If you could only offer one piece of advice...

[duffgirl]

Well, I am still pretty new, I have only been doing this a couple of months, but I wasted a lot of money my first go-rounds because I wasn't being patient enough. So, I guess my advice is learn when to be patient! If you have 10 rolls of paper towels at home, learn to wait for the better sale to stock up. Don't tell yourself, "this deal will never come again", because they always do! Pay attention to what you are doing, don't get in a coupon frenzy. :)

[cheles2kids]

I just want to say thank-you to the OP for starting this thread and to everyone who's taken the time to post in it.

[mrsbradley]

I would reiterate everything in this forum--get organized, the sooner the better. And I mean organized coupons and organized pantry for that stockpile you're about to build!!

Don't be afraid to buy more than 1 paper, more than 1 All You magazine, etc. when they have good coupons. And don't be afraid to use a coupon clipping service to get hot coupons.

Clip and save everything BUT if it gets to be too much, then ask yourself--even if I could get this for FREE would I want it? And if the answer is no, then don't worry about it. I only clip coupons that I absolutely know I won't use (like baby, hair color, pet food) to give to others or trade on HCW.

Don't get overwhelmed. There's no right or wrong way to do this couponing thing!! After a few months, you will settle into your own groove. Don't feel like you have to score every deal out there. Sometimes you just can't get something for super cheap. No matter how much or how little you save--you're saving and that's what matters!!

Final piece of advice--keep track of your savings!! It's amazing to see how much we saved in a month, and I can't wait to see how much we save this year!!

[Castingbread]

START SLOWLY! "By the inch it is a cynch, by the yard it is hard." Get your coupons organized, and pick one grocery and one drug store to start with. That may be more than one, sorry.

[Trixie Bender]

As someone who is just starting out, I just wanted to say thanks for all the great advice!

[Macaela25]

Two more things -

If you get home and discover that you forgot to give the cashier a few coupons, don't hesitate to go back with your receipt and ask for cash or store credit. I just found two coupons ($2.75 worth) that I missed when I gave my coupons to the cashier last night. I called the store and will stop by on the way to work to get my $2.75.

Also, if you are lucky enough to have wine tags or coupons for meat or produce, don't hesitate to ask to have it broken up into smaller packages to make them cheap/free. For instance, I have several $1 chicken wine tags, and chicken thighs are .88/lb. DH will either find the smallest possible packages, or have it rewrapped into several 1 lb packages (hello overage!). Many stores are happy to do this, under the impression that it's more convenient to freeze/cook 1 lb packages. This way you can get five 1 lb packages of chicken for free/overage as opposed to several 2-2.5 lb packs (the way they are usually packaged) for only $1 off each.

[sawlac]

My advice would be to read & then re-read those rebate instructions. I've just screwed up on 2 rebates.:frown: Lesson learned! I hope.

[Spoildbby1]

My advice is not to blow your budget trying to get the deal. I have done this too many times! I have officially started over and I have $5 in stockpile money a week. No, it is not a lot but I am recovering from over doing it. Last night I got 2 bottles of shampoo, 2 bottles of conditioner, 9 rolls of toilet paper, salad dressing, ketchup, can of dog food, cat treats, and two 20oz cokes for 4.27 (tax included).

I am only shopping at my nearest grocery store and drug store. Once I master these two then I will move on.

Stay organized.

[debtfreemom]

To many, this may be a big DUH! but to beginners, this is how it's done:

Buy on sale with coupon. Using a coupon on a regular price item is ok, but the big savings is using it when the item is on sale.

[Castingbread]

Great advice! Good control, too! I tried to rep you but it would not link up. I'll try again after posting! Amazing how such a little bit can really add to your stockpile!! Way to go!!

Originally Posted by Spoildbby1 My advice is not to blow your budget trying to get the deal. I have done this too many times! I have officially started over and I have $5 in stockpile money a week. No, it is not a lot but I am recovering from over doing it. Last night I got 2 bottles of shampoo, 2 bottles of conditioner, 9 rolls of toilet paper, salad dressing, ketchup, can of dog food, cat treats, and two 20oz cokes for 4.27 (tax included). I am only shopping at my nearest grocery store and drug store. Once I master these two then I will move on. Stay organized.