Where do I find coupons?

Here are some general things to know about coupons:

I frequently abbreviate a manufacturer's coupon as manq to save on typing. This also allows differentiation from a store coupon.

Coupons can be found in various sources:

Inserts come in the Sunday paper (most likely). The Chicago Tribune is where I get mine, and they publish the early edition on Saturday which allows time to prep for Sunday deals. Starting early also allows time to return to the store for more if there is an amazing deal. I buy mine at the dollar store (Dollar Tree, to be specific) because the regular price is $1.99. So I can buy 2 for $2 and get twice as many coupons! This helps out for BOGO (buy one, get one) deals. The various inserts are "Red Plum" (used to be Valassis), "Smart Source" and "P&G" (Proctor & Gamble). Every so often there may also be a General Mills-specific insert.

Each week should have at least a Smart Source (SS) and a Red Plum (RP). P&G is generally published the first Sunday of the month. It depends on what day of the week the month begins as to when they will add the insert.

Tearpads are found in stores. These are those pads of coupons generally found on drink coolers or stuck to shelves in front of the products. These are normally not store-specific.

Peelies are coupons stuck to products, and are generally meant to be used on purchasing that item at that moment. It's up to you, but I personally don't take extras of those as they are on that certain bottle for someone to pick up.

Blinkies are those red machines in the aisles or on freezer doors that spit out coupons. They are manufactured by Smart Source.

a Catalina is the machine at a cash register that prints coupons. At many stores these are white with red borders. Other stores have upgraded to full-color printing on white tape. Catalina sponsors the machines, and the coupons are now known as that. These generally print the store logo on them. While the wording usually says "redeemable AT" and NOT "redeemable ONLY at" xyz store, most stores will only take their own Catalinas...your mileage may vary (YMMV). Oftentimes when you see a sign or ad that says you get $x off your next order when you buy (WYB) it is a Catalina for "$x off your next order" (OYNO).