Doubling?! Stacking?! And finding your new BFF store!

So once you've got the very basics of couponing (if you don't you should probably read my first post, hint hint) its time to move forward with learning how to really use your coupons to save you even more money! I've heard a lot of people say; "Coupons are usually worth less than a dollar, why waste your time?" Well sugar, when you know the right way to use these 'less than a dollar' pieces of paper the savings will add up fast! Let's begin by talking about two of the best couponing practices: doubling and stacking- we're not talking about hamburgers here. If you decide not to really take any of my other advice about couponing, that's fine, but if you want to be successful READ THIS POST CAREFULLY! I can't stress how important these two small concepts are, so here we go!

Doubling- Coupon doubling is a policy that each individual store may or may not allow (which is why its important you know your stores policies). There are stores that allow coupon doubling, but may have specific requirements to the doubling, for example they will only double a coupon that is under a certain value. You will find that most stores will only double coupons that are $.50 or under, so what this means is a $.50 coupon is really worth $1 because the store doubles the value. Since the stores policy is only to double under $.50, a coupon with a face value of $.55 would not double! If a store allows doubling than you can basically not even pay attention to those coupons that say 'Do not double.' It is the stores choice if they want to double coupons or not since they take it out of their own profits. The store is not reimbursed from the Manufacturer so it is their own profit that they take the extra $.50 out of. Once again, make sure you know your store's policies to find out whether or not they will double coupons.


Stacking- Stacking coupons is also determined by each individual store. By now I'm sure you have at least looked at some different coupons since you are trying to learn how to become better at the whole 'couponing adventure,' and I'm sure you have noticed the two different types of coupons. Almost always in the top left hand corner of any coupon there will be a little box with either 'Manufacturer Coupon' or 'Store Coupon' in that box. This is VERY important to pay attention to! 'Store Coupons' are designed specifically for the store you are shopping in and generally can not be used at other stores (however, some stores will accept competitor coupons- check your store policy). For example, if I have a Walmart store coupon I can not use it at Kroger. Stacking coupons is when your store allows you to use a 'Store Coupon' AND 'Manufacturer Coupon' on the same item! So I have a Manufacturer Coupon for $.50 off any carefree product and a store coupon for $1 off any carefree product. Let's do the math real quick- the cost of a pack of carefree pantiliners is $1.59, my manufacturer coupon doubles to $1 and then I can use my $1 store coupon too which equals $2 off! So now the store is actually GIVING me $.41 to get those pantiliners :))).

Here is a store coupon for the Commissary and then a Manufacturer coupon.

Finding your new BFF store- You probably always head to the same grocery store to get your items, but prepare to find a new store if the coupon policy isn't beneficial for you. To get your ultimate maximum savings you need to find a store that allows the following things- decent sale prices (stores that offer buy 1 get 1 free deals or 10/$10 deals are a couponers dream), coupon doubling, coupon stacking, and they accept competitors coupons. For those of my Southern readers- Publix allows all of these things! For my Northern readers- sorry I'm not aware of which stores allow these things, but if you send me a store coupon policy book I can help you figure it out! 


If you have any questions always feel free to leave a comment and I can try my best to help you out :) Don't be discouraged if your not saving tons or money yet, it takes time!