The Magic’s in Stacking and Incentives

To a non-couponer, coupons can seem futile. “Why would I spend time clipping and matching to save 50 cents? I'll spend more than that in time.” On the outside, it's true. Butcoupons themselves are only half the story of saving really big.You have to read Chapter 2: Stacking and Extra Incentives.

First, let's talkCoupon Stacking. Stacking isnotcoupon doubling. Rather, in stacking, you use a manufacturer's couponwitha store coupon on the same product. The manufacturer-issued coupon (from a newspaper insert or printed off the internet, for example) pairs up with, or stacks on top of, a store-issued coupon. Store coupons can be found online, such as Meijer mPerks or Target coupons, or sometimes in the store's ad. The key is whobacks(reimburses) the coupon. The bottom line is you are using two coupons on the same purchase.

Now, let's talkExtra Incentives. For now, we'll focus on just two of them: Instant money off and Catalinas.

Instant money offis pretty easy to understand. This is a store promotion, no coupon needed. Simply buy a certain number of a product, and you'll instantly get a specified amount off at the register. For example, Buy 4 boxes of cereal, get $2 off. This equates to an extra 50 cents off on each box of cereal. Plus, remember, you can also use a manufacturer's coupon on those boxes, resulting in even bigger savings.

A “Catalina“ is the coupon that prints at the register after you are done paying. Most print out of a small red and putty-colored machine next to the register. They are triggered by certain items purchased. For example, buy 3 bottles of juice, get a $2 Catalina.

The beauty of a Catalina coupon is that it is used like cash on your next order. (Just be sure to read the terms and conditions, like any other coupon, there are some rules.) Many stores have Catalinas, but not all use that name. At Walgreens they are Register Rewards, at CVS Pharmacy they are Extra Care Bucks, at Rite Aid they are Up Rewards, at Meijer they are Custom Coupons… whatever the name, it all means the same thing = more money you keep. And, yes ““ you canalsouse coupons when purchasing the items that cause a Catalina to print!