Newbie needs help

[theactingmom]

I have been couponing for over a year, but am intersted in finding more serious savings for my family. With the 2nd on the way, we could use a little extra money in our bank accounts!

I looked into HCW before, but found the sight difficult to navigate. Now that I have signed up, I am finding it just as difficult. Does anyone have tips on how to find my way around?

I am now a TNT and have no idea where to go from here. I don't know how to set up a wish list or start a trade or anything. Help! This site has made me confused and I need some encouragement.

-theactingmom

[mars1990]

My thots:
*I subscribe to blogs to get offers and ideas I might over look because this forum can be so huge.
*I keep a e-mail account just for signing up at websites for coupons, freebies and such. That helps keep me organized.
* I do Pinecone Research ( Must have a referral to get started there.) $3 for each survey is nice in my Paypal account.
*If you post in any threads on this forum check your "User CP" in the upper right corner, it will tell you if any one has posted in any thread you have.
HTH :smile:

[NJOYURLIFE]

All of this can be overwhelming. It has been just a year since I started. I used to coupon before I had children, but never to the extent that I have now been exposed to. I would suggest picking one store and focusing on mastering getting the deals from that store. I started out with CVS and Walgreens. Walgreens quickly overwhelmed me so I stepped back from there unless there was something super super great. I focused on CVS for my health and beauty items and have stockpile that I can't get over on Health and beauty items. The drugstores were a lot easier for me to master because of the advance copies of the ads. However, I would make sure that I checked my grocery store ad the day it came out and then I order the cpns that I need from a coupon clipping store. The one I use can get me the cpns within 3 mailing days which gives me a chance to use them before the week is over. I also used to get frustrated because items would be out of stock. However, I learned early on that rainchecks can be my best friend. Not only do they allow me to get what I want at a later date, they also give me extra time to get the cpns that I may need to make them a better deal.

Just take your time and realize that it is not going to happen overnight. Feel free to PM me if you want to.

[tmsmalley]

Take a deep breath and relax, this is all going to make good sense in a little while, I promise!

Here's the simple formula. Sale + Coupon + Stockpile = magic savings! Read the Couponing basics for newbies thread (sticky in this forum). Then gather up your coupons and read through the weekly ad for your local grocery store. Check the grocery store forum for your local store for lots of tips and suggestions on your particular store. Then start shopping. Only buy things that are on sale AND that you have a coupon for and buy as many as you can afford/use in a reasonable amoutn of time/have room to store. So, instead of getting 2 cans of corn at full or sale price. Get 8 cans of corn at sale and coupon price. Then you can wait until the next sale and coupon combo to buy more.

As to the trader in training thing- there is lots of good info in the trader forum. Get the hang of your local grocery store and maybe 1 drug store first, then get the hang of trading. There are great mods on the trader in training site that can help you out with all the details.

Tess

[Shadowchasy]

You have gotten some great advice here, and I totally agree with the previos posters. You should start slow and read one section at a time, starting with the Getting Started Threads. You will catch on I promise

[queenofthehivemomof5]

HCW is big...and it is not for the timid. LOL We cater to the hard core couponer and sometimes that is our downfall. We are always trying to find ways to help new members out.

If you have not already checked out the links sent to you in your welcome private message please do so. Take the time to click each link and begin reading. There is a wealth of information in that welcome message to help you learn how this site works.

Once you have the general concept about how this coupon thing works and the basics about how the site works move onto one of our store forums. If you need help finding the forums for the stores you have, post the stores you have here and we can link them for you.

Next read the sticky posts in the store forums for the stores you shop at. They will help you learn the policies for that store. And then move onto the weekly thread for what is on sale. If you have questions...ask them. There is never a such thing as a dumb question. HCW members are really great about explaining how a deal works and what coupons you need. And then remember that we (admin and mods) are all here too to help you with any questions you may have.

[Robbied]

I dont find it difficult to navigate, but overwhelming. So much. I just really started clipping and organizing in the Couponizer. I look at these briefcases and huge boxes and binders then start reading about rebates and coupon clipping services.. YIKES.
Are you feeling overwhelmed too?