How To: Couponing Edition

I know I had a previous post about where I got my coupon inserts. This post though will cover the basic How-To concerning coupons. I write this in hopes that it might give you an incentive to start saving lots of money just by clipping coupons. I will also show you several pictures of my own PERSONAL couponing hauls just so you can see what YOU can do when you put your mind to it.

1. Why Coupons?

As a mother of 3, you can imagine how much food, household supplies, clothes, etc. that we go through. When my husband was active duty in the Army, I was surrounded by many other Army wives, who were serious about couponing. Military personnel are severely underpaid considering how many hours they put in as well as the danger that accompanies this job. While my husband was serving, I wanted to help ease his burden about financial matters so this is why I wanted to learn how to coupon. Coupons are like money which is why there are many restrictions on how to use them as well as how many you can use, but I will get more into that later. Basically....

***USE COUPONS SAVE MONEY***


      2. Where can I get coupons?

These are the ways that you can get your coupons:

• buy the Sunday paper
• buy whole inserts or clipped coupons online
• ask friends and family
• write/email companies about their products
• print coupons from online

   3. Clipping and Sorting Coupons

Now that you have your coupons, you may ask what do I do? Cut all the coupons out (even the ones that you think you may not use). I am telling you to cut out all coupons because you never know when you may find an item on sale. Even if you will not use the item, if its free or close to it...GET IT. You can always donate or give to friends and family.



In the picture above, you see a binder with coupons neatly arranged in plastic sleeves that you would put in collectible cards. This is how I have my coupons arranged. I have several tabs that I separate categories such as refrigerated items, pantry items, beauty items, and so on. This is not the only way to arrange your coupons. Some people use this...
However, I like to actually see my coupons which is why I like the binder method. It really just depends on how YOU would like to organize your coupons. Find what works for you.

     4. How do I find deals?

When I first started couponing, I was quite overwhelmed at what to do. It can be quite intimidating. Yet when all your coupons are organized this is the perfect time to look up COUPON MATCHUPS!

You are probably wondering what in the world are coupon matchups?! Coupon matchups are a list compiled from each store of items on sale and their respective coupons that will make the price even lower.

***For example, tuna fish is on sale. $1 each and you have a coupon that is for 50 cents off. Once you use your coupon, the tuna will only be 50 cents!***

Most of the time I use http://www.southernsavers.com/ to help me with finding the best deals. However if your local store is not on this particular website, then just google "your favorite store coupon matchups".

REMEMBER to also look at your stores current ads, because they may have deals that are local only.

    5. How do I make a list of the deals?

This is an easy one. Often times websites like Southern Savers have an automated checklist. If you want that particular item, just check it and so on. Once you have checked everything you wanted, just simply print and you have a list of everything you wanted.



I got all these Old Spice Soap packs for less than $2!



And all these items for $3!



And all these items for $35 :)


Here is the link to where I get my coupons: http://capriscoupons.com/