Still a newbie after all this time...HELP!

[diyod]

Hey guys!

I've been a member for a little while now, but I still haven't mastered the art of couponing yet. It's totally my fault! Every time I try to get serious about couponing, something happens and I have to start from step 1 all over again (this last time it was because I couldn't really afford to get Sunday papers because of lots of unexpected dental bills).

Now I'm really serious about saving money, and I know that even though I couldn't afford the papers before I could've saved a lot of money if I had grabbed them. I'm trying to re-read all the information on here, but of course that will take me a while.

The reason I'm posting is because I need some help. What is the best way to start out couponing? Should I focus on one store and then after I master that work on adding another? When I've tried looking at everything at once it was overwhelming, and I really want to make this work. Also, what are some of the best ways for someone to organize their coupons when they are just starting out?

I would really love some help from those of you with personal experience. What worked for you when you were just starting out as a newbie coupon clipper?

I really appreciate any help I can get! Thanks!

diyod:hectic1:

[sadlady12]

Hi,
I would start with a grocery store and a drug store. That can get you most of what you need. If you have a grocery store that doubles/triples coupons up to a certain value, all the better. Find out your store's coupon policy, these can vary from store to store.
Some questions you'll want answers to:
Do you take manufacture's coupons?
How many like coupons at a time?
Do you double triple coupons?
Up to what value?
How many?
Do you take store specific coupons?
Can you use a store coupon and a manufacture's coupon together?
Do you take expired coupons?

These questions usually can be answered over the phone, but you'll want to talk to a manager. Not guaranteed they'll be correct but...., lol... that's another story.

Next, find your store's boards here at HCW and READ!!!!! Lots of the boards here have current ad threads that will discuss what's on sale for the current week and the coupon match-ups and deal scenarios.

As for your coupons, find a way that works for you to get them organized so you can find what you're looking for. THere are many different ideas out there and many people do it differently. There are some threads here on organizing your coupons, very interesting ideas and helpful information.

As a way to get even more coupons coming to you, consider becoming a trader and joining the trader in training group. Amazing mods over there to take you by the hand and show you the ropes of trading and before you know it you will be swimming in coupons and getting some great deals!!

Those things are what I would start with. As you become more comfortable working the deals, you can add more stores.

It's easy to get distracted though and want to do more.... reading the stockpiling threads are very helpful and inspiring to read. You can also get an idea of where you want to go with your couponing, it helps to know what you want the end result to be.

Also.... most importantly.... don't be shy! Ask questions and get involved here on the boards. These are some amazing people here and very helpful and friendly mods. Ask, ask, ask.....

[tmsmalley]

Get yourself 2-4 newspaper inserts every week. Organize in a way that works for you. Some people go alphabetical, some go by catagories. I go by the aisles of the store that I go to most often.

Then, the secret is sale+coupon+stockpile. I'd start with one grocery store and maybe one drug store. Get that down pat before you try branching out. Rmemeber, you don't need to get every deal. Just get what makes sense for your family.

Tess

[434Teresa]

I use super walmart for most of my shopping trips, but I do try to keep a eye on the price of things at say the Family dollar, General dollar and Freds because on things I really like to keep a stockpile of sometimes I can them a little cheaper there or even free sometimes..I do most of my shopping at walmart because its the best way I can shop with 2 year old twins and not waste a tank of gas running all over town for one or two things at each store, I take those ads to walmart and get them price matched if the items are in the weekly ad papers.
I do like to drop in at Freds on saturdays for they double coupons then that are up to 70 cents so I save more on a few things I use that way..

I would not worry to much about stockpiling right now until you get the hang of things because as time gose by you will by three of this & that instead of one and it starts to add up..

If I buy a certin coupon I try not to pay more than 10 to 20% of face value unless I an getting the item for free.. I get the sunday paper about every sunday, i buy 3 to 5 of them most of the time from the Dollar Tree or Deals if you have one of them for they are $1 there. I then check out my paper recycle bin for coupons if there is a good one that I want more copies of, if no luck I will buy that coupon or try to trade for it.

I also keep a eye out on here for coupon deals for say free snuggle dry sheets with the $3 coupon, for I did not know there was such a coupon until I saw a post on here telling how they got free dryer sheets and 75 cents bottles..I find that other states get better coupons than I do often so I try to keep up with whats out there other than in my paper......

I made my own coupon keeper from baseball card holders and I try to cut the coupons from my paper out and put them in it so all I have to do is flip a page to see if I have a coupon for that or not...I also make a list of what I plain to buy and pull the coupons out for those items but I take my book with me just incase something i use is marked down and i have a coupons for it..oh yeh I stack my like coupons and cut them all at one time saves time that way..............

Coupons are a learn as you go type thing....just do it soon you will be a pro....


Dont let the dirty looks or smart rude comments keep you from useing your coupons becasue they will be there trust me......I just always make sure they hear my total before the coupons and then after and then I give them the know where you can go look....with the who is smart now smile...

[diyod]

Thanks so much guys!

I made calls to the grocery and drug store I frequent the most, and now I fully know what I can get away with coupon wise. Now I have to make sense of my coupon mess and start adding to the pile every week.

I've got very limited space since I live in an apartment, so stockpiling will be tough. Guess I'm going to have to just check things out and see where I can hide goodies. Any tips for stockpiling for apartment dwellers?

[Porfidio2]

Originally Posted by diyod Thanks so much guys! I've got very limited space since I live in an apartment, so stockpiling will be tough. Guess I'm going to have to just check things out and see where I can hide goodies. Any tips for stockpiling for apartment dwellers?

As you can afford it.. Rubbermaid/Sterilite storage tubs. Get the clear ones with lids that you can stack and still see into. Maybe tape an inventory sheet to the outside so you know what you have. Stack them 2 high and put a table cloth over them so they double as end tables/nightstands. My stockpile is getting overwhelming... I'm getting more grief from my boyfriend than I am from the CSRs at all the stores I shop! lol

[sheila]

check out the stockpile thread!! There are several who have awesome stockpiles who live in apartments! You will become amazed at where they can help you find space you did not know you had!!

[tmsmalley]

I agree to really think about space you have. If it stays dry and doesn't get too hot or cold, under the kitchen and bathroom sink is good, under beds, top shelf in closet, linen closets, etc. will work.

[diyod]

I'll have to check out the stockpiling section more then. All the ones I clicked on where these huge stockpiles that looked bigger than my apartment, and made me sad that I couldn't get there with my limited space.

I guess I might have to hurry up and use some of my yarn stash so I can free up some room to hide my stockpiled items.

Thanks so much for your help! You guys are awesome!

Now I just have to keep the motivation, and hopefully get encouraged with my progress (when I make some)...

[diyod]

Originally Posted by Porfidio2 As you can afford it.. Rubbermaid/Sterilite storage tubs. Get the clear ones with lids that you can stack and still see into. Maybe tape an inventory sheet to the outside so you know what you have. Stack them 2 high and put a table cloth over them so they double as end tables/nightstands. My stockpile is getting overwhelming... I'm getting more grief from my boyfriend than I am from the CSRs at all the stores I shop! lol

Hmm, I might have to do that in the computer room...of course I might get all sorts of grief from my gamer boyfriend for it.