Coupons can save you a boatload of money each week on groceries and household necessities. If you play your cards right, you can also build a rather large stockpile of goods with super cheap or even free items.
For some, though, it can be difficult to start couponing. For beginners, the world of couponing is exciting, but it can also be confusing and a little intimidating.
So, how do you start couponing? Check out these tips aimed to help beginners start couponing.
Forget What You’ve Seen On TV
Shows like TLC’s Extreme Couponing are definitely entertaining, but it’s important to keep in mind that they may not be all that realistic, especially when you first start couponing. The rules are bet for shoppers on these shows, and it’s been discovered that coupon fraud was rampant on the show. However, while saving 99% on every shopping trip isn’t likely to happen when you first start couponing, with practice, you can easily save 50% or more each month.
Understand How Coupons Work
When you first start couponing, it’s important to take the time to learn how coupons work. For instance, take the time to read the fine print on the coupons and know exactly what it means. I recommend reading my free ebook, Extreme Couponing 101. It should give you a good idea of how to use coupons and understand the process.
Start Somewhere
Whether you just use a couple coupons during a trip to the store or you spend a great deal of time planning a couponing shopping trip, the first step is just to start. Somewhere. Anywhere. After all, if you don’t start couponing, you can’t reap the benefits of it regularly.
Know Your Prices
Pay attention to both sale and regular prices on different items that you regularly buy. This way you’ll be able to determine when a coupon will give you a good deal and when it won’t. You may also want to start a grocery price book to help you with this task.
Follow Coupon Matchups
One of the best ways to get the most bang for your buck with coupons is to match available coupons to the items on sale in your local stores. This is a difficult and time consuming task. Luckily, you have someone to do this for you! When you first start couponing, the easiest and fastest way to match coupons to sales in your store is by reading weekly coupon matchups from bloggers like us. These will tell you which coupons to use on which sale items at which stores to get the best deals. You might also want to sign up for our once daily newsletter and get additional deals delivered to your inbox.
