how many newspapers should I buy?

[Sarahcake32]

Hi! I'm about to start getting more serious about couponing and want to know how many newspapers I should buy. I don't know that many people who get newspapers, so I don't think I can get that many newspapers from other people. In another post, someone said I should get 5 inserts to start with. But if I have to buy them all, how many is worth buying? I don't have time to go to recycling centers and dumpsters like some people. What is the best option for me?

[$Saving!]

Hi! I'm about to start getting more serious about couponing and want to know how many newspapers I should buy. I don't know that many people who get newspapers, so I don't think I can get that many newspapers from other people. In another post, someone said I should get 5 inserts to start with. But if I have to buy them all, how many is worth buying? I don't have time to go to recycling centers and dumpsters like some people. What is the best option for me?

It really depends on the volume of buying you need to do as much as anything else. If you have a large family and need to buy a lot of products, I would say you'd want to start with 3 papers, depending of course, how good the coupons are that week.

You can always buy extra coupons for specific items here, the auctions are great and it allows you to get coupons you need without getting more papers. That might be a better investment than just buying multiple papers.

[fluttervale]

I get 3 a week. I feed myself and a 16 year old. I get a lot of stuff for free or MM that I trade to co-workers for free lunch.

[farmergirl]

I get between 2-10 per week depending on how good the coupons are. Most weeks I get 3-4. I got 6 a couple weeks ago (it was a really good week) but this past week I got 2 (not anywhere near as good). We are a family of 2 1/2. When the baby is born I will probably get a minimum of 3 per week (1 per family member) on the not so great weeks. How good a week is depends on your family's preferences and how many coupons match those preferences.

With the way I do it I am slowly building up a nice stockpile.

[rheavon]

First I check the insert previews to see if they are worth purchasing. If I find one coupon I can use, I don't get them. What determines my purchase of a newspaper is answering the question of: "Will I save more than the newspaper is worth?" If the answer is yes, I will purchase them.

I will buy usually 3 papers and may go back for more towards the end of the day. I purchase two different papers which have different regional coupons (an Austin and a Dallas paper). I find that by diversifying my papers, I have a better chance at getting a variety of Qs.

I think it is important, too, to find a "free paper" resource. Do you have friends/family/neighbors who could care less about the coupons? Ask them if you can have them if you're not into dumpster diving. I have 3 additional (and free) newspaper connections this way and I am always on the hunt for more.

[stevenlovescoupons]

[snip]...I think it is important, too, to find a "free paper" resource. Do you have friends/family/neighbors who could care less about the coupons? Ask them if you can have them if you're not into dumpster diving. I have 3 additional (and free) newspaper connections this way and I am always on the hunt for more.

Here's what I do to get free newspapers...

There is a Marriott's Residence Inn hotel near my house. In the lobby area, there is a stack of local newspapers, free for the taking. Every Sunday morning, I go there and pick up the Sunday newspaper. It is supposedly for guests, but they don't seem to care about a local resident going in there and taking them. I guess as long as it's just one newspaper that you're taking --- and not three or more --- the hotel management doesn't raise a fuss. As a result, I get a free newspaper and inserted coupons to go with it.

Now, I just hope nobody from that Marriott's is reading this! LOL