Confused with all my abbreviations? Check out this list!

AC - After Coupon
Actuals - The actual item as opposed to a coupon for it (an item from your stockpile)
AR - After Rebate
Blinkies - instore smartsource coupon dispensed near product, usually from red blinking box
BOGO or B1G1F - Buy one get one free
BOLO - Be On the Lookout
BTFE - Box Tops for Education
BTW - By the way
B&M - Brick & Mortar, as opposed to an online store
Catalina - coupon dispensed at register after purchase, usually has a red border
CLFE - Campbell's Labels for Education
C/O - cents off coupon
CRT - Cash register tape
DCRT - Dated cash register tape
DCRTC - Dated cash register tape with the price circled
DND - Do Not Double (the coupon is not supposed to be doubled)
Double coupon - coupon that a grocery store doubles in value
ECB - CVS Extra Care Bucks earned for purchases
ESR - EasySaver Rebate (Walgreens Monthy Rebate)
FAR - Free After RebateFree Item Coupon - A coupon that allows you to get the product completely free
GDA - Good Deal Alert
GG - Grocery Game
HBA - The health and beauty aid section in the grocery store
HDA - Hot Deal Alert or Home Delivered Ad
HT - Hang tags for refunds or coupons hanging on a product
HTH - Hope this/that helps
IMO - In My Opinion
ISO - In Search Of
IDSO - In Desperate Search Of
IVC - Walgreen's Instant Value Coupon (Found in the monthy EasySaver Catalog)
IVDSO - In Very Desperate Search Of
IP - Internet Printable
KWIM - Know what I mean?
LMK - Let Me Know
MIR - Mail In Rebate
NED - No expiration date
OAS - a coupon that is good on one purchase, any size
OOP - Out of Pocket
OOS - Out of Stock
OSI - On a single item
OYNO - On your next order
P&G - Proctor & Gamble Sunday supplement coupons
Peelie - coupon that you peel off the package
POP - Proof of purchase
PP - purchase price
Q or Qualifier - The POP required for a refund offer that is physically taken from that package
RAOK - Random act of kindness
RC - Raincheck
SASE - Self Addressed Stamped Envelope
SD - Store Display
SF - Store form
SMP - Specially Marked Packages
SS - Smart Source or Sunday Supplement coupons
Stacking - Some stores allow the use of more than one coupon per item, IF the coupon itself does not restrict such usage.
Tear pad - A pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display
TIA - Thanks in advance
TMF - Try Me Free
Triple coupon - a coupon that a grocery store triples in value
V - Valassis Sunday supplement coupons Wine Tag - coupon, usually for $ off any meat, cheese or produce.
W/L - wishlist
WPN - Wine purchase necessary
WSL - while supplies last
WT - winetag
WYB - When You BuyY
YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary= success of the attempt may vary at your store

Walgreens, What you should know

First good thing is Walgreens Easy Saver Catalog. It is packed with great coupons to use at Walgreens but they can also be used with a manufacturer coupon. It is also full of items that you can receive a rebate for. The booklet will tell you how to go about getting your rebate. Keep in mind that if you choose to get a Walgreens Gift card back instead of a check you will get an extra 10% added to the total. Also you will get the orignal amount back not the amount after coupons so you can really make money on these deals.

Now just like other stores you can use 2 coupons on an item that is B1G1 Free. You can also use coupons on clearance items. This makes for some really good deals.

Walgreens is notorious for being out of stock on items that are listed for sale in the flyer. Your best bet is to ask for rain check so that you can get the item later at the sale price after it is back in stock.

Unfortunately Walgreens doesn't accept competitor Rx coupons but if you find one for Walgreens transfering there for one month then back to say CVS or Target will get you yet another gift card.

Also unlike CVS no store cards are needed to get the deals. Which is good because right now CVS limits the amount of items youc an get by having a store card for "tracking" purposes.

A great new thing at Walgreens is called Register Rewards. These are similar to ECB's but you don't need a store card to get them. The best way to go about getting these RR is by doing basic math:

Example:
Buy
Boost $5.99
- $2.00 Blinkie Coupon
= 3.99 out of pocket spent
It turn it will print you a $5.99 RR (if that is what the deals states amounts will vary)
and you can in turn take that and buy another Boost and repeat the cycle many times. So you can essentially get 20 packs of Boost for only the original $3.99 you paid. I suggest limiting how many you do in one store on a any one day to avoid anyone interuppting your bargani high. :)

Free and/or Cheap items at Target *always*

Most of these items will be found in the travel sized section but free is better than cheap any day!

ADVIL = $.99
All LIQUID = $.99
AQUAFRESH EXTREME CLEAN = $.99
ARM & HAMMER TOOTHPASTE = $.99
AVEENO LOTION = $.99
AXE SPRAY = $1.29
BAND AID BANDAGES = $.99
CARESS BODY WASH = $.99
CHAPSTICK = $.99
CHARMIN TOILET SEAT COVERS = $.99
CHARMIN TOILET PAPER = $.99
CLEAN & CLEAR CLEANSERS = $.99
COLGATE TOOTHPASTE = $.99
CREST TOOTHPASTE = $.99
DEGREE DEODORANT = $.99
DOVE BAR SOAP = $.52
DOVE BODY WASH = $.99
DOVE CONDITIONER = $.99
DOVE DEODORANT = $.99
DOVE FACE CARE LOTION SENSITIVE = $.99
DOVE FACIAL PILLOWS = $.99
DOVE FACIAL WIPES = $.99
DOVE SHAMPOO = $.99
EDGE SHAVE GEL = $.97
HEAD & SHOULDERS SHAMPOO = $.99
HEFTY 2 GO GARBAGE BAGS = $.99
HEFTY "TRAVEL" ZIPLOC BAGS (2 1 Quart) = $.99
HERBAL ESSENCE CONDITIONER = $.99
HERBAL ESSENCE SHAMPOO = $.99
HUGGIES CLEAN TEAM WIPES (10 ct.) = $1.39
HUGGIES TRAVEL WIPES = $.99
INFUSIUM 23 LEAVE IN CONDITIONER = $.99
J & J BABY POWDER = $.99
PALOMLIVE DISH WIPES = $.99
PAMPERS TRAVEL WIPES = $1.27
PANTENE CONDITIONER = $.99
PANTENE SHAMPOO = $.99
PANTENE PRO-V HAIRSPRAY= $.99
PONDS MOISUTRE CLEANING CLOTHS = $.99
RIGHT GUARD EXTREME SPORT DEODORANT = $.99
SECRET DEODORANT = $.99
SKINTIMATE SHAVE GEL = $.99
ST. IVES APRICOT SCRUB = $.99
ST. IVES LOTION = $.99
SUNSILK SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER = $.99
THERMASILK CONDITIONER = $.99
THERMASILK SHAMPOO = $.99
THERMASILK HAIR SPRAY = $.99
TIDE 2 GO = $.99
TYLENOL 8 CT. = $,99
VASELINE LOTION = $.79
ZANTAC = $.99

Target 101

Target is great as it will allow you to use 1 manufacturer coupon and 1 target coupon for each item. Some cashiers will tell you that is not the case but I have included below a letter sent to me from corporate that states otherwise (you can either print mine or email them yourself and keep it handy when going to target!). Some targets have an area near the front so you can print bridal registries and they may allow you to print the coupons as well.

Target also has a policy that if you have a gift card that has $4.99 or under on it you can "cash it out" and get the cash for it.

Target's return policy does leave something to be desired but well it's doable as long as you keep all your receips. Customers are now limited to two return items without a receipt if the price of that item is not greater than $40. In August 2007 they will revise and it will state that the item can't be over $20. So for this reason please keep your receipts.

Also like CVS, Target will take competitor RX coupons. So you can bounce back and forth each month on your RX's and really make out.

So like I promised you this is the letter I got from Target regarding the coupon policy.

Dear Ms. Garcia
,
Thanks for writing to Target Guest Relations asking about our coupon policy, and I'm sorry for any frustration you had during your recent visit to the West Kendall Target store. Target empowers the store to limit the number of items a guest buys with coupons, and I apologize for any disappointment this caused. Coupons are a great way to save even more when shopping at Target, and we make it easy to use them at our stores. But because of the variety of coupons available to our guests, we do have some guidelines for how coupons can be redeemed at Target:
-We accept two kinds of coupons: Target-issued coupons and manufacturer-issued coupons.
-We'll accept one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
-We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item; in that case, we'll adjust the value of the coupon to equal the price of the item.
-We can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier at the time of sale.
Have questions or want more information about using coupons at Target? Check with a Guest Services Team Leader at your local store. You can also give us a call at (800) 440-0680, or visit us on Target.com. Either way, we're here to help!

Thanks for shopping with us. We'll see you again soon at Target.
Sincerely,Brady
Target Guest Relations
http://www.target.com/

Must Knows about CVS

First I'd like to start off with giving you the phone number to customer service just in case you run into a problem. Don't be afraid to use it.1-800-SHOP-CVS

The next thing I would like to tell you is CVS will give you a $25 gift card with new and transferred prescriptions and they will also take competitor coupons for the gift cards. Now if you have to pick up multiple scripts do NOT do them in 1 transaction. Pick them up 1 at a time that way you can maximize the number of gift cards. Generally they say 1 per person so if you buy 1 script and then go back a little while later and get the next you'll get another gift card (as long as you have more rx coupons)

CVS takes many different forms of coupons so to name them they are manufacturer's coupons (including Internet printables), and their own CVS coupons. As of right now I have not run into any problems using internet printed coupons not even a limit on the amount they accept at once. Keep in mind that they can refuse coupons if there is a question on whether or not it is a fake, so don't try to many at once.

CVS managers and corporate don't seem to communicate to well and I have gotten conflicting information on whether or not you can use 2 coupons on a B1G1 deal or if you can use 1 CVS coupon and 1 manufacturer coupon the basic consensus is yes you can.

CVS also has a weird computer system in which if you bought 4 items but you have 4 manufacturer coupons and wanted to also use your ECB's (we'll get to that later) the computer will beep denying the last coupon. The way to avoid this is if you plan to purchase 4 items but you have 5 total coupons buy somethins small like candy to even out the number of items vs. coupons.

Unlike some stores CVS computers will not give you overage. Meaning if an item is on sale for $.99 and you have a coupon for $1.50 off it will generally only give you the $.99 off but you are still getting it free. A tip I was told was to wait to scan your CVS card until you give all the coupons because then you would get the full coupon amount off. I haven't tried that yet but it might just work. CVS will also require manager approval for any coupon that is valued at $10 or over but don't worry they will come and approve and you will be on your way.

One of the biggest money savers at CVS is using coupons on clearance items. They have great clearance and you can really get a lot with just a few coupons. At times though if the items is removed from the computer they will manually enter in a the price under misc. if they do this your coupon may beep because they don't show you as having purchased the item. If this happens first tell the person that they must ring up the item and price adjust it to the correct price and then your coupon will take if they still won't do it of give you a hard time call the number I gave you at the beggining of this post. They will handle it.

So after all this talk about ECB's you want to know what they are. Well, they are coupons that print at the bottom of your receipt. SAVE THEM! They are basically free money to spend in CVS on what ever you want (some exclusions do apply). Here is the link to them on the CVS website. The best way to use ECB's is to roll them over from week to week. So if you earn $10 in ECB's this week when next week's ad comes out see what is giving ECB's back and try and use your ECB's on that to keep them "rolling over".

Before you get to the register be sure you have exactly what the ad calls for. If it says snapple good on single serve only and you get a gallon jug it will NOT print out the ECB's for you. Something else to look out for is when they expire. Since this is "free money" letting them expire is wasteful. You will also want to be sure that if there is a limit on the amount of ECB's on a product don't exceed it or you won't get the ECB's back. Meaning if it says limit 1 that is all you are able to buy that week is 1. (the bottom of your receipt will tell you limit reached once it is reached).

Some other things to keep in mind when dealing with CVS an ECB's. If it says spend $30 and get $10 ECB's back you do NOT have to do that in one purchase you can spread it out. You can use multiple ECB's to make a purchase but remember that each ECB is like a coupon so if you buy 6 items and have 7 coupons 1 will beep so be sure to have the same number of items as coupons.

More often than not CVS has printable coupons for $ off $$ (like $4 off $20 purchase) these are great. If you have $6 in ECB's and a $4 off $20 coupon you can purchase $20 in stuff give over the COUPON first and then the ECB's and you will have gotten $20 in free stuff. Like I said before it is best to keep getting items that give you ECB's to keep them "rolling over". Sometimes it is hard to reach $20 and even things out so you can use "filler" items. Fillers are cheap little items like candy, gum, or a nail file. They help push your $ amount or item number up to where it should be to get your coupon(s) to work.

If for some reason you have to return something that you bought with a coupon you should get the full purchase price back because they are being reimbursed for that coupon. They may argue this so it is best to not have to return anything.

That is all I can think of about CVS If I think of more I will add it.

The Basics of Winn-Dixie

First and foremost get a store card it is free and easy and will save you a bunch of money. You do have to have the store card to get the sale prices. Unlike Publix Winn Dixie doesn't really double coupons (well that I have found anyway)

Another thing you want to do is again find out the coupon policy like do they take competitor coupons.

Also like Pubix they have a baby club. You can save lots of money with this program as you can combine coupons and sales. You must be expecting or have a child 2 years or younger to qualify. You can apply online or in the store. So what is it you want to know well, use your store card each time you shop and for ever 200 points you get in baby items you'll get a $10 back off your next purchase.

I have also heard that if you fill the baby's prescriptions there you get a $10 gift card the first time and free RX flavoring (but not sure on that).

Now that is all about Winn Dixie.

The in's and out's of Publix

The first good thing about Publix is that you do not need a store loyalty card to get the deals. You can also find each weeks ad list here at the website just enter your zip and your ad will pop up.
Publix has double coupons in some areas but not all so you will have to be sure to ask if your store does. Publix may also take competitor coupons but that again is something you will have to ask. It is always best to get in writing from corporate in case anyone tries to deny it or give you a hard time about it.

Another good thing about Publix is that if somethins is on sale for B1G1 Free then you can use a coupon for each item. Example if Kraft Mayo is on sale B1G1 and you happen to have 2 $.55 off 1 coupon you can use them both so in reality it would be $1.10 off of the one. Also don't forget you can stack store coupons with manufacturer coupons to get even greater savings.

Publix has a few clubs and programs that are great to join and they of course are free.
Publix Family Style: http://publix.com/clubs/familystyle/Home.do
Publix Preschool Pals: http://publix.com/preschool/NonMemberHome.do
Publix UPromise: http://publix.com/clubs/upromise/Upromise.do
Publix Wine Guide: http://publix.com/clubs/wine/Home.do
Publix Baby Club: Enrollment Form found in Baby Aisle and front turnstyle. You will receive by mail Publix coupons for baby items and other grocery items. You can now also sign up online: https://www.publix.com/clubs/baby/Subscribe.do
Publix Apron's Simple Meals Recipes: http://publix.com/meals/ Be sure to check the turnstyles by the doors when you walk in for promotional coupons and booklets. A weekly sales flyer is available there.
Some stores also have clearance items when you walk in so don't forget to stop there and check it out.

So there you have the basics of Publix.

Free Stuff

What bargain site is complete without a list of free stuff? So here I present to you a list I have spent many hours compiling. There are about 100 listed and of course will continue to grow! If you find a link that doesn't work or a freebie no longer available please let me know.

1) Free Pedometer
2) Get Juiced Scent by Calgon
3) Eucerin Sample
4) Potato Tattoos
5) Bone poster
6) Aquaphor
7) Choose To Know Bracelet
8) Free Sample of Razor Bump Remover. Call 1-800-940-8423 for this freebie.
9) Free Shower Caddy For Your Razor. Call 1-800-445-5388 to get this freebie. This is automated and you will have to push the number "5" on your phone when they ask you the reason for your call.
10) Planet Heros DVD
11) Mcgruff Trading Cards
12) Disney Land DVD
13) Free Yogurt Enter your email address and answer just one quick question. You will then be brought to a page with a listing of money saving coupons. The coupon for the free yogurt is on the very, very bottom of the page .... so please make sure you scroll down!
14) Free Parchment Paper
15) Free Healthy Soul Food Cookbook. This cookbook includes 43 Healthy Soul Food Recipes! Call 1-888-HEART-22 to snag it!
16) Free Tea
17) Ensure Sample
18) Free Spice Coupons. Great to spice up your day! Call 1-800-632-5847 to get yours.
19) Free All Natural Veggie Wash Sample. Call 800-453-8311 to get this freebie & let them know that you saw it on page 89 of the Vegetarian Times
20) Free Sample of One Cup Coffee. Call us at 1-800-227-6638 for a free sample of One Cup Coffee pods so you can taste the difference.
21) Free A1 Steak Sauce Recipe Book. Call 1 (800) 217-3247 and select #2 to get this freebie.
22) True Lemon Sample
23) Free Picture Frame Magnet, Coasters & Window Decal. One phone call will get you all of these freebies! These freebies come in a Smoke-free Home Kit [EPA 402-K-04-001]. Call 1-800-438-4318 to get yours today!
24) Dream Magazine
25) 2007 Ferrari Stickers
26) Wildlife Stickers
27) Free "Endangered Species Picture Book" Book & "Save Our Species" Poster. Call 800-490-9198 to request both!
28) Free Second-Hand Smoke Posters. There are many posters to pick from. Call 1-800-490-9198 & have your poster number ready to give to the operator.
29) You need to call (831) 647-4201 to order a free poster. the posters are TOTALLY FREE ....& they're really, really nice!
30) FREE LA DODGE BINDER
31) Avery Report Covers
32) post It sortable Cards
33) Fishing DVD
34) CD Visor
35) Coloring Books
36) 12 Free Comics
37) Free Whiskas Cat Food
38) Free Sheba Cat Food
39) Free Lassie Natural Way Dog Food
40) Free 6 Pound Bag of Dog Food. Call this toll free number to score this freebie. It's 1-866-894-BARK!
41) Free Iams Dog Food
42) Free Cesar Dog Food
43) Free Coke Key Chain/bottle openerAfter you complete the CokeRewards registrationon the next page, click on ENTER CODES whenit asks you what you want to do next. Enter all of these codes one by one into the box. (VERY IMPORTANT: when you are cutting and pasting, sometimes the code doesn't land where it's supposed to and you might have to type the first number of the code in yourself and then cut and paste the rest to make it work!)

100084148441474 for 25 Points code 100084056688357 for 25 Points code 100083158358966 for 10 Points code 100083969675326 for 10 Points code 100082622438433 for 10 Points code 100082211832616 for 10 Points code 100082157763657 for 5 Points code 100082021821624 for 3 Points code
100083625554846 for a free Pirates of the Caribbean Ringtone After you enter your codes click on the"done" button. Then click on the "Rewards & Contests"button that's located on the white strip towards the top of the page. Click on the arrow that says "Search Rewards" and then click on "Rewards Only" In the search box enter "Key Tag". You have plenty of points to get this!
44) Hottest Mom in America Magnet
45) Free Coca-Cola Calendar. Call 1-800-438-2653. You'll need to call Monday-Sunday 9am to 7:00pm (EST) & speak with a live operator
46) Free Sippy Cup
47) Free Toilet paper extender
48) Organic Valley Welcome Packet
49) SIDS DVD and Door hanger
50) Free biz Sample
51) Free Kidsafe ID
52) Fresh Sacks
53) 1-800-222-9546 Free Similac, Isomil or Other formulas and coupons
54) 1-800-485-9918 Free Can of "store brand" formula from PBM products
55) 1-800-587-3721 Free Diaper rash cream sample from Xttrium labs (in parents)
56) 1-800-843-6430 Free "diaper genie" diaper pail to multiple birth parents (3 months & less)
57) 1-800-292-4794 Free Lansinoh sample for moist wound healing during breastfeeding
58) 1-800-588-6377 Free cord banking kit (x508)
59) 1-800-222-9546 Free Similac, Isomil and other formula coupons from Ross pediatrics
60) 1-800-962-5357 Free Tylenol product coupons for tylenol products of your choice
61) 1-800-344-1358 Free $5 Rebate on a case of "Babymill" or Babysoy formulas
62) 1-800-547-9400 Free Carnation baby formula coupons and free magazine subscription
63) 1-800-543-3112 Free Carnation baby formula coupons and booklet
64) 1-800-242-5200 Free Carnation follow-up formula coupons and booklet
65) 1-800-544-1847 Free Kimberly clark product coupons, booklets and info.
66) 1-800-523-6633 Free Beech-nut "new parents pack" with baby food coupons
67) 1-800-222-9123 Free Mead/Johnson coupons toward Enfamil, Prosobee, other formulas
68) 1-800-526-3967 Free J&J "New parents pack" of baby product coupons
69) 1-800-952-5080 Free Baby orajel coupons for cherry flavor and nightime formula
70) 1-800-523-6633 Free Beech-nut product coupons1-800-356-2229 Free Evenflo product coupons, booklets and info.
71) 1-800-443-7237 Fre Gerber baby food product coupons and info.
72) 1-800-872-2229 Free Heinz earths best baby food coupons and booklet (press #2)
73) 1-800-344-BABY For Munchkin coupons (for bottles, nipples, etc.)
74) 1-800-754-8853 Little Remedies coupons, info. and poster
75) 1-800-242-5200 (ext.291) Free Carnation follow up formula coupons and info booklet (formula for babies eating solid foods)
76) 1-800-292-4794 Free breastfeeding healing and soothing lotion
77) 1-800-746-8888 ext:715 Free sample of "Zilactin" baby teething gel
78) 1-800-523-6633 Beechnut's mailing list, free coupons
79) 1-800-544-1847 (press 1,1,1) Kimberly Clark (Huggies) to get to the automated mailing list
80) 1-800-565-2100 Heinz baby club for canadians
81) 1-800-533-0143 Kmart birthday club
82) 1-800-Baby-123 Family beginnings club for expecting parents
83) 1-800-BABYLINE Ross labs (similac welcome addition club
84) 1-800-827-4223 Free "Ace kids" birthday club-member card and gift on birthday
85) 1-800-369-5437 Free "Fox kids" catalog, digimon club and fox kids club info.
86) 1-800-658-4635 Free "fresh samantha" club member card and birthday gift ages 3-12
87) 1-800-524-8697 Free "Hot Wheels Club" member card and free car mail in ages 3-12
88) 1-800-228-2269 Free "Oriental Trading" club
89) 1-800-682-8691 Free "Sears" craftsman club
90)Window Covering Safety 1-800-506-4636 Window Covering Safety Council free childproofing kit for window blinds
91) Xttrium Diaper Rash Cream 1-800-587-3721 Free Sample…in Parents
92) Zilactin Baby Teething Gel 1-800-746-8888 ext. 715 Free sample of "Zilactin" Baby Teething Gel
93) Free Reach Flosser
94) Free Pantene
95) Free Advil
96) Free Golf balls
97) Free Mr. Coffee
98) Free Downy Sample
99) Free mailing Labels
100) Free carress Fairytales Sample
101) 2 Yr Lego Subscription
102) Free 7day supply of coffemate Creamer
103) Free Sensodyne toothpaste
104) Free Claritan Ready Tabs

~Basic Training~

The first thing you want to do when learning to bargain shop is get coupons. How else are you going to get a good deal? Start by getting the Sunday paper (major city paper is best). Now that you subscribe to the paper you have 1 set of coupon inserts each week. Great if your only after 1 great deal a week. I recommend asking friends, family, co-workers to bring you the inserts from their paper if they won't be using it. Another thing you can do is go to a local convenience store and speak to the person who usually works late Sunday nights, and ask if they are willing to give you the inserts from all the left over papers each week. This will require you to make a trip there late on Sundays but can be very worth it.

You can also purchase coupons from clipping services. This can be good because if your only after a few coupons you can purchase them in bulk. This has to be handled correctly. You have to be sure that if you are matching it with a sale that your coupons have plenty of time to arrive. Some sites that I have used and have worked great for me are The Coupon Clippers, The Coupon Master, Online Coupons, and of course Ebay. I believe ebay is the best place to start and might be the cheapest.

Another good thing to do is look for blinkies (the little red machines at the store that blink and have coupons coming out of them), catalinas ( the coupons that print at the registers when you buy something), peelies (coupons that you can peel off products your buying).

Check any and all magazines you get. Some of the best coupons are in them. You can also go through your cabinets and visit the websites of some of your favorite products get on mailing lists they will send you great coupons. Also email to compliment or complain to those same company's the love the feedback and will usually provide you with coupons for taking the time to do so.

Now that you have all these coupons you need a way to store them. This is where this can get tricky. What method of coupon organization should you use?
File Box - It's kinda like a recipe box. One with a coupon that is easy to carry would be ideal but are very hard to find.
Binder Method - I have used this method. It is a basic 3 ring binder (preferably one that zips closed) and you add some card collector pages to it. This can be tricky because you will have to cut the coupons just so they fit and that can get tiresome.
Coupon Holder - These can be found at just about every dollar store or walmart. They are small and compact and can easily stay in your car or purse.

So now that you have chosen a way to store them how about how to organize them. I have tried all different ways and to be honest they all work.
Alphabetical - This can work to a great advantage because not all products in the store are in the aisle you would expect it to be.
By Aisle - Exactly like it sounds. Go one by one and organize them by the aisle in your stores. Again that not all stores are the same so if your looking for a coupon you may over look it.
By Expiration - Just load them in to your holder with the soonest expiration date to the front. But again it can get cumbersome when looking for a coupon.

A few of my suggestions would be to go with alphabetically by product name NOT who makes it. Example you have a coupon for a Glad Light Show. I wouldn't store it under G it would go under L that is the product name. My most important tip yet would be to take all coupons with you at all times (leave in your car if possible). There is nothing worse than getting to a store and seeing something on clearance or an unadvertised sale and not having that coupon with you.

So you got all your coupons clipped and organized and you want to know what to do now. First find out when your local stores have sales. Like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Target all of their sales start each Sunday. Most of my local grocery stores sales start on Tuesdays.

Once you get that sorted out get your hands on the ads. Go to the website or stop in and pick one up if you don't get it in your mail (which you usually will). Take a pen (red is best as it can be seen easier) and circle all the products you want or need to buy, even if that doesn't seem like such a good deal. Now take those ads and compare them with each other. Is the same product on sale at more than one place? Take the cheaper of them and get out your coupons.

Some stores double or triple coupons, although I am unfortunate and don't have that near me. So if you have a $.50 coupon for chips and your store doubles that coupon would be worth $1. You may want to find out if your stores do this and if they do up to what amount do they do this.
Another great thing stores do will be to have store coupons and they can usually be combined with a manufacturer coupon (like the ones you just organized) so be sure to know that when looking through the ads.

So there you have the basic training.