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Coupon Clippers

  • Son: Age 6
  • Daughters: Ages 3 & 3
  • Stay at home
  • Group Co-Leader
5 First Steps to Coupon Savings
CouponsCoach - May 05, 2009

At first, coupons can seem confusing or time-consuming. But, it's no secret that you can save big bucks on your monthly grocery bill by learning to use coupons. As the Coupons Coach at Family.com, my job is to help make couponing an easy part of your household routine.
I have three kids 5 and under, so I know how hard it is to find the time and energy to learn something new. I started using coupons when we moved from California to Virginia in 2006 when my husband took a new job. My twins were just 3 months old, and now we had a family of five to support on 40% of the salary we had before. If I can do it, anyone can! Here are some suggestions to get your started:

1. Start Simple
Are you getting the Sunday newspaper? It's the easiest place to find coupons, and there are often great deals on a Sunday-only subscription (I get our local paper for 49 cents a week!). At that price, just redeem a few coupons, and the subscription will pay for itself. Another option is to look for smaller, local papers that are distributed free at libraries and government buildings. These often include the coupon inserts and won't cost you a cent.

2. Start Small
As you flip through the coupon inserts each week, only clip the coupons for products you are brand-loyal to or products you use often. This is a great place to start, and you'll see savings right away. Often, new coupon users feel that they end up buying products they wouldnt normally purchase and spending more money, so lets avoid that for now.

3. Check Online
Once a month or so, look through the Grocery Coupons on our site http://family.go.com/tagsearch-coupon/groceries/ or check your favorite products' websites for printable coupons. Again, focus on products you already use and plan to buy soon. If you always use a certain type of diapers, for example, sign up on your brand's website for coupons. If you are nervous about giving out your information, use a name like Valued Customer and get yourself a junk email address so your personal email isnt filled with product e-newsletters.

4. Stay Organized
Even if you only clip a few coupons a week, you'll need a simple organizational system. Some shoppers use a recipe card box with dividers; others prefer an accordion file to keep coupons sorted by category (food, toiletries, baby items, pet food, etc.). Youll need to figure out what works for you and what you think you can maintain in weeks to come. Personally, I use a small accordion file; I like that I can carry it in my purse and sit it in the shopping cart.

5. Make it a Habit
One of the biggest complaints of new coupon shoppers is that they leave their coupons at home. They won't save you any money there! When you're writing your grocery list, make a mark next to any product that has a coupon (I write a "C" and circle it), and paper clip your coupons to the list or put them in an envelope so you won't forget them. It will take a few trips to get into the habit, but you'll be glad you remembered.

For more tips, deals and money-saving ideas, visit the Coupons section here at Family.com http://family.go.com/coupons/.

I hope you'll join the Coupon Clippers group http://family.go.com/community/groups/coupon-clippers-grp/, where I will help you learn new coupon strategies each week and you can share your success with other community members.

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  • Sons: Ages 3 & 5 months
  • Work at home
Mom2SammyW - May 14, 2009
This is a great list! I just printed it out to show to hubby since he's the shopper. Thank you, CouponsCoach.
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open quote Carpe Nap!close quote
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  • Son: Age 3
  • Stay at home
AnnabelleMcB - May 26, 2009
Thanks, I love this list. I think part of my problem with coupons is that I get too ambitious - clipping each and every one I see. But then I get overwhelmed and end up using none of them. These are some great tips.
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  • Son: Age 6
  • Daughters: Ages 3 & 3
  • Stay at home
  • Group Co-Leader
CouponsCoach - May 26, 2009
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  Thanks, I love this list. I think part of my problem with coupons is that I get too ambitious - clipping each and every one I see. But then I get overwhelmed and end up using none of them. These are some great tips.  
By AnnabelleMcB

I think that's very typical--it's the same as getting excited over a new hobby, like scrapbooking, and overdoing it. Haven't we all done that? :)

If you start small, you're more likely to save money without feeling like you're purchasing items you normally wouldn't buy. It also gets you focused on what you're actually paying for your food, which is often eye opening!


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open quote Join me in the Coupon Clippers group to learn how to save big!close quote
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  • Son: Age 3
  • Stay at home
AnnabelleMcB - May 27, 2009
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  [....] If you start small, you're more likely to save money without feeling like you're purchasing items you normally wouldn't buy. It also gets you focused on what you're actually paying for your food, which is often eye opening!  
By CouponsCoach
You're right. In this "new" economy, when you really start paying attention to the price of every little thing, it's amazing how much we are spending on everything.
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