10 Money Saving Couponing Tips by valsank, CGE

I always say "every little bit helps". But what most people don't know is that coupons are not only for saving a few pennies. No, you can save substantial amounts of money by using coupons on a regular basis. With the right planning and organization, you can work wonders. I know because I have done, and I still do.
I started couponing as a young mom, out of sheer necessity. As I continued to shop with coupons over the years, I learned valuable information, tools and tricks to save with coupons, refunding, rebates and more.

Here are just a few couponing tips to get you started;

1. First of all you must start collecting your coupons. Your best source and best time is to get the Sunday newspaper every week. Usually the Sunday newspaper will have up to $500 in coupon saving inserts. Inserts you will find generally are "Red Plum", P&G (Procter & Gamble) and Smart Source. *Something to keep in mind is that for most newspaper companies there will be no inserts before a major holiday such as, Christmas, and New Years Day.

2. Be sure to collect the circulars from that same newspaper, such as Walgreens, Targets and all others. The circulars will tell you what is on sale for that upcoming week. You can then match your coupons to the sales you find in those circulars. You will be excited to see what sales you can get, but remember you can't get all of them. Remember saving money is our mission, so don't run all over town to catch all the sales. Make sure you plan well.

3. Organization is key. If you just walk in the grocery store with a hand full of coupons, unorganized, you will be sure to loose one, or forget one, or end up not using any of them. You can visit your nearest dollar store to get a coupon organizer. Or if you really want to be frugal and green, use all of those envelopes that you get in those bills. The ones you usually toss into the circluar file, (trash can). Just make sure every envelope or tab of your coupon organizer is properly labeled.

4. Make a list.

5. Use the list. Keep your list with your coupons. I know this sounds elementary, but myself and my coupon buddies have all left home without the coupons or the list and that just won't work.

6. Make sure while in the store that you use the space in the cart to keep all of your coupons, list, and purse within reach. Don't get so involved in shopping that you don't keep your eye on your personal belongings. Keep that list and your coupons within reach. You will need to refer to your list as well as your coupons often. When I have a lot of coupons or a long list, I use the straps on the cart to tie my purse down, so if someone tried to grab it, the cart would go with them =). I usually cover my purse with my jacket or something and lay the coupons and list on top. I keep my cart close at all times. (safety first)

7. As you shop, match the item and coupon together, make sure they match. Check the brand, the size requirement specified on the coupon. Check the expiration date as well. Once you place an item in the cart, make sure you put that coupon in a place where you will be able to get it once you reach the cashier. Too many coupons in your hands will just get you confused and/or frustrated.

8. Allow yourself enough time to shop. Trying to rush and coupon at the same time will, cause you to miss something or frustrate you. Some even stop couponing all together. But you don't have to be frustrated just give yourself enough time. It's really a lot of fun.

9. Shop alone if possible, but if you shop with a friend or the children, make sure they don't take your attention from what you are doing. Concetration is vital. Again that's another recipe for failure.

10. Before reaching the cashier, make sure you have in hand all the coupons that match the products in your cart. Make sure you have your club/store card and your method of payment handy so you aren't digging around in your purse, and holding up the line. Using coupons can also slow the clerk down, so you want to make sure you have all of your ducks in a row. People behind you can sometimes get a little huffy when it takes a bit longer but, just shoot them a smile and turn around and save that money! Watch closely as the cashier rings your order and scans the coupons. They have been known to miss a coupon or two. Just make sure you are watching.

Well this should get you off to a good start. Once you get this routine down you will find a great sense of accomplishment, especially when you see the savings on your receipt you will know you did a good thing.

Happy couponing!
If you have coupon questions, be sure to contact me. I will be happy to help.

~valsank,CGE~
Coupon Guru Extraordinare