Couponing 101

10 STEPS TO COUPONING

"How do I get started?" Sound familiar?  I know we have all been there.  The answer is:  with the right tools.  In the next few paragraphs I will explain how you can become a successful couponer by cutting your grocery bill in half (sometimes a little less, other times a little more) just by having the right tools.

1. SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Remember that "Extreme Couponing" show on TLC? Okay, if you live in San Antonio, not happening! What we saw on that show were just amazing transactions that are basically unrealistic, at least in San Antonio.  We do not have any stores locally that double or even triple coupons like on the show.  If you do know of one, let me know because I have yet to find it. :) As a beginner, set a realistic goal.  Let's start off with wanting to save a good 20% on your first couple of transactions with coupons.  Once you get the hang of it, your savings will increase.

2. BUY MULTIPLE SUNDAY NEWSPAPERS
I would suggest start off by buying 2-3 newspapers. The more newspapers, the more coupon inserts.  The more inserts, the bigger the savings.

3. WHAT YOU NEED VS. WHAT YOU DON'T
When you start looking through your coupon inserts, do not start clipping every single coupon you see.  It's really a waste of time and it is not necessary.  Better yet, review your inserts, clip the coupons of items you normally use, and close the insert. Do not throw the inserts away. It's free money, honey! Save them.  You might need other coupons when sales for those items come up.   There are also websites that offer printable coupons.  Start looking around and print those coupons of items you would normally buy.  However, let's get something straight.  If you are really serious about saving money, you must forget to be loyal to the brands you normally buy. See next paragraph.

4. NO BRAND LOYALTY
You must forget about being loyal to a brand if you want to start saving.  The brand you love may not be on sale but another brand might.  You have to be willing to buy the brand that goes on sale. For example: For years you've bought Scott Paper Towels for your household.  If Scott Paper Towels are not on sale BUT Sparkle Paper Towels are, and you have coupons that would score your huge savings, then guess what...you cannot stay loyal to Scott. It might be hard at first but think of the cost.

5. GET ORGANIZED
By that, I mean get yourself a small coupon bag or a binder that will help you with keeping your coupons divided by sections.  For example:  food, personal care, household, pet supplies, cosmetics, medicines, etc.  You can even have extra sections labeled: Target, CVS, etc.  In those specific sections, you will only put coupons that say "Target coupon" or "CVS coupon."  See the next paragraph.

6. MANUFACTURER COUPON VS. STORE COUPON
There are two different kinds of coupons out there.  Manufacturer coupons and Store coupons. Most (not all) coupons in the Sunday inserts are manufacturer coupons.  Store coupons are coupons that each specific store prints out on their ads or at their stores. 

7. DOUBLE-STACKING
What is that?  Double-stacking is one of the main things that couponers love.  It is when a person uses a Manufacturer Coupon combined with a Store Coupon on the same item.  By doing this, you get amazing savings! Example:   CVS has Caress Body Wash on sale for $3.49. You have a Manufacturer Coupon of $1.00 off AND you have a CVS Coupon on Caress of $1.00 off, which will give you a total price of $1.49 for Caress Body Wash! See? But watch out, not every store allows double-stacking.  Please refer to each stores' coupon policy before heading out to do any couponing transactions.

8. DO YOUR MATCH-UPS
Now that you've got your coupons and your inserts, look for sales in the ads and start doing your match-ups.  Look at the ad, one by one, and go through your coupons, match them up to score some savings. This might be time-consuming at first.  But you will get the hang of it.  You can even make this a little ME time.  Grab your coffee and check out the ads.  There are also websites that provide match-ups by store that you may want to check out.

9. PLAN YOUR PURCHASES
If all this feels overwhelming for you in the beginning, start off by just focusing on saving at one store.  Make a list of items you will be buying according to their sales and in combination with your coupons. Also, make sure you read your coupons fine print.  The rule "one coupon per purchase" is very popular, especially among untrained staff at stores.  One coupon per purchase means one coupon per one item being purchased.  That means you can buy 8 of the same items and use 8 of the same coupons in one transaction.  Unless otherwise specified on the coupon.   

10.THE MAIN TOOL TO SAVE BIG BUCKS: STOCKPILING
Stockpiling is a strategic game.  The main objective is to match prices to your coupons and take advantage of the sale when an item hits its rock-bottom price (70% off to almost free, or free sometimes). This is when you stockpile.  Why stockpile?  To save the big bucks!  If you stockpile your groceries by strategically using coupons, you will never pay full retail price again. Stockpile enough to last you about a 6-week cycle.  Stores have a cycle too.  They put their items on sale every 6-8 weeks.  If you find an item that hits its rock-bottom price, buy enough to last you through the next cycle....that's how you will see REAL SAVINGS! Example:  Right now, you go to the groceries and buy 1 cereal box at $4 every week for 6 weeks = $24.  When you stockpile, you buy 6 cereal boxes at $1 to use for 6 weeks = $6.  See the difference? 

There you have it.  Simple steps to saving.  If you ever stockpile too much of one item and it's about to hit its expiration date, please donate it to a charity or a food bank.  Don't let it go to waste! I hope these tips have been helpful.  Thank you and see you at the stores!