The Basics: Start Small

Are you new to couponing?  Or maybe you want to try adding another store to your bargain shopping list?  It can be easy to jump right in and try to do it all.  Shop at multiple stores without "mastering" any of them.  Spending lots of extra money to get your stockpile started.  As exciting (and tempting) as it may be, my best piece of advice when you are just starting out......Start Small!!

*Start with one store:  Before you start running from one store to the next, trying to get the best deals, pick just one store and master it.  Typically this would be your local grocery store.  For me, it was Meijer.  Since this is where you spend most of your time shopping, it is also the place you'll be able to save the most!  Get to know this store.  Learn the coupon policy, start making a mental note (or written note) of the prices on the things you buy regularly.  And get to know the sales.  How often does your favorite yogurt go on sale?  This takes time! 

*Stockpile slowly:  A great way to blow your budget when you get started is to stock up on all of the great deals each week!  Because I have been shopping with coupons for over 2 years, I have a decent stockpile built up.  When I go to the grocery store, I buy sale items and any staples I need.  But if you don't have a stockpile built up, you need to start building it slowly.  If there are five sale items with stockup prices, pick just two or three of the items to stockup on and then buy everything else you need for the week.  Pick the items you use the most.  The other items will go on sale again!

*Be patient:  You won't go from spending $150 per week to spending $60 per week overnight.  It takes time.  It will happen and it will be worth it!