So you want to start using coupons, but you don’t know where to begin. Well you have already made two important decisions and you did not even realize it!
1. Make the decision to coupon
2. Start following a blog – I suggest 5 make at least 2 be in your area
NOW THAT WAS NOT SO HARD WAS IT!
So let’s start with the basics.
1. You will need to figure out how many papers to purchase and how to organize your coupons. No not in one of those cute little coupon holders that fit in your purse. You need a file system, yup that is right.
a. Some people use a binder method and clip each week every single coupon in the ads and file them into baseball card holders then organize the pages in the binder into categories.
*Advantage- you have all your coupons with you when you shop so you don’t miss any deals.
*Disadvantage-Expensive to get started and time consuming to maintain.
b. File box method also known as “clip as you go”. This is the method I use!
*Advantage-not expensive to start, easy to maintain, and not time consuming
*Disadvantage-you don’t have all of your coupons with you.
c. How many papers to purchase. I use the rule of thumb 2 papers per person living in the home. Start out small maybe 2 each week so as not to be overwhelmed as a "newbie couponer”
So let’s go with the “clip as you go method.” Each week I sort out my Sunday newspapers. I live in a pretty large town, however there are 2 large cities by me. So on Sunday I purchase 3 papers for my local area and then 3 in the city area. Each of these papers offers different coupons. So as you begin be aware that not every Sunday paper has the same coupons in it. I then sort them into piles Smart Source, Red Plum, and Proctor & Gamble. I then date the front with the Sunday’s date, place them in a hanging file folder, then into the file box. HOW DO YOU FIND THE COUPONS YOU ASK? That is #2.
2. How to locate and find coupons
a. I use a site called CouponTom. Very easy to use! Type in the item you are looking for (dog food) or (Purina) and your search will tell you where to locate the coupon, when it expires, the description of the coupon, and what the value of the coupon is.
b. So using the example below, you go to your file box find your file folder dated Jan 30th Red Plum insert (RP), locate your coupon and clip it.
Location Expires Description Discount
01-30 RP Feb 28 Purina Dry Dog Food $2.00/1
c. Other places to find coupons would be on Facebook. If you have a facebook account search for the product you are looking for, like the page, and print your coupon.
d. You can also locate coupons on the internet. I went through my fridge, freezer, cupboards, and pantry made a list of the products I use. Then located that product on the internet saved the pages to my favorites. You can then sign up for email notices. You will be notified of new products, coupons, and sometimes free samples. (I suggest setting up a separate email account as not to clog up your main email folder).
e. The popular coupon sites are: Red Plum.com, Smart Source.com, and Coupons.com
f. COUPON PRINTING-Most sites allow you to only print 2 coupons per item. DO NOT PHOTO COPY COUPONS! If you do so they are not valid. If you have more than one computer in your home then you can print off another 2 per item.
3. Decide What Stores to Shop At
a. You will need to sign up for that stores shopper’s card
b. Read the How to Shop at Tops, Wegmans, Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreen pages located at the right of my blog. It is important to have a basic understanding of the workings of each store and their policies.
4. Follow a blog for the deal write ups. It is important to understand that not all ads and pricing is the same for all areas. That is why it is important to follow a blog located in your area.
5. Understand coupon abbreviations and lingo. Here is a link to my cheat sheet.
6. Learn how to utilize your coupons. Here is a link to learn How to maximize your coupons savings.
7. Check out the links below or pages located on the right side of my blog for some informative articles.
8. ABOVE ALL ELSE HAVE FUN! Take it slow you are a “newbie” and with anything else it takes time to learn. I promise in time you will be one of those people who paid pennies on the dollar for a cart full of groceries. You will be amazed how many items you can get for FREE!!!!!
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