Kim's Hard Times Tuesdays: Coupons

(KRQE) ALBUQUERQUE - Coupons are one of the best ways to save money, and these days coupons are easier to find than ever.

Best Places to get coupons

1. Sunday newspaper: Most Sunday papers provide coupons inserts. If you don't already get the paper, most newspapers provide the option of subscribing to the Sunday edition only.

2. Internet: There are countless sites that provide coupons for free. All you do is click and print.  Here are some of my favorites:

www.grocerygame.com  Coupons are provided for free to nonmembers on their Web site. If you want to pay for a membership this site is also a great tool to show you when to use your coupons to get the most bang for your buck. They show you when a product is on sale at its best price in a period of 12 weeks and when to use the coupon to get the best price offered. I have found the fee for this service is well worth it.

www.couponmom.com  A link to coupons is provided for free and is updated on weekly basis. This site also provides a list of products that are on sale and advice on when to use your coupons. This is a free site, but it lists all sale products not just those at their best price.

www.redplum.com   The distributor of coupons in New Mexico just click on the coupons you want and print.

www.smartsource.com  A distributor of coupons in New Mexico; just click and print.

www.pgesaver.com  You can load Proctor & Gamble e-coupons on your shopper's cards at your grocery store.

www.shortcuts.com  You can load various coupons from different companies right on your card that come off at check out.

www.couponmaster.com You can actually purchase coupons for a nominal fee. The site charges for shipping. Most dollar coupons go for about 8 cents. (This Web site is now shown as under construction and appears not to be active.)

If you can't find the coupon you are looking for, a good tip is to visit the site of the product directly. Many companies post coupons right on the product's main page. If there isn't a link on the main page, search the word "coupon" using their search engine. This is a good tool for not only groceries but also for restaurants.

There are also many regional sites which compile coupons for everything from restaurants to nail salons and entertainment:

ClickaCoupon - Albuquerque
Coupons4Abq
Albuquerque On The Cheap
Santa Fe on the Cheap
Taos On The Cheap
999 Dine

3. Mailbox: Don't throw out the junk mail until you really look at what's inside. You may find, not just advertisements but coupons from businesses ranging from restaurants to groceries to car and home repair. Along with various fliers you can get Valpak and The Premium Shopping Guide monthly.

4. Local publications: These are located at businesses throughout the city. They are usually on racks near the door. The publications advertise different businesses and often provide deals or coupons.

5. School fundraisers: Many schools have fundraisers where they offer a discount card to a business.

6. Entertainment Book : Each year a new edition comes out with deals from local businesses. Most businesses offer a buy-one get-one deal. This is great if you eat out often but not if you dine alone. Most deals are for two people.

7. From the company directly: Many companies offer deals for members of their clubs or people who sign up for their mail list. Most major restaurant chains offer e-clubs. You sign up and they send you coupons frequently via the Internet. Other retail companies do the same thing. Many companies that make baby products offer this such as Huggies, Pampers, Similac and Enfamil, Nestlé.