Want to learn how to coupon?
Welcome to Savings!
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Congratulations! You have taken the first step into a whole new world of savings. When I say new, I mean new to you: couponing and being “thrifty” are not new concepts at all. Chances are your mother or grandmother used a coupon in some form or another. The difference is now, it’s not only smart to save, it’s also trendy! And we all KNOW smart is sexy right? So you want to learn how to coupon?
Keep reading!
Now I am sure when I say to you that you are going to have to forget everything you know about shopping, you think I am crazy. Well I mean it girl, FORGET everything mom taught you about saving money at the grocery store. Don’t get me wrong, our moms taught us to the best of their ability, but now there are so many better ways to save. After you have learned how to coupon effectively, don’t forget to call mom up and brag. And maybe you can show her a thing or two about saving money at the store. I know I did! My mom now calls to tell me when she has gotten a great deal! (She’s not quite as fanatical about savings as I am, but I know she gets a kick out of a great bargain!)
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So where do you start? There’s loads to learn about how to coupon, but the good news is, you just need a basic understanding to get started. The rest comes from practice and trial and error. Before we jump right in, let me address a few things with you. You WILL make mistakes. Don’t be afraid of that. You might want to get embarrassed at the checkout when you realize your calculations were off, or you forgot a certain coupon. DON’T BE EMBARRASSED! You can always casually ask the cashier to remove an item if you realize the coupon isn’t working out the way you planned. If you’re worried about upsetting the people in line behind you, pay for the item, then walk directly to the customer service counter and return it for a refund, or a credit if you find your missing coupon. There’s nothing to be ashamed about when it comes to saving money! It’s YOUR money we’re talking about here! It’s all part of learning how to coupon!
The other thing you need to know right away, is that while the popular TV show Extreme Couponing is highly entertaining, you must know that it’s not entirely realistic. Just like the other “reality” TV shows out there, Extreme Couponing is filmed and edited in a way to be catchy and outlandish. While you very likely will wind up getting items for free (and frequently!) you will not build a massive stockpile overnight. And you might not ever get paid to take 6 months worth of groceries home. What you will do however, is learn to save bit by bit until you’re averaging at least 50% off your groceries and 75% on toiletries and cleaning supplies (we average 50%-75% off groceries now, and 75%-100% off on toiletries). Yep you read that right. Certain items you will never have to pay for again. I no longer pay for things such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, razors, air fresheners, soap and body wash. Did I mention I don’t remember the last time I bought a generic item either? And once you learn how to coupon, you won’t either!
So are you ready to start changing the way you shop? Then let’s get started. The buttons below will link you to some brief (and some not-so-brief) articles that will help you learn how to coupon, and get on your way to saving like a pro. If something is confusing to you, PLEASE feel free to email me via the contact information page, or leave a comment below. HAPPY SAVING!
What NOT To Do: A Lesson In Fraud
Lies Extreme Couponing Told Me
An Exercise in Frugality
Thursday 10th of December 2015
Hi Paula! I'm not sure exactly what you mean, but MOST stores allow you to use a "store" coupon (ie like Target's own coupons) AND a manufacturer coupon (like one put out by the product's parent company) on the same item. Its going to vary by store though. Generally speaking you cannot use more than one of the same type of coupon on the same item (like you can't use TWO Colgate coupons on the same tube of toothpaste for example, unless one says "STORE coupon). It can be really confusing at first but once you get the hang of what to look for it gets much easier. The best thing to do is check with your favorite stores and get a copy of their coupon policy to make sure you're following their rules, as each store has the ability to set their own policy! Hope this helps a bit! :)
Paula
Thursday 10th of December 2015
Thank you for your thorough tips and providing websites for coupons etc! I have a question, on one of the sites I noticed I was able to "clip" a coupon on some items more than once, does that mean I can use more than one coupon on one item? Or would it depend on the store? Thank you! I'm excited to start using coupons !
Jentry Nielsen
Monday 12th of November 2012
Just came across your blog and can I just say THANK YOU! I just recently got into couponing, and have found some things a little more confusing! Your site has really answered so many of my questions and I loved the what not to do post, I would have had no idea about this situation but it's definitely something to be aware of, I would hate to be considered a fraud or thief! Can't wait to read more from you, so glad I stumbled across your site!
An Exercise In Frugality
Monday 12th of November 2012
Why thank you so much! I am glad you stumbled across the site too! Let me know if you have any questions, I would be happy to help! :)