Couponing that Works Part 1

Couponing isn't for everyone. It takes a lot of hard work, organization, and discipline. It becomes easier after awhile once you become organized. I am not an extreme couponer yet. However, I am on my way. I've been couponing now for five months and I have already cut my shopping cost in half. This article is designed to help those who have the desire to become an extreme couponer but do not know how to get the ball running. This article is for you.

Tip #1 - Talk and share tips and strategies with other couponers. Most of what I know about couponing I learned from other couponers. I find that many people who save money are excited about sharing their tips with others.

For example: I talked to one of my cousins today and she gave me the "know how" for price matching at Wal-Mart. I saw Hunts Tomato Sauce in the weekly Publix ad for $1.99, buy one get one free. I can take the Publix ad to Wal-Mart and they will have to honor the $1.99, buy one get one free offer advertised by Publix. How excited I am to know that I can save time shopping now because I can get most of my Publix deals at Wal-Mart!

A good friend of mine who is also a couponer hipped me to something new. At Publix, you can use a store coupon, a manufacturer coupon, and a store coupon from another store all on one item. Don't forget to use a manufacturer coupon and different store coupon on buy one get one free at Publix. Plus double couponing!

You will be surprised at the number of people who use coupons these days. Pay attention to how many people use coupons the next time you go to your local Wal-mart or grocery store. Find a coupon buddy that you can swap coupons with. Remember, we are in a recession!

Tip #2a - Get organized. Buy a photo album with pockets that you can insert coupons in. This will be your coupon book. Categorize your coupon book in a way that is easy for you to maneuver. A few examples: alphabetical order buy category, by brand name, or by expiration date.

Tip #2b - Get organized. Create shopping list. Some store websites allow you to create shopping list directly from their website. For example: I can look at the weekly ad for Publix online. I can check the items that I intend to purchase while looking at the weekly ad. I am able to write comments about the item and check whether or not I have a coupon for that item. I can also add additional items that I intend to purchase that aren't listed in the weekly ad.

My coupon book and my grocery list work hand in hand. Every list that I create is assigned a color. The color is aligned with the tabs in my coupon book. Therefore I can find coupons for each store easily.

Tip #3 - Maximize your coupons. Watch for sales and buy one get one free deals. For example: Publix has a coupon to save $3.00 on Huggies Diapers. I have a manufacturer coupon from the Sunday paper to save $1.50 on Huggies Diapers. Huggies Diapers at Publix cost $9.99. Subtract $4.50 and I only spend $5.49 for diapers.

Tip #4 - Rewards. Sign up for rewards and coupons from every company that you can think of that you use from eating establishments to baby products. Businesses honor internet coupons as long as a bar code is on the coupon.

Overall, couponing is a way of life for my family. We save so much money when shopping and dining. My husband loves the fact that I coupon because of our great savings. He encourages me to continue couponing. Hopefully, this article has helped you or motivated you to work at saving money for your family. Remember, we are in a recession!