If you coupon on the extreme side, you know that getting your hands on LOTS of coupon inserts takes time and dedication (and sometimes we even pay $10 getting our hands on multiple newspapers, yikes!). The thought of spending $10 a week on coupons makes me sick - unless they're AMAZING coupons. I only truly pay for four newspapers a week - a whole $2.10. So where do the rest come from?Family and recycling bin diving.
I say recycling bin diving because it is not a dumpster, just a huge cardboard box that only contains unwanted newspaper. In one trip I will walk away with an armful - close to 40 inserts - that cost me nothing and will save me hundreds. I do this once a week, more if there is a coupon that I really want. Without fail every single time I get those 40 inserts and even restaurant coupons that don't come in the newspapers I actually pay for.
Does grabbing coupons out of the recycling bin actually pay off or are they all expired? Would I have managed to snag 30 bottles of Sun Drop with those recycled coupons if they were? The answer is that it is absolutely beneficial to grab these free coupons and it's really not dirty at all!
My family only contributes a little and sometimes the inserts arrive at my door with most of the good coupons cut out of them, but at least they're trying to help. I don't get as many inserts from my family - maybe 5 a week - but every little bit helps.
You could also try posting an ad on Craigslist, reaching out to people who just throw their inserts away or even start a coupon trading group or box where people trade their unwanted coupons (that you want) for your unwanted coupons (that they want).
Good luck!
