Coupons 101

There was a time when I thought that clipping coupons was more trouble than it was worth. First, I would go through the Sunday paper, clip the coupons I liked, try to keep up with the ones I already had, and then if I was lucky enough to remember to bring them with me, save $10 on a $100 trip. This actually seemed pretty good to me at the time, that is until I was introduced to the world of “Extreme” couponing, as I like to call it. I plan all of my shopping trips ahead of time using coupons with items that are only on sale to maximize my savings. This has brought my family's grocery and household budget down from considerably.

To get the most bang for your “coupon” buck, there are a few tips to follow. Just remember to start off slow and you will gradually become more comfortable until it becomes second nature. I will start with the basics of couponing and as we move ahead and you will learn more with the homework I have done already for you on my site. I guarantee that you will be saving at least $100 a month on your grocery bill!!


The first key is getting your local paper on Sunday, checking out the coupon printable web sites, and knowing what magazines are best for coupons.

*If you are a sassy couponer, then you will be purchasing more than one of your paper. You can actually preview what coupons will be in the paper by clicking here, then you can buy more papers when you are out. Also, check out the 2009 Coupon Insert Schedule, so you know when there will be multiple inserts and you want to purchase more.

If you are ready for printable coupons, my favorite sites are Coupons.com and SmartSource.com.

All You is the best magazine for coupons, you can get two years for $17.95 here. I also keep a list of the best online coupons on MyNCTriangelMommy.com.

Be on the watch for: peelies on the product, hangtags under the product, and blinkies machines that blink throughout the store.

Be organized with your coupons; it is hard enough if you are shopping with your kids in the first place. Always keep your coupons organized and keep a list of what you want to purchase.

My method is keeping a file folder for the weekly inserts by date, also known as the Coupon Mom system. . When the advertisements are posted, I then pull out the date of the specific insert and clip the matching coupons. I use the Couponizer to keep my coupons separated and organized.

I use SS for Smart Source, GM for General Mills, PG for Proctor and Gamble, K for Kelloggs, UN for Unilever and detail any printable match ups in the advertisements. I will list the matching coupons to the sales advertisements by writing, (11/08, RP) this means the coupon is in the Red Plum insert on November 8th.

Now that you have a stockpile of coupons, it's time to match them up to the sales ad's. Each week it seems as if the same coupons come around, so you should have at least 3 coupons for dish washing liquid when it finally goes on sale for .99. Being aware of the sales is really the key to making all of this work. If you just go to the store with your coupons, and there isn't a sale price on the item then the Palmolive you just bought for 2.85 with the .25 coupon didn't really save you money. You have to watch for the sales, every 2-3 months they will come around on the same items.

Last but not least, is creating a stockpile of items so you don't have to purchase out of necessity. This means your non-perishables, toiletries, etc. Pick them up when they are on sale, and don't just purchase one. Purchase as many as you have coupons for. If you just get one, then the previous purchase that cost $1 may cost you $4 next time even with your coupon.

If you are really into this, you can trade coupons at Hot Coupon World, purchase on Ebay and Coupon Clippers.