I need coupons for dummies

[lara5272]

Originally Posted by Lisa Powell

Ugh, I really tried for a couple months to do the couponing thing. I just feel so overwhelmed with all the stores/ads/sales/coupons...ahhhhhh. SO I gave up. I really need to give it another shot I guess.

What exactly overwhelms you Lisa. My advice to newbies is to start with one store. if you save $10, it adds up and you get better with time. Also remember, you don't need to catch every single sale!

[samrhett2]

I was very overwhelmed too, so I understand completely. Just start saving all the coupon inserts you can. It takes a few weeks worth to be able to have the selection you need in order to save much. Everyone should have CVS and Walgreens and you don't need double coupons there to save like crazy. They are a great place to start.

Look at the CVs or Walgreens ad this weekend. Find items that pay you back in Register Rewards or Extra Care Bucks as close to the item cost as possible. Example:

At Walgreens this week: Buy Ricola Cough Drops for $2, get $2 back in Register Rewards to spend on your next deal. Essentially you get cough drops for free.

These are the deals you look for.

On your next trip you have $2 in Register Rewards to spend, so right now at Walgreens:

Buy 2, Crest Pro Health Toothpaste for $7 get $5 back in register rewards, but there was a $1 off coupon in the 10/30 Proctor and Gamble Sunday insert from last Sunday. I buy one paper and my parents give me their inserts, so I have two of those coupons.

I will use 2 coupons to get $1 off of each tube, so I will pay nothing (but tax if applicable) out of pocket (OOP) and get a $5 Register Reward to spend next time.

Essentially you have a bag of cough drops, 2 tubes of toothpaste and a $5 credit and are OOP $2!

You just need someone to help you learn the ropes.

Start stockpiling coupons, subscribe to some blogs that show how to match up the sales. My link is in my signature but there are many great blogs online.

Try to find the bloggers that cover the stores closest to you and preferably in your region so that the coupons they receive in their inserts match yours. (They vary by region in content and value)

Don't give up and get frustrated. I promise if you just keep learning it will click and you will start getting fantastic deals that you can brag about.

TLC's show is not reality for me. My family eats meat and produce, which rarely can be purchased with coupons, but I still save hundreds per month and I love doing it.

[grocery coupon mama]

I have some great calculation algorithem which can return the final prize after calculating the coupon values

[malea]

I have wanted to use coupons...But I am so busy and really don't have the patience to figure them out...big sigh

[Marissa82]

Here is this site The Krazy Coupon Lady | Extreme Couponing that give different coupon sites to print off, get started on coupons(beginners), blogs, etc. Hope this helps

[maryalene]

I don't think anyone's mentioned SavingsAngel yet, but it is great site for new couponers. It is a paid site, but it brings together all the information and resources needed to be successful at couponing. In addition, new members get a call from an Angel Mentor who provides personalized help. I strongly recommend the site for anyone interested in couponing but overwhelmed by where to start. Link is in my siggy.

[Brenda Griswold]

Wow-lots of great tips on how to save $$ another great site is retailmenot.com!