Everyday hundreds of thousands are dollars are saved using coupons. Every “couponer” has his or her own variation of saving money. You have the store brand shopper: Saving money by not buying name brand items, the casual couponer: clipping here and there, the super coupons: buying 6 Sunday papers each Sunday, and then you have the crazy extreme couponers who are driven by getting paid to shop therefore they do their homework.
Many people have asked me to teach them how to coupon. To tell you the truth, it is not that simple. Couponing takes dedication, a drive to save serious money, and time and the biggest thing is time! One things for sure is that a few trips to the store where they pay you to walk out with a product will fire anyone up. So if there was any motivation, that is truly it!
If you want to learn, just take it easy and proceed slowly if possible. And, I must warn you, there will be mistakes made, even with time under your belt. Mistakes happen, whether it be you or the store’s fault. It just happens from time to time. When a deal does not match up, do not buy the items anyhow. Remain calm and polite and have them void the transaction. You should never feel obligated to buy anything at full price. As hard as it might be try to keep a smile on your face and relax- you must. When you get home, regroup and try to figure the deal out before trying again.
Here are a few helpful tips while learning how to coupon.
Buy at least 4 papers each Sunday (for the coupon inserts)
Use a coupon data base when searching for coupons (use Google to find one to your liking)
Find your store coupon policy (Example: My Publix will take 4 different stores coupons – #winning)
Get a binder to store inserts for easy access
Check each store for their digital and printable coupons to stack with the manufacture ones
Most stores will only take 1 manufacture, 1 store and 1 competitor coupons
Remember to look closely at the coupons so you grab the correct product
Do your match-ups before you arrive at the store to insure an easier trip
Remember to wait on the store deals to match-up your coupons. This is where you will build your stockpile
Have a place set up for storage.
Couponing is all about grabbing several of one item by stacking coupons to make your out-of-pocket money as cheap as possible. It will feel like you are buying in bulk but that’s how extreme couponing works. When you have a stockpile it elevates those last minute trips to the store where you pay full price for items. If you feel like saving some cash, couponing is definitely the way to go. It does feel like it takes a life time to get the hang of it and it is time consuming but hey, stay off social media for 2 days a week and use that time. I’ll bet you will see a big difference in your bank account.
I hope this helped a bit. Be sure to ask any questions or comment on our Facebook page. We would love to hear your stories and questions.
More details on coupons coming soon.
Katie Girl