Couponing and Saving Money: Where to start?

I have been married for nine years, which seems crazy in itself.  I have been using coupons for that long, but not to the extent I do now!

I used to get so excited when I would leave the store and the bottom of my receipt would say, “You saved $10!”  I would think WOW I really did something today!

Now it is not unusual for me to leave the grocery store with a receipt that says,” You Saved $145!”

How did I go from one extreme to the other?  How did I get started saving big bucks?  I will tell you!

Basics

Well, first things first.  You need to buy a paper, because you will of course find coupons and sale papers in there.  In my area the Sunday paper is cheaper after Tuesday.  So, Tuesday mornings I will go to the corner and pick up between 4-6 papers just for the coupons.  This costs me about what it would cost to buy 2 papers on Sunday!

Then you will want to get your grocery stores sale paper.  I know not all of you are Publix shoppers.  You will want to try to match coupons to the great sales.  Always try to take advantage of BOGO (Buy one Get One) sales!  Especially with coupons! You can go here to Hot Coupon World.  They have a fabulous Coupon Database that will tell you where to find coupons for specific brands, or items!

Next, you need to be familiar with your stores coupon policy.  If you aren’t, ask.  Stores are typically very friendly and have no problem telling you what their policy is.   If you feel uncomfortable asking in person, just give them a call.

Always go in with a list.  This will help you stick to your budget, and eliminate impulse buys.  I always have a hard time with that one.

Keep an eye out for Blinkie Coupon Machines and Coupon books throughout the store.  Even if you won’t use them on that trip.  Snag a couple.  They may come in handy sometime soon, or at a different store.

Don’t forget…if a store does not have an advertised item in stock, ask for a rain check.  These come in handy.  Alot of store don’t restock their shelves the last day of a big sale, just to deter customers.  Ask for the rain check so you still get that great deal.

Organization

There are different ways to organize coupons.  I used to be a clipper.  I would just cut out the ones I knew I was going to use, and toss the rest.  Then the light bulb came on! Some coupons are great Money Makers, some are great for trading, others are for items that you may not have tried, but are almost free after coupon.

I now use a file system.  I file coupons by the week that they came out.  A ton of sites will list coupon matchups with date like 11/18 ss.  Which means that that coupon came out of the SmartSource in the November 18th paper.  Much easier to find them and cut them out when you need them this way.  Everyone has their own way that they are most comfortable with.  Some have binders, boxes, or just a big pile they throw them all in.  I am guilty of the pile too!   I have a pile of the printable coupons and some store coupon books.

Printable Coupons

There are several resources for printing coupons online.  The biggest are Coupons.com, Smartsource.com, and Redplum.com.  You can also print from manufacturer sites, and other promotional pages.  I try to keep a list on my coupons tab here.  You can find some really great coupons online!  Most will allow you to print only 2 copies per computer.  Sometimes you will get lucky and find a PDF coupon or a rouge coupon that will let you print several!  Those are awesome when it is something you will really use.  Some stores will not except internet printed coupons.  Check with your store to find out what their policy is.

Saving Money Online

There are so many sites now that offer online coupon codes, and post great deals and freebies.   ~cough~ afewshortcuts ~cough~  Amazon.com is one of my favorite places to do Christmas Shopping for the kids.  After Thanksgiving they offer awesome deals on toys and you get free shipping on orders over $25.  It makes it so much easier to hide toys that are delivered in big boxes. I also like to go to SlickDeals.net.  They are an awesome resource for current deals online.  Another site I frequent is Retailmenot.com. They offer Coupon Codes for a ton of online retailers!

Saving Everyday

Last but not least, think ahead.   Great savers plan ahead for even small occasions.  Stockpiling groceries when they are on sale is one great example.  Another is snagging clearance items when you find them for birthday, or holiday gifts.  Keep a small area for these items, so that you know where to find them when your child brings home that birthday party invitation.   You can’t beat finding an awesome childrens gift on clearance for next to nothing.

I hope a couple of these small tips helped.  Next “informative” post will be on stockpiling and rotating your stockpile.

Tagged as: Coupons, news, savings