Last week I finally got into the whole "couponing" thing. It took me about 3 hrs to figure out my shopping list one night and get all the coupons cut and and printed, but it was well worth it. Here's my grocery bill after it was all said and done:
That's a savings of $61.84, and spending $97.63!! I've seen people do even better than this, so I hope that I'll keep getting better and better.
So I think I can say I'm an official Couponer. I look at the blogs everyday, I print off coupons, I get the Sunday paper and file my Smart Source and Red Plum's by date, and of course I've got a sweet binder that helps me organize my shopping list and coupons while I'm in the store:
I've learned a lot the past few weeks, and I've decided that couponing can be narrowed down into 4 steps when you're first starting out. It may take some time at first to get used to it, but eventually you'll get the hang of it...and you'll be addicted.
4 Steps that help you save:
1. Collect your Sunday paper inserts: Smart Source, Proctor & Gamble, and Red Plum
2. Try to only buy when items are on sale, Buy 1 Get 1,etc.
3. Remember that you can use a manufacturer coupon AND a store coupon on ONE item. This means that even when things are B1G1, you can use 4 coupons: a store and manufacturer coupon on the item you buy and a store and manufacturer on the one you get free.
4. Only buy things you actually want and need! It's tempting to start buying things just b/c you can get them for a good price, but try to resist!
Now I know that there can be more to couponing than this. The major couponers will talk to you about stock piling things, but I think as you get started keep these steps in mind so your saving goes a long way! The advanced stuff can come after the first couple of weeks.
Again, here are some of the blogs that are great to look at for your coupon match ups:
frugalcouponliving.com
southernsavers.com
krazycouponlady.blogspot.com
Happy Couponing!
Sarah
