Extreme Couponing?! Coupons 101

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There’s a lot of buzz going around about the new series “Extreme Couponing”
Personally I don’t think anyone really “needs” all those stockpiles of stuff unless you are feeding an army.

Now don’t get me wrong, I have some stockpiles of my own but just not to that extreme!

So, maybe you are telling yourself  “Wow, I would love to save that much money, but I just don’t have the time”… Work, kids, husband, Sports, homework and so on…
First, I would like to say that coupons DO take time! No doubt about it! But then again time is money right?

I have found a simple routine works best for me and hopefully you too. I clip the coupons in Sunday’s paper ON SUNDAY and I decide which store to go to that week. Sometimes I will do two or three stores if there are a bunch of good deals. I usually do this on Sunday.
If you follow my blog you will be able to save time by looking at the coupon match-ups done by store. This tells you what coupon to use at what store. This is a BIG timesaver for most!

Here are a few hints to help you save some time and money:

1. Review all match-ups on this site to decide where to shop this week
2. When you first start couponing I would suggest to clip ALL the coupons in the paper (later you can clip only the ones that you know will be a good deal)
3. Organize the coupons in a box (they have great organizing boxes at Walmart for about $1) Ex: refrigerated, frozen, boxed/bagged, medicines, cleaning, makeup, paper, restaurants etc…
4. I would be sure to check my site daily for new “high value” coupons and/or freebies. There are a limited number of prints for online coupons and they do tend to go fast!
5. I print most of my online coupons here you can print two coupons per computer.
6. Carry your coupon box with you in the car ALL THE TIME!  Those last minute trips to the store are the most expensive if you are not prepared.

Here are some helpful store hints that you may not know already:

1. Click here to read all my articles about getting started with coupons or click the tab on the front page
2. Target – will allow one Target web coupon and one manufactures coupon per item (you will get the best deal when you can use two coupons)
3. Walmart – only manufacturers coupons
4. CVS Pharmacy – will allow their coupons with a manufacturers coupon too, pair this with Extra Care Bucks to find the best deals. Click here for detail info on CVS
5. Walgreens – will allow their coupons with a manufacturers coupon too, they also have a rewards program. Click here for details on Walgreens.
6. H.E.B – only manufacturers coupons

Online programs:

1. I will post and tell you about the most up to date current programs available to us to help us purchase items at rock bottom prices. Examples are: Vocalpoint, Totsy, Eversave, Groupon, etc……

Couponing may seem a little overwhelming at first but soon after the learning curve you will be on your road to saving lots of cash without having to think twice about what you are doing!

And for all you “newbies” don’t be afraid to return something or put something back if the coupon didn’t work or you mess up.  Most of all please don’t get discouraged when you come across a rude cashier.  We’ve all been there and just smile and wish them a good day.  🙂

Please if you have any questions contact me here or comment on any post!  I LOVE COMMENTS!!!!!

Happy Shopping iSavers!