Readers Question - Where locally can I donate my unused coupons?

Readers Question - April 2013

Julie contacted me with a question I couldn't answer.

Hello,

I was wondering if there is a place I could donate the coupon packets I get in the weekend Post Dispatch.  After I cut out the coupons I use I always have tons left over and I just hate throwing them away.

Is there somewhere in St Louis that I could take them?

I sent Julie info on the Coupons for Military Families Overseas Operation, but is there some way she could help out local families?

Readers Question - Printing Coupons from a SmartPhone

Readers Question - How do I print coupons from my SmartPhone?

Kimberly posed this question on Coupon STL's Facebook page.  I can't answer her,  since I don't have a printer that is compatible with my iPhone - but I would sure like one.

Who can help Kimberly and I out with the answer?

"If you have a wireless printer that is compatible with smartphones, you can print from your phone, but not coupons. I've tried everything, it doesn't work for me. . If someone knows of a way, I would love to hear it.

I've downloaded app to print, and it prints great if I'm printing documents, web page, etc..but when i go to print a coupon, something blocks it."

Which Grocery Stores in St Louis Double Coupon?

TLC's Extreme Couponing has generated quite an interesting in couponing, and one of the most frequently asked questions is - which stores double coupons in my area.  Here is what we get in St Louis.

Dierbergs - Double coupon policy is published online.

• Double manufacturer coupons valued at $0.40 or less
• Limit  15 manufacturer's coupon per family
• Only 3 identical coupons per day will be doubled
• Coupons marked "not to be doubled" will be accepted at face value
• Amount refunded cannot exceed the price of the item

Schnucks - Double coupon policy is published in weekly ad.  If you are outside of the St Louis area, check what the double coupon policy is for your area HERE.

• Double manufacturer coupons valued at $0.40 or less
• Limit 15 manufacturer coupons doubled

Shop 'n Save

• Does not double coupons

Readers Question: Can I Copy Printable Coupons?

A common question of new couponers - Can I photocopy printable coupons?

The answer is NO

Stated on each coupon: Redemption of duplicated or facsimiles constitutes fraud. 

Each printable coupons has a  unique identification code that can be traced back to the computer it was printed at.  But remember, you can usually print two coupons per computer, each with it's own unique identification code. 

Retailers do not get reimbursed for photocopied coupons.  The more retailers get burned because of copies the more likely they are to make using a printable at there store very difficult.

I don't think anyone wants to do something illegal or keep a retailer from getting reimbursed.  But, I do understand why new couponers ask this question.  So much of couponing seems too good to be true.

Readers Question: How Many Newspapers Should I Buy?

To stock up when a product is at it's bottom dollar price, you need more than one coupon. 

I've always lived by the (1) set of coupon inserts per person in your family philosophy, but recently, I read that you should acquire coupon inserts in multiples of two.  Then, you will have the right combination of coupons to take advantage of a Buy One Get One sale.

You don't always have to buy every paper yourself. Here is how I get my inserts each Sunday.  We have three in our family - my husband, teenage son, and myself.

1. Early Sunday Edition - I buy a paper on Saturday to write the Post-Dispatch Coupon Preview.  I also like to look at the Sunday ads early.
2. Paper Subscription - Reading the paper has always been part of my life - shower, brush teeth, read the paper. 
3. Neighbor - My neighbor doesn't coupon, so she give me her inserts.  I make sure I pass on a few  freebies her way.
4. Spend RR or ECBs -  I'm going to try and get in the habit of buying my fourth paper with my "earnings" form the drugstores.

If a weekend's inserts have really great food coupons - pizza and salty snacks are at the top of the list in my family.  Remember, I have that teenage son.  I will buy more papers, but six is my limit - no matter how good the coupons are.

I've been able to grow a nice stockpile, keep my family feed and cleaned, the dog feed, and the house cleaned, with a $50 weekly budget and 3-6 sets of coupon inserts a week.   As a bonus, I'm never tempted to clear shelves of something my family doesn't eat, because I don't have that many coupons. 

Your turn.  I would love to hear from readers how many inserts they are looking to acquire each weekend, where they get them, and how many in their families.  Or, any other tips about how you acquire inserts.

Readers Question - Who is Going to Bids for Lids?

Reader Kelly contacted me and wanted to know if any Coupon STL followers are planning on attending the Bids for Lids Party on November 19th, and if they were, would they be interested in meeting up?

I have to admit - I'm not a yogurt eater, and I didn't pay any attention to this promotion. But, if people are going and would like to meet up, email me and I'll put you in contact with Kelly and others who are attending.