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So here are some basic tips and rules to couponing:
1. No Brand Loyalty! - Be willing to try new things! Coupons change and if your willing to branch out a little bit, you can get some great deals! The same goes for store loyalty. When you start couponing, you will want to go where the best deals are. Now, I don't mean drive 100 miles to get free ice cream. But if you have a few stores within a couple miles of each other, it would be worth it to make an extra stop.
2. Stockpile - This is key to paying the least amount on your grocery bills. When you find a product at it's rock bottom price stock up! And I don't mean buy 2 or 3. If it's something you use often (like pasta sauce) buy 8, 10, or more! Buy enough to hold you till the next sale (usually 6 to 12 weeks). Of course the amount you need will depend on how big your family is and how often you use a product. Also, remember that you can always get rain checks. If you know your going to buy a large quantity, most stores will let you call ahead and place your order so you don't wipe out the shelves (other shoppers will appreciate it!).
3. Match Coupons with Sales - This is another big way to save money. If you use a coupon while something is on sale you will save WAY more than if you use your coupon on a regularly priced item. Make your coupon work for you! For example: Cereal is priced at $4.39 a box and you have a $1.00/1 coupon. If you use it on the full priced cereal you will still pay $3.39. If you wait for the sale when cereal is 2 for $3.00 and then you use your $1 coupon, it will only cost you $.50!
4. Meal Plan - This goes along with tip #3. Meal Planning with the weekly sales ad can save you massive amounts of money. Every week your local grocery store will have a sale on different kinds of meat, produce, ect. If you can plan your meals around what is on sale your savings account will thank you! Go HERE to check out some great frugal recipes.
5. Sunday Papers - Buy your Sunday Paper! It will have all the local sales ads and coupons in it.
6. Organization - Being organized will not only make couponing easier, it will save you money. For more information on how to stay organized go HERE.
7. Be Willing to Buy Products You Don't Need - Sometimes in order to get products you need for free or cheap, you need to buy products you don't need. For example, when I first started couponing, there was a deal on blood sugar testing machines. They were priced at $30 and I had coupons for $30 off of 1 machine. Also, for every machine that I bought, I received a $10 RR (Register Reward) from Walgreens. So, they payed me $10 to buy each machine!! I didn't need them, but I bought 10 of them and donated them to a local Dr.'s office. Then I used the $100 in RR to buy diapers!!
8. Pick Your Cashiers Wisely! - Whenever I go to the store, I always look at the cashiers. All cashiers are not created equal! For the most part, they are all very friendly and helpful. But, occasionally you will find a cashier that gives you a hard time. Don't let them make you feel bad. Sometimes, they are hesitant because they don't know too much about coupons. Other times they just might be having a bad day. Then, there are the cashiers that love to watch your total go down and are amazed at how much you saved! As you start to do more couponing, you will remember whose line to go through, and whose not to. If you have a bad experience, don't get discouraged. Your next cashier might be as excited as you!
9. Go Slow - As a new couponer, things can become overwhelming. I still feel overwhelmed at times. Just try to slow down and ease into things. Also, don't try to get every deal out there. If you miss one, it will come around again. If you need a break, take it! Make couponing work for you. If you have kids old enough, have them help you clip coupons. I clip coupons on Sunday nights while I watch Desperate Housewives. Just have fun, and do what works for you and your family!
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