I would first like to say WELCOME if you are actually reading this post because you saw the word coupon! That means you are a little bit interested in learning about them. I would like to share with you the information I have learned over the past few years about this wonderful world of couponing. I only wish I had known about it sooner.
The easiest way for me to think of couponing is like its a game. Because well, it is. Please don't read all of the tips and rules for the game and get discouraged. This is definitely a process that takes baby steps and discipline. I know I've learned the hard way. I would like to share that although I may post a lot of information on this site about coupons I am no way saying that I'm an expert. There are many more websites and blogs that are dedicated to just coupons and deals. I will post links to several sites that I often read and rely upon to get my information. They are very accurate and they make a living helping people save money. So if you are ready then we shall begin!
First, let's talk about newspapers. This is an important start to any couponers journey. It is recommended that for every person in your household you buy that many individual papers. I've been couponing for about 4 years now and I only buy one newspaper. I do have friends who give me their coupons so I do end up with doubled coupons sometimes. So I would at least buy two newspapers if you have at least 4 members in your family. Depending on your area most coupons come out in the Sunday paper. Also, depending on your area the amount of coupons will be different. I live in a rural area so I often buy my Sunday paper from one of the larger cities, such as the Tallahassee Democrat or Dothan Eagle. Just because you buy a newspaper you are not guaranteed that specific coupons will be in them. Remember that coupons vary by region and then by the newspaper provider.
Newspaper selection can be tricky. I have bought a newspaper before only to go home and open it up to find there are no coupon inserts, bummer. I learned the hard way and now check online beforehand to see what inserts will be included in the Sunday paper. So when I go to pull out my newspaper I check it before I close the door to see if there are any inserts. If there aren't I go to the next paper in the stack and check each paper until I find one with inserts. I have jokingly been accused of being the lady that steals everyones coupons. While I'm not stealing I am checking to see if my inserts are in the newspaper.
There are other ways to get coupons. You can go online and print directly from the manufacturer. You can go to coupon websites (Coupons.com) to print numerous coupons. You can also buy magazines and clip the coupons in those. A great example is the ALL YOU magazine. Every month it has tons of coupons. Unless you have a subscription, you can only buy these magazines at Wal-mart.
Next, let's talk about coupon storage. So you've bought your newspaper and printed your stack of coupons now what? Well each person is different. I still haven't found a method that I like to keep my coupons organized. Some suggest clipping the coupons right away and filing them in a labeled coupon binder. Others suggest filing the whole insert in a sheet protector and putting it in a larger three ringed binder. Right now I have so many coupons I just throw the inserts in a box. I know where everything is but they are just laying in a box. I know it's not very organized but I'm working on it. Organization is a vital part of being successful with coupons. Often times things will go on sale or you happen to be in the store and see a great deal but if your coupons aren't organized then you can't use that great coupon to get a great deal. Then you get discouraged and tell yourself you'll go back later when you find the coupon only to get distracted by life and forget about the great deal and coupon. I suggest searching the internet for coupon filing methods. Remember you don't have to use one method just because someone else does. Use the method that fits in with your life.
Finally, let's talk about coupon usage. Many websites will give you a break down of what's on sale at each store matched with a coupon for the best sale prices. These websites are awesome and it's to your advantage to use them. You can do the work yourself but many have already beat you to it so just use their suggestions. You know what works best for you. Grocery stores such as Winn Dixie, start their sales every Wednesday. Pharmacy stores like CVS, start their sales every Sunday. Some stores may even honor the sale the Saturday or Tuesday before it begins. These websites that I mentioned previously get their hands on the deals that Wednesday or Thursday before it is scheduled. So with this information you could possibly plan your shopping trip to CVS on a Thursday before the actual sale and be ready to hit the store that Sunday morning before anyone else has a chance to pick up a newspaper. I haven't gotten that good yet but I really hope to be one day!
You'll be amazed at how much more there is to learn about the coupon world. I only highlighted a few topics that I thought were important for first time couponers. It's like a whole underground society. This is really a game to be played and to be played well in order to win. Good Luck!
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