In May, I launched a series entitled minimalist couponing. In case you missed it, you may want to go back and read the previous posts:

Today I want to finallly complete this series by sharing a few easy ideas I have up my sleeve for finding the deals you need – fast.

Tip #1: Google Reader

Have you ever tried using Google Reader? From your Reader account, you can subscribe to multiple blogs and view the content in one place. Here’s a snapshot of how mine looks:

Aggregating your blogs this way can help you save time in a couple ways:

You can now get a “quick glance” of the deals bloggers are posting in a few minutes as opposed to visiting each blog and scrolling through. Just click through to the deals that matter most to you. Or “star” them for later.
You can now easily search for deals you need. This is what I personally do! I like to follow lots of blogs in my reader for this reason. It ups the chances I’ll find a deal I need.

For instance, let’s say I need diapers….

I can quickly type it in the search field. After hitting enter…

I found several blogs who had featured diaper deals by doing this. I can also see how recent the deal is, and in what context the word “diaper” was used. It’s at this point I can make a decision which blog has the deal most like the one I’m after and click through.

Tip #2: Cash Back Sites

If you’re about to make an online purchase, I recommend you check out a cash back site such as Shop at Home or Ebates. The way these sites work is simple. You set up a free account, then search for the store you want to shop at.

For instance, let’s suppose I start at Shop at Home and search for Snapfish, I get this screen.

Cash back sites will help you two ways:

They will share coupon codes with you to use at checkout.
They will give you cash back – paid out usually quarterly into your PayPal account. (For more information, read my post on how cash back sites work.)

Even if you don’t have much time on your hands, just shopping through a cash back site can help earn you money back!

Tip #3: Find a few good blogs

Take some time to be deliberate in selecting quality blogs to follow that will provide you deals in tune to what you like to buy.

A good place to start is to find bloggers that provide regular deals for stores you shop at. If you’re stumped where to begin, can I recommend The Grocery Gathering? You can search for deals either by store, or by state:

This is probably THE biggest time saver when finding deals. Many bloggers, myself included, spend hours finding the deals so you don’t have to. Find out who blogs about the stores you shop at to save time!

Tip #4: Facebook and Manufacturer’s Websites

My final tip is a pretty simple one. If you’re looking for a deal on a particular brand, why not head to their Facebook page or website?

Tillamook rarely puts out coupons in the inserts – but I look at the tab up on their Facebook page right now!

So there you have it: minimalist couponing. I want you to remember that whether you are an avid coupon user, or an occasional one, you are absolutely welcome here! I personally believe their is value in placing importance on your time and hope that no matter how you choose to use those coupons, you’ll consider that as you chase down the deals. I hope that this series has proven to be helpful to you!

I would love to hear your thoughts on how you save time in your journey to use coupons, stockpile, or find the deals.