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

larissaannen · #1 (**permalink**) 05-28-2007, 09:53:32 AM

read read and more reading. i think my eye balls are falling out!

DonnaZaso · #2 (**permalink**) 07-19-2007, 01:06:10 AM

Help, This is my first visit to this site-what should I do first?

MrsPinecone · #3 (**permalink**) 07-19-2007, 02:16:46 AM

Read the stickies at the top of this forum and the New to... area.

MJ1594 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-24-2007, 04:35:01 AM

What is the first step a newbie should take in the journey of couponing? I've heard of people with elaborate coupon organization books etc. WHat do I need? What do you suggest? Thanks.

YouPdWhat · #5 (**permalink**) 07-24-2007, 06:07:04 AM

To start with I suggest reading the stickies at the top of this forum. There is lots of informative & helpful suggestions contained within. From there venture out to the various forums that are of interest to you & read the stickies there.

Here is a link on coupon organization that you may find helpful.
http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums...hread.php?t=59

I have changed the way I organize my coupons numerous times. It basically boils down to what works best for each individual as the number of coupons each person utilizes varies so a large holder may work for some where a smaller less elaborate one works best for others. Same scenario would apply as to how you file or keep your inserts, tearpads, etc. So basically you'll just have to play around to see what works best for you & your situation.
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riffparker · #6 (**permalink**) 07-24-2007, 12:33:06 PM

do this very simple excersize

look for nothing but toothbrushes and toothbrush coupons

see how many free toothbrushes you can get in 2 weeks

after you've done that the rest will be easy

Shadowchasy · #7 (**permalink**) 07-24-2007, 03:47:37 PM

Welcome......it all seems overwhelming but you will get the hang of it.
Just start by reading the threads suggested and it will help you.
Start slow and it will all fall into place.

MJ1594 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-24-2007, 04:57:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riffparker

do this very simple excersize

look for nothing but toothbrushes and toothbrush coupons

see how many free toothbrushes you can get in 2 weeks

after you've done that the rest will be easy

That looks like an interesting exercise/challenge. I think I will try that. Did you do this? How many free toothbrushes did you get? Thank you. :Wave:

NaeMo · #9 (**permalink**) 07-25-2007, 08:23:34 PM

I told my dh about the toothbrush challenge, and he nodded sagely. LOL! So we will probably try that, too.

One thing I'm doing, which is helping me to see which stores have the best deals, is designating a spiral notebook for shopping. I went through all the circulars and wrote down all the "deals". A new page for each store. It really helped me organize myself. I don't have all the coupons yet, but I have a plan. :) I will do this every week until I figure out a better way.

pixelady · #10 (**permalink**) 07-25-2007, 10:21:44 PM

Another thing that will happen is when you get your little baby stockpile started (SO much fun!) you'll notice that you get more and more picky.

We got a good deal on Suave bodywash our first week and bought about seven of them. Then I discovered Olay Body Ribbons which we like MUCH better and found a great deal that made them even less than the Suave!

Don't be discouraged when that happens--be excited! You're still saving money and finding good deals. (And as long as it's nonperishable you WILL use it at some point or can give it away in a pretty basket with other stuff.)

Also, don't buy stuff just because it's on sale or a Q is about to be expired. We really had to turn away from a razor deal at WG this week (buy the razor (had Qs) and get free blades) because we already have a ton of razors.

Ask plenty of questions--I'm new to this board but I belong to another one and I've found that deal hunters are very very very helpful. The addiction MUST BE SHARED! *insert cartoonish evil laugh here*

Don't forget to pick up several copies of the largest paper in your area. (The ones with the best Qs.) This will help you get lots of Qs fast. You can also trade for them, order them from services (you're paying for clipping and sorting time, not the Qs), and so forth to get a good stock.

Good luck! I've been doing this for a little over a month and it's helped us out so much already. You'll only be overwhelmed for a week or so--maybe two if you do CVS as well. =-)