lot of questions and even controversy over the different types of coupons out there. At the moment I can think of 7 different types. Yes, you heard me right, there are 7 different ways to potentially save! Take a moment and just let that sink in. Would you like to know them? Of course you would, that is why you are here isn't it? Either that or you just think I am totally awesome and hang on my every word :) Yeah, ok I will get to it.

 Manufacturer Coupons                         

These are the ones that you will see most often. They are what you find in the Sunday paper. By the way always buy in 2's for Sunday papers! :) You can also get Manufacturer coupons by going to their web pages and even on Face book sometimes. You can also find some walking in stores on items and in blinkie boxes.  (I will explain these later) These are pretty cut and dry. 

Store Coupons                    

These coupons are normally found in the store itself in a flyer or ad the store puts out. Most stores will let you use 1 store coupon AND 1 manufacturer coupon on 1 item! This makes for a GREAT savings and is commonly called stacking. We LOVE stacking!  Store coupons will have the store name or logo somewhere on that coupon. Normally you are only allowed to use that coupon in that store only, however there are a few stores that will take competitor coupons. Make sure to ALWAYS have a copy of your stores recent coupon policy for a list of any competitors coupons it will accept. 

E-Coupons                                  

E-coupons are handy, but not everyone will accept them. They are a greener choice, and if you forgot a coupon at home and it is available on the internet this could be a great save for the day. E-coupons are available from both manufacturers and stores. Once again please make sure to chek the coupon policy before planning on using this method. There are some stores like Target that also offer incentives of a % off your purchase on top of all other coupons by letting them scan an e-coupon from their Target Cartwheel site. 

Printable                   

These, once again can be either manufacturer or store coupons. These are great! They reset once a month (most at least) and you can sometimes score some very high value coupons this way. There is a down side here however. There are some shady people out there that take advantage of people and put out fake coupons. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make sure when you are printing off the internet, make sure it is from a reputable web site. Alicia just posted in the post before this a few great web sites to find printable coupons. 

 Blinkie                               

This is a magical box that was sent from the wonderful manufacturers to put a smile on the face of couponers everywhere! Ok so that may have been a bit much, but you get that these are great! Normally they will give out 2 right away and then there is a delay to get the next and next. Yes I know this because I have waited and even come back for some that are that good. You will find these in the same area as the product that it is a coupon for. There is a little fight over these as some people will clean a box out leaving none for anyone else. I would say to practice what you would tell your kids, don't do to someone that you would not want done to you. Meaning, only take what you need and will use. There is no limit set but there is a courtesy that should be used here. That being said, if you are going to use 12, then go ahead, you will be waiting a bit but good things come to those who wait, right :) 

Tear Pad                   

The tear pad is much like the blinke but the difference is that they are just out there in the open, no wait, no delay, no limit. Same rules should apply here as with the blinkie box, SHARE! Only take what you will use. These are a bit more fought over than the blinkie boxes as they are just out there and much easier to take without delay. But aside from that, these are great coupons, and generally these are usually high values too. Just because you take it does not mean you have to use it at that trip, you can take it home put it with your other coupons to use with a sale or a future shopping trip.

Peelie                                  

These lovely (normally) small pieces of sticky paper are by far the MOST controversial of all coupons. Some will refuse to say if they take them or leave them because the back lash can be horrible! So hopefully I will not get yelled at for this. Remember the "Don't shoot the messenger" saying when you read this part. 

Ok, yes they are WONDERFUL! I see these are usually some of the best value coupons you will find. And yes they are stuck to a package where some believe that they should be so when they buy that product they get that coupon. Others believe that they are put there to take to use when they see fit. I am here to say that there really is no right or wrong here. No it is not nice to take all of them leaving none for the next person. Yes it is legal to take them as they are just a coupon. I have seen people yank all of them off of product before and thought, "Man I hope they are going to at least use all of them."  But no, I personally do not see anything wrong with taking a few if you are going to use them. Just be kind and don't clear all.

And that sums it up. I am sure I am forgetting some but this is a pretty good start at figuring out what the differences are and what they are good for. Now get out there and get those coupons!