Cracking the Coupon Code

Okay- I am not a very technical gal (more right-brained, not left) but I have started to decode the math and science behind using coupons. If you really want to start saving cash at the checkout, here are some tips that can be really helpful in making those small amounts add up to big savings:

To get the most bang for your buck you have to change up the way you shop. First, it pays to combine sales with your coupons. If you can add a coupon to an already low price, you're getting a "rock-bottom" price for an item. Second, stock up when items are on sale. Yes, your husband may look at you sideways when you come home with 5 jars of salsa, but if it's at the lowest sale price (and you have a coupon) that's money saved down the line. Thirdly, it pays to be disloyal. Don't become set on shopping for specific brands at one specific store. If you shop at a few big grocery chains and buy items that you have coupons for that are similar to brands you normally buy, you can reduce your bottom line.

The barcode on a coupon can tell you a lot about how much you stand to save. Most coupon barcodes begin with the numbers 5 or 9. A coupon beginning with a 5 WILL double, even if it says "Do Not Double". A coupon beginning in 9 will not double.
In the middle of a coupon barcode, there are 4 digits that start with an 8. Here's how to decode this string of numbers:
1. 8000- the coupon is good on ANY item for that manufacturer. For example, if you have a coupon that's good for $.50 off Quaker Simple Harvest Granola Bars, it will work on any other variety of Quaker Granola Bars on the shelf (and probably their oatmeal, too!).
2. 8100- the coupon is generally good on more items than are listed on the coupon
3. 8101- the coupon probably only gives you a discount for the item listd on the coupon.

If the second part of a barcode begins with a 992, this is called a 992 coupon. 992's are coupons where the cash register does not need to verify that you are purchasing the correct item. Some stores (Food Lion and Lowe's, locally) have their registers set to beep when this coupon is scanned and the cashier must verify your purchase.

Also good to know is that sometimes a coupon will say you need to purchase a specific number of items (ex: "Buy 3, get $.40 off") but it will work on less. So if the barcode number goes something like this: 1-22222-33344-5, it's the "44", or value code you need tolook at Here is a link to cracking these codes.

My brain is itching a little just from typing this all out; that math side of my gray matter doesn't see too much action these days! If you have any little coupon secrets I'd love to hear about it. Post your comments!