New to couponing...some questions

[902coupons]

So, I have recently begun couponing, and I absolutley love it. However, I want to make sure that I am saving money, instead of either buying higher priced items, or items that I wouldn't normally buy.

Now because we here in Canada are not as blessed to had double coupons, and the huge abundance of coupons that Americans have, we have to be a lot smarter about it to be able to save money.

I have set up an excel spreadsheet with goals for each month. I'm going to track my saving(I also track my spending) for the whole year, and I hope to save $500, however $200 would be okay as well.

Keep in mind that I also don't have a car, and I shop in one general area, usually at sobeys, lawtons, or shoppers.

So, I guess my question is, how can you get the lower prices?

Can you combine coupons in any way?

IS THERE a way to get things absolutley free, like in the states?

Where are the best places to find coupons besides on the net?


Thank you for your help, it is greatly appreciated!

[orv]

The only place you can stack in Canada is at London drug(in western canada) And some RCSS stores allow you to use one instore coupon(from the coupon zone board) and one manufacteur coupon.
YES there are ways to get things free, you just have to do your home work. There are a lot of coupons out that can get you free things. This site will definately keep you updated. Check out the "brag" or "deals" section, it will definately be helpfull. Shoppers is a great if you like to earn pts. People get a TON of free stuff from shoppers on there redemption days(check out the shoppers drug mart section of the site)
You can also find coupons in stores(on tear pads) you can ride trains online or do trades(via mail with another member of the forum) or you could send the company of a product an email telling them how much you like them, you'll be surprised what some company will send you in return for you feedback =) hope this helps

[bargain_hunter_lola]

Can you combine coupons in any way?
If you live near a London Drugs you can "stack" coupons (use multiple coupons with different upcs on one item).

IS THERE a way to get things absolutley free, like in the states?
Wait to use your coupon for when the item is on sale, a lot of smart SC'ers do this and get things for free (or close to it). Check out the weekly hot coupon/flyer thread for examples. Here is the link to this weeks thread:
http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/181307-...3-10-a-canada/

Where are the best places to find coupons besides on the net?
P&G Brandsaver, Red Plum and Smart Source are all coupon inserts that come in newspapers. Here is a link to the 2011 schedule:
http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/147615-...-below-canada/

Other than that, keep your eyes peeled for in-store coupons. Here is a link to the February smart source in-store coupons to look out for:
http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/180724-...w-pics-canada/

And of course some stores have promotional reps giving out samples and/or coupons, seems this mostly happens on Saturdays but there's no schedule so just keep a look out for any in-store reps.

Hope this helps and welcome to SC/couponing!