So you're new to using coupons & have no idea where to start. Or maybe you've done it in the past, but gave up & want to start again. Great! Let's get started! Here are some basic things to get things going.
1. First, START SAVING COUPONS! Grab all of those inserts out of the Sunday paper & keep them somewhere....in a box, bin, file box, drawer, etc. Be sure & write that Sunday's date with a SHARPIE right on the front. If you have some not marked, just look at the teeny print on the outer fold of the insert. Look really close. The date is there. Get multiple newspapers or sets of coupons, if possible. Ask friends, relatives & neighbors to save the inserts for you if they will otherwise be thrown away.
2. SAVE other coupons! Save the ones you get along with your store receipt, the ones stuck on or tucked into products you buy, the ones you print online from places like Coupons.com.
3. Get a BINDER for your clipped coupons! Or choose another method that you think will work for you. For the binder method, all you need is a 1 inch 3-ring binder, dividers, & baseball card holders. You'll also want to have a calculator & pen with you at all times. It also helps to have some smaller clear plastic envelopes (5 or so) for each individual store. You can pick these up at office supply stores. This method is time-consuming, but it will save you the most money.
Once you've started your coupon stash, you'll want to start searching for coupon match-ups, which are store deals that coincide with the coupons you have. For example, let's say "ABC Grocery Store" has their 32 oz. Hunt's Ketchup on sale for $1.50, & you normally buy Hunt's Ketchup. While you're searching the coupon database for deals, you see the Hunt's Ketchup deal, & the database also lets you know that you have a coupon in the Feb. 6 insert for .75 off any size Hunt's Ketchup. You would then clip that coupon & go get your ketchup for 75 cents.
Here are some good places to start for coupon match-ups, but you will also want to find a local frugal blogger that covers your local stores. You can try The Frugal Map or just start googling. These are all FREE:
DO'S & DON'T'S:
Do: try to get organized with your coupons as soon as possible in order to reap the benefits.
Do: plan to take your coupon binder on most of your shopping trips. You'll find deals you didn't know about for things you have coupons for.
Do: become familiar with each store's coupon policy & keep a printed copy in your binder.
Do: bring your print out of coupon match-ups with you on your shopping trip.
Do: plan to buy things you/your family eats/uses even if you don't need it right away, since you'll be getting it at a rock-bottom price.
Don't start going hog wild with your coupons, right out of the gate! The secret to savvy couponing is to collect your coupons and WAIT for the items hit a low, low price, then combine your coupon with the sale price.
Don't start going hog wild with your coupons, right out of the gate! The secret to savvy couponing is to collect your coupons and WAIT for the items hit a low, low price, then combine your coupon with the sale price.
Don't expect to see tremendous savings in the beginning. Although you will see some, a portion of it will be going towards your stockpile since you will be buying for BEYOND this week.
Don't: be tempted to buy things you WOULDN'T normally buy. Trade or give away those coupons! You can also create a stockpile of free/almost free items you can't use and donate them to a local food bank.
Don't: buy something on sale with your coupon if you're unsure of the savings. Do the math to figure out 'price per unit'. Sale prices can be deceiving at times.
Don't: get discouraged! We're here for you! If you want to take a break from couponing, it's O.K.!
Learn where to find coupons HERE.
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I love your posts about couponing! I've been wanting to start but just needed the guidance thanks!
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