How to Stack Coupons:

Hey Smarty Pants...you might or might not have heard about something called "stacking coupons." If you are just learning how to coupon, first read my post called "Learn how to coupon" from 9/7/2011. If you are already using coupons but want to save even more money, you're ready for the next step....stacking coupons. We all know that you're only allowed to use one manufacturer coupon per one of that item but did you know that if the store has an in-ad or in-store coupon for that same item that you can use both the manufacturer coupon AND the store coupon on that one item? Keep in mind that this works at other stores besides grocery stores. In fact, I've been able to stack coupons with the most success outside of the grocery store just because our local grocery store doesn't typically offer in-store coupons.

Target is the first store that comes to mind when I think of stacking coupons. If you go to Target.com and scroll down to the very bottom you should see a link that says "Ways to save." Under that is a coupon link. Click on that and a wide variety of coupons that can be printed should pop up. Each of these coupons can be printed two times by hitting the back button on your browser once the first coupon prints. You don't have to print all of these if you don't want to. You're able to click just the ones you want to print if you prefer. Most all of these coupons are in-store coupons but occasionally you will find a manufacturer coupon. These in-store coupons can be used in conjunction with a manufacturer coupon that matches that item. Make sure you read the item description and size specifications on both the manufacturer coupon and the in-store coupon to make sure they are indeed both for the same item. If they are, then you're good to go.

Try to resist the urge to go to the store right then. Watch the Target sales ad in hope that the item that you have "stacked coupons" for will go on sale. When it does, you'll save even more money!

Stacking coupons works out great at Target, especially in the summer and winter months because it seems that those are the times when toy manufacturers, such as Fisher Price and Mattel, have a ton of manufacturer coupons for toys and games. That is also around the time when Target has a big sale on their toys and games. When the stars align like that, you can get some great toys for really cheap or even FREE!

Couponing isn't complicated once you get the hang of it but it is a new mindset that you need to adopt. Always think about what coupons you might have for an item before purchasing it. If you don't have a coupon or that item isn't on sale, can you wait until you do have a coupon or it does go on sale? The same goes for stacking coupons. When you're making your weekly shopping list, look at the store's website and sales ad for in-store coupons that you can stack with a manufacturers coupon.

I hope this has helped you learn how to "stack" coupons. Keep your eyes peeled for those in-store coupons and as always...shop like a Smarty Pants!