So most of you know I recently jumped on the couponing bandwagon. Since I've had several people ask me about how to get started I thought I would start a blog to discuss -how to, strategy, tips and any great deals I come across. I was also thinking about starting a monthly “coupon swap”. I’m happy to host it at my home or we could alternate. Let me know if any of you are interested J
Getting started
1. Get the Sunday paper (if you don’t already) - this is a great source for coupons. The News Journal will just deliver the Sunday paper and it’s only $4/month (totally worth it). Also, the daily paper sometimes has coupon inserts. I do not get the daily but my parents do and they give me their inserts.
2. Have your friends, family & neighbors who are not interested in couponing, save coupon packs for you – don’t be ashamed to ask.
3. Clip all coupons – build a large base of coupons. I clip just about all coupons because even if I don’t use the product, I most likely know someone who does.
4. Search online for coupons – great source!! (in another post I will list the sites I go to)
5. Know the coupon policy for all stores – you can do this by emailing the store. I have also found that although Pathmark is cheaper than most stores but they are stricter on their coupons. Whereas Acme and Shoprite are not strict with coupons.
6. Sign up for e-newsletters of brands you use. A lot of the time there are coupons in the newsletters or on the brand site.
7. Look through ALL weekly circulars – you never know where the good deal is. I look at all the drug store and grocery store circulars.
8. Just because you have a coupon doesn’t mean you should buy that product – hold on to your coupons until you find that great deal. If something is on sale but still isn’t a great deal I will hold on to the coupon until I find a good deal. Sometimes I end up losing the coupon but more then not I have found that great deal before it expires. If the coupon expires don’t worry you will most likely get another coupon for that product. Many of the weekly coupons are the same.
9. Each shopping trip needs to be planned. I typically paperclip all the coupons for a store together and label, with a post-it, which store it is. Know what you are going for, but do bring your coupon binder because there are always deals that are in store but not in the circular.
10. Buy the smallest size your coupon will allow –the smaller size is cheaper and usually is a better deal. For example – almost every week, there is a Colgate coupon for $.75 off any Colgate toothpaste, the 4oz tube is $.99, the coupon is doubled and depending on the store it will either be FREE or you will get paid $.51 per tube. The only store I have found that has doubled to more than the worth of the product is Shoprite.
11. I go down ever isle in the store – this is time consuming but has been proved to be worth it!!
12. Most important – STAY ORGANIZED. I have an organizer divided by type of product (dairy, paper products, toiletries, etc) and keep all like coupons together
To be a good ‘couponer’ it takes a lot of time, and you need to have a strategy. I will sometimes go to 3-5 different stores. It sounds like a pain, however, once you have a really good couponing experience you will most likely be hooked and going to the store becomes exciting! If I see a good deal I generally have to go to the store right away because I get really anxious… and will think about it all day and even dream about going to the store (I know, I’m a dork but a dork that saves lot of money).
I have heard many excuse on why people do not use coupons – most common “I’m too busy”…yeah again that is an excuse not a reason. I know working moms who coupon and I’m a great example of a busy person who coupons. I work full time, I’m in grad school working on my MBA I have 5 hour classes (each) 2 nights a week, I go to the gym 5 days a week 2 of which I work out with a trainer, several nights a week after the gym I’m bound to my school books studying and doing home work …oh and there is cleaning, laundry and the other great joys of being an adult and homeowner. PRESTO somehow I have managed to have a clean house, 3.8 GPA, go to the gym, spend time with family/friends and coupon. If I have time trust me so do you. Having good time management is essential!
GOOD LUCK LADIES! I hope this was helpful and gets you on your way to becoming a Coupon Queens!
