Starting my coupon journey

[maryalene]

I have to put in a quick plug for SavingsAngel. They are a paid coupon match-up site, but I think the money and time they save are well worth it! The site isn't nationwide yet so YMMV. Link is in my siggy! :-)

[EcoConsciousMom]

I've tried to coupon, but I never save the money I spent on the newspapers to get the coupons. I know this is because the coupons are typically for mainstream products. I only buy organic and natural products (partially health diet).

Any tips on saving more money even if I'm buying Organic? (I don't buy big brands like JohnsonJohnson or Neutragena even if they have natural options.)

It seems impossible, so any tips would help.

[goldengoal]

These are some great tips! I also started watching Extreme Couponing! That looks like a full time job in itself! (Even Kourtney Kardashian went through a couponing stage!) They are spending hours and hours clipping and organizing! That definitely is not my reality either.. I'm excited to start my binder and start saving! Thanks a lot.

[junebugs]

I had started several months ago, but have not been very consistant with it lately. I need to get more organized with it again. It can be overwhelming, but I know I can do it if I stay consistant.

[MargieT]

I love couponing too, but don't always have time to. Today however from just an hour of pre shopping preparation I had $12 off in coupons and 25 in rewards over all I saved 32%. I use digital coupons and newspaper coupons. I was gung ho after watching extreme couponing on tv, but after cutting coupons for a month and filling out a binder, I realized that's not for me - (too much work!). Here is what I do and sometimes I get free products and save 75 to 50%. I like to shop at Winco or Smiths here in Utah.

1. I save all the inserts from the sunday and tuesday newspapers, but I only clip when I'm ready to shop.

2. I look at the papers and buy what's on sale and I have a coupon for.

3. I registered with Smiths and they sent me a ton of coupons for items like free milk, cheese, bread and $1 off on other things.

4. I look for deals on everything. I have an access saver card with Amerplan because I'm a business owner and for example get a $9.00 off a $25 food order at a resatuarant near our home that we love to eat at. You can also download digital coupons.

5. I have an envelope that says coupons and one that says coupons to use and when I shop I just move the coupon to the use envelope. When I get to the register I'm ready with my coupons I'm using.

I've been able to get free packages of chicken and even got money back before, but only get lucky like that on occasion. Couponing is definitely worth it though, if you have time to work it.

[kerrielyn13]

Wondering what the average amount of time you all spend coupons per week. The extreme couponsrs always intrigue me and I want to do it, I just don't know if I have enough time o commit to it! Thanks for the info!

[maryalene]

Originally Posted by kerrielyn13

Wondering what the average amount of time you all spend coupons per week. The extreme couponsrs always intrigue me and I want to do it, I just don't know if I have enough time o commit to it! Thanks for the info!

When I was doing it on my own (searching the blogs and ads), I spent about 6-8 hours a week total. Now that I have my system down at SavingsAngel, I average about 1-2 hours a week making my lists, collecting the coupons and clipping.

[ismilefirst]

Wow! I had no idea there were so many great coupon sites available, thanks for sharing!

[marimar]

I stock up on meat when it is on sale for 50% off or when it is marked down due to expiration date. I will cook, chop, and freeze chicken in portions for quick meals. I will also fry hamburger, and freeze in portions to throw together tacos for quick meals in the evenings. I find I can use less this way.

Take advantage of gas deals or double coupons if you can.

[mustangsaguaro]

Just read everyone's posts in this thread and I know I should probably coupon to save money but my husband and I don't buy newspapers, and many of the coupon sites I have looked at online have the same exact coupons from site to site. Also, many of the coupons out there I wouldn't buy the products that have coupons offered for. A lot of the food coupons I wouldn't even think about using as I am a very picky eater and wouldn't eat much of the stuff that is being offered w/ the coupons.

For someone like me what would you all suggest? I do go to the dollar store alot and buy my toliet paper, paper towels, as well as laundry supplies there. I do buy some food items like pasta, spaghetti sauce. Not sure if I am saving on those things in the long run though.

Any tips/suggestions appreciated.

Thanks