What's the easiest way for a newbie to get started?

[PghMom]

It really does take a little while to get the hang of it, but once you do get it, you'll never go back! When I think about the money I WASTED by not shopping like this, it literally makes me sick. lol Seriously, you'll be amazed at how much you can save and how much you can get as well.

The boards are amazing and everyone is really helpful. If you have any questions at all, post them! That's how you learn....I've been couponing for a while now and STILL learn something new on a regular basis just from reading posts.

Stick with it! You won't regret it!

Carly

[scoopdecoop]

I usually do my supermarket shopping thru the week and spend Saturdays at CVS. Makes it easier, even tho I've couponed a while I still find it hard to get the time I need with my clan of 6. You'll get the hang of it, like everything practice makes perfect. Just make sure it's fun!!!

[TSUalum93]

I think this week at CVS is a very good week for you to start because there is an easy clear cut deal you can do without coupons and it is a great way to start!

Buy $20 worth of the following items. It does not matter how you get to your $20 but make sure when you add up all the sale prices of what you are buying your total is in fact $20:

*Post Cereal 2/$4 (This includes Honey Bunches of Oats 16 oz, Shredded Wheat 16.4 oz, Honey-Comb 14.5 oz, Grape- Nuts Trail Mix Crunch 17 oz, Cocoa or Fruity Pebbles 13 oz.)
*Kraft Easy Mac or Velveeta Shells and Cheese 2/$4
*Nabisco Crackers 2/$4 (Includes Premium Saltines, Ritz, Triscuit or Wheat Thins 8-16.5 oz)
*Nabisco Cookies 2/$5 (Includes Nutter Butter, Oreo, Lorna Doone or Honey Maid Grahams 10-18 oz)
*South Beach Diet Cereal Bars 2/$5 (5 count box - any flavor)
*Planters Nuts 2/$7
*Digiorno 12" Pizza 2/$11
*Maxwell House 34.5 oz 2/$12

Try to buy exactly $20 worth of products from the above list without going over. Make sure you give them your CVS card before the order is done -- most cashiers will ask for it right away. At the end of your order there will be a $20 Extra Care Buck for you to use on your next order!

Now if you are feeling adventuous you can use some coupons on this deal.

If you are buying the cereal you can use the $1 off any 2 boxes of Post Cereal that was in the 7/29 Smart Source.

There is a coupon out on the pizza as well -- it was in a June insert (6/17 Smart Source but I am not sure if CVS carries the Ultimate version of the pizza that the coupon is good on).

Now many stores may not have 10 boxes of any one brand of cereal but lets say you mix and match the brands that are on sale and have ten boxes total.

Use 5 of the $1 off 2 boxes of cereal at the end of your order. Your order total is now $15:

10 boxes of cereal at $2 each = $20
5 coupons for $1/2 boxes of cereal = -$5
Order total = $15 to be paid for the 10 boxes of cereal

And at the end of the order you will still get the $20 Extra Care Buck! This means you will have paid $15 but they are giving you $20!!!

I did this order last night a little differently because I wanted to buy another product -- this was a personal choice because I wanted/needed the product (I have a two year old who loves his mac and cheese).

*8 boxes of Honey Bunches of Oats ($2 each = $16 -- they only had 5 on the shelf. I asked if they had more and they found 3 more in the back)
*2 boxes of Kraft Easy Mac ($2 each)

I used 4 of the $1 off 2 boxes of cereal and my order total was $16. In my case I already had Extra Care Bucks to cover this. I received a $20 Extra Care Buck at the end . . . So because of the manufactuers coupons I made or cleared $4 in CVS money also known as Extra Care Bucks.

I hope this helps . . . It is really a great way to start with CVS.

I wish much luck and even greater savings :)

Maddy

[JulieB]

I understand what you mean by overwhelmed. This is my second week of couponing though and I am amazed at the savings and my husband keeps asking me if this is legal........lol.

What has helped me is concentrating on one store. For me that store is Walgreens. I would print the scenarios people have written for Walgreens and adapt it sometimes to my families needs. Those scenarios are like a worksheet for me and help tremendously.

I also went to the chatroom and people in there have been helpful when I have had questions.

The other thing that has helped is the abbreviation list. The lingo on here confused me at times. Once you know the language the lessons are easier to learn.

I won't mention the mistakes I have made.........I think I will just dwell on the successes and learn from my mistakes.

Goodluck and have fun, couponing is really alot of fun

Julie

[maree_strawberry]

Up at the top click on 'New Posts" & you'll find out whats HOT In no time.

[Gidget]

It is overwhelming, but do hang in there. My sister Mary (also on this site), who tried to explain this over the internet and the phone, showed all of us how to do it during a little reunion here in honor of our mother's 80th! It was funny, because we are largely a family of women, and she kept going back to CVS with different women! My niece spent $1.50 for $140 worth of items.

The first time I went, last week I think, I saved $15, from $27, but only earned 1 ECB from CVS. I didn't grasp the entire ECB rewards concept. But today I went and did the $20 Kraft, for $20 ECBs.

I bought the 2 cereals for $4, but had a $1 off mfr coupon. That was actually the only coupon I had. I got 2 Planters nuts for $7, 2 Oreos for $5, 2 South Beach Breakfast bars for $5. All total - $21

They took $1 off for the ECB, and another $1 for the cereal coupon, then a $4/$20 that I had, and I spent $15, which disappointed me, but got $20 ECB. So I went back in, and took the $15/$5 offer, buying a Pepcid, for $7,and the vitamins, which I think were $8. But I bought 3 things that were mistakes, things I should have waited to get next week, a Venus Breeze, Advil & Colgate MaxFresh. I had a $5/$20, $4 off the razor, and had $1 off coupons for the Advil, Pepcid & Colgate. I paid 32 cents, but I guess I should have stopped with the Pepcid & Vitamins, that was $15 exactly. I think I'll get better the more I do this.

[RYGIRL]

I have just found this site, I have been couponing for yrs, but now realizing I am not the pro I thought I was, especially after seeing the forum on peoples stockpiles! Whoa!!!!

[thickbluebug]

Me too! I clipped a few q's and comped at walmart and thought I was big stuff. LOL Live and learn.
Now I have heard of winetags, hopped on trains, ordered free samples from free for individuals, traded q's w hawaii hcwers and filled out every rebate I can find.
It is scary to think what I don't know and what I will learn next. I am a monster now! Love this place!

Originally Posted by RYGIRL

I have just found this site, I have been couponing for yrs, but now realizing I am not the pro I thought I was, especially after seeing the forum on peoples stockpiles! Whoa!!!!

[tdo1690_us]

I remember feeling that way, when I started two yrs ago. Just take baby steps. You will incorporate each new thing.

However, if you following the newbie plans- you can still get the deals and eventully- you will get it.

It takes a little more reading in the starter sections, to "catch up" on the understanding. But don't stress over it. Just go at your own pace. It will sink in. Just have fun!

[cavesidemanor]

Thanks for the help and these links. I'm a bit new myself (just 3 days old!) and trying to figure it all out. I appreciate it!

Originally Posted by youpdwhat

:Wave: Welcome. As Mrs. Pinecone has suggested start at the beginning, trying to start in the middle especially with CVS will only confuse & intimidate you. Start small & at the beginning.

Here is some info to get get you started.

http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums...ad.php?t=38154

Then go here ( this is the forum you are in now ). As Mrs Pinecone posted, read all the stickies at the top of the forum, ask questions. Visit some of the store forums & read the stickies there & ask questions.

http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums...isplay.php?f=4


After you have read the above info that is necessary to understand the basics this link will take you to the next level.

http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums...ad.php?t=38616