Here are some terms, abbreviations, and links I use. Knowing these will help you make more sense of the blog and get you to the coupon pro level...
SS = SmartSource. This is a coupon insert found in the Sunday paper. If you see a post with "11/17 SS" referenced, you will find that coupon in the 11/17 edition of the SmartSource coupon insert.
RP = Red Plum. This is a coupon insert found in the Sunday paper. When you see a post stating "11/17 RP," you will find the referenced coupon in the 11/17 edition of the RedPlum coupon insert.
P&G = Proctor & Gamble. This is a coupon insert found in the Sunday paper, usually once per month. When you see a post referring to "11/3 P&G," the applicable coupon will be found in the 11/3 edition of the Proctor & Gamble coupon insert.
BOGO/B1G1 = This refers to a "Buy 1, Get 1" sale, such as a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" or a "Buy 1, Get 1 half-off." There are also other versions, such as "Buy 2, Get 3 Free."
MIR = Mail-in Rebate. If you see a post containing "free after MIR," you know that you will pay for the item at check-out, but will get the entire purchase price back after you complete and mail in the applicable rebate.
Manufacturer Coupon = This is a coupon that can be redeemed at any store that accepts coupons. While you may occasionally see a coupon that states something such as "Redeemable at Walmart," it is still considered a manufacturer coupon and you should be able to use it anywhere. On coupons with the older style barcode, the code will start with a 5 or 9 (although many coupons are switching to a newer barcode without these numbers).
Store Coupon = This is a coupon that can only be redeemed the particular store issuing it. You can often find them printable at store websites, such as Target (although watch the wording, because sometimes a coupon printed off a store website will state that it's actually a manufacturer coupon), or in grocery store ads. They can almost always be stacked with a manufacturer coupon, depending on the store's policy.
Stacking = This means using a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon on the same item. For example, if you have a manufacturer coupon for $1 off any box of Cheerios and a store coupon for $1 off any box of Cheerios, you may buy 1 box of cereal and use both of the coupons towards your purchase. Always check the store's policy to make sure they allow stacking, although I have yet to run into a store that didn't allow this practice.
wyb = When you buy. For example, if you see a post mentioning that a price is $1 each wyb 2, you know that you will need to buy 2 of the featured items in order to get the quoted price.
Catalina = This is a coupon that prints out at a special printer at a store's register. Usually, it is triggered by a specific purchase (i.e. buy 10 of XYZ yogurt and get a coupon for $1 off your next shopping trip), although once in a while I get one that seems completely random.
coupons.com = This my favorite source for printable coupons. You are able to see coupons currently available under the "Coupons.com Offers" tab on the blog.
redplum.com = Another source of printable coupons. They may be the same or different from the ones offered in the current RP insert. you may also access it by clicking on the banner at the side of the blog page.
smartsource.com = Another source of printable coupons. They may be the same or different from the ones offered in the current SS insert.
couponnetwork.com = Another source of printable coupons, although the site is shutting down on 12/11/13.
There will be other terms and links referred to on this blog from time to time, but the above ones will get you acclimated to couponing lingo and get you on the right track to saving!
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