So you want to start couponing, but it seems completely overwhelming?!
I've been there. And, as is my goal on this entire blog, I wanna help a Mama out. :)
Over the next few weeks, I plan to share with you a baby-steps guide to begin couponing and saving lots of money!
I've been there. And, as is my goal on this entire blog, I wanna help a Mama out. :)
Over the next few weeks, I plan to share with you a baby-steps guide to begin couponing and saving lots of money!
Week One: Get organized!
1. Figure out which newspaper has the inserts.
Usually, SmartSource and RedPlum are in the newspaper every week, and P&G has inserts around the beginning of each month. So, if you aren't sure about which paper you need, head to your local grocery store on Sunday and thumb through to make sure it has the inserts!
Once you know which newspaper you need, figure out how you want to receive the newspaper. Sometimes, they run specials at little booths set up at the grocery store or you may be able to find a good deal online. You'll need to get at least 2 newspapers each week. (For our family of 5, I'm happy with 2 newspapers. If you have a larger family, you may want to get more.)
For me, it is cheaper to just head to the store and buy a few papers each week. (We had quite a headache with our local paper, and they are the best source of coupons. So, I just buy it myself rather than worry about them.)
2. If you don't want to buy the newspaper, get creative!
For me, it is easiest to just run to the store and grab a newspaper. However, you may get creative in order to get inserts for free.
For example, ask your local hospital or nursing home what they do with their leftover papers. A lot of times, inserts will be thrown out with the old newspapers. Also, you may ask your grocery store and closest gas station what they do with their papers that don't sell. Sometimes, they'll let you come pick them up at midnight for free!
Either way, newspaper inserts are a very important source of coupons! So, you'll need to figure out how you'll obtain them!
3. Printable Coupons
The main sources for printable coupons are Coupons.com, RedPlum.com, and SmartSource.com.
Each site has their own coupon printing software that you'll need to download. So, you may want to go to each site and do that now. If not, just remember that it will take a little longer the first time you go to print coupons.
Usually, SmartSource and RedPlum are in the newspaper every week, and P&G has inserts around the beginning of each month. So, if you aren't sure about which paper you need, head to your local grocery store on Sunday and thumb through to make sure it has the inserts!
Once you know which newspaper you need, figure out how you want to receive the newspaper. Sometimes, they run specials at little booths set up at the grocery store or you may be able to find a good deal online. You'll need to get at least 2 newspapers each week. (For our family of 5, I'm happy with 2 newspapers. If you have a larger family, you may want to get more.)
For me, it is cheaper to just head to the store and buy a few papers each week. (We had quite a headache with our local paper, and they are the best source of coupons. So, I just buy it myself rather than worry about them.)
2. If you don't want to buy the newspaper, get creative!
For me, it is easiest to just run to the store and grab a newspaper. However, you may get creative in order to get inserts for free.
For example, ask your local hospital or nursing home what they do with their leftover papers. A lot of times, inserts will be thrown out with the old newspapers. Also, you may ask your grocery store and closest gas station what they do with their papers that don't sell. Sometimes, they'll let you come pick them up at midnight for free!
Either way, newspaper inserts are a very important source of coupons! So, you'll need to figure out how you'll obtain them!
3. Printable Coupons
The main sources for printable coupons are Coupons.com, RedPlum.com, and SmartSource.com.
Each site has their own coupon printing software that you'll need to download. So, you may want to go to each site and do that now. If not, just remember that it will take a little longer the first time you go to print coupons.
| 4. Put together a Coupon Binder I use the Category method. This takes a little longer up front, but makes it so simple when it comes time to gathering your coupons OR if you find stuff on clearance while shopping and want to see if you have a coupon to stack. | 
|
| Here's what you'll need: • 2in. (or larger) binder • 3 packages of baseball card protector sheets • 1 package of clear sheet protectors • 30 Dividers • 1 or 2 pencil bags with binder holes • Coupon Binder Info Sheet (for the front of your binder, see image to the right.) • Coupon Categories Sheet | 
|
My binder is organized like this:
I have my binder info sheet inserted into the cover of my binder. It has my name and phone number in case my binder gets lost!
1.Pencil bags
I use 2 pencil bags inside my binder. One has extra pens, highlighters, & a pair of scissors. The other holds my Extrabucks or other "rewards" to use on future purchases.
2. Empty Clear Sheet Protectors (3 or 4)
I use these sheet protectors when organizing for an upcoming shopping trip. I put my shopping list, and all needed coupons inside one sheet protector, so it is all ready for me when I get to the store!
3. Coupon Categories Sheet
If I can't figure out where I want to put a coupon, I take a look at my categories page to find the best slot for it to go!
4. Dividers with Baseball Protector Sheets
I label each divider with its category and put a few baseball protector sheets behind each one.
5. Clear Sheet Protector
I use this sheet protector to throw in unused coupons that need to be re-filed.
6. Folder
I use this folder to hold miscellaneous papers that need to be organized. I seem to always end up with more papers than I came with, so this is just to help my binder feel organized and less cluttered!
Now is a great time to create your coupon binder! With back to school sales, you can catch some great deals!
I have my binder info sheet inserted into the cover of my binder. It has my name and phone number in case my binder gets lost!
1.Pencil bags
I use 2 pencil bags inside my binder. One has extra pens, highlighters, & a pair of scissors. The other holds my Extrabucks or other "rewards" to use on future purchases.
2. Empty Clear Sheet Protectors (3 or 4)
I use these sheet protectors when organizing for an upcoming shopping trip. I put my shopping list, and all needed coupons inside one sheet protector, so it is all ready for me when I get to the store!
3. Coupon Categories Sheet
If I can't figure out where I want to put a coupon, I take a look at my categories page to find the best slot for it to go!
4. Dividers with Baseball Protector Sheets
I label each divider with its category and put a few baseball protector sheets behind each one.
5. Clear Sheet Protector
I use this sheet protector to throw in unused coupons that need to be re-filed.
6. Folder
I use this folder to hold miscellaneous papers that need to be organized. I seem to always end up with more papers than I came with, so this is just to help my binder feel organized and less cluttered!
Now is a great time to create your coupon binder! With back to school sales, you can catch some great deals!
Week One Homework
I know that is a lot of info so here's your to do list:
1. Figure out your coupon source. (Newspapers or a creative route...)
2. Put together your coupon binder.
Good luck and see you in a few days!
1. Figure out your coupon source. (Newspapers or a creative route...)
2. Put together your coupon binder.
Good luck and see you in a few days!
