The kids are fed, bathed and in bed. Still have laundry to fold, but I thought it will wait. I do not know about others but laundry does not stop here. So there will be plenty to do tomorrow.
So I started to coupon just this month. My husband and I were extremely frustrated with spending over half of his check on groceries. Then we watched a TV show on TLC called Extreme Couponing. I'm sure many have seen it and probably think as I do, "Who needs 97 bags of croutons. Not me." But what I do need is to save as much as possible on the things we do need. Toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, etc. So I got to work. I like research and believed I could figure it all out. It also helps that my husband is totally involved with it. So, I will list some things I did to get started. I'm not saying my way is the best, it just happens to work for me.
1. Check out coupon websites. I mean the ones that educate you on how to. Some of my favorites are couponing101.com, and southernsavers.com. I really like southern savers the best because the author tells you exactly where to go for printable coupons. She has stores in the south listed and their weekly ads. Also, you can make a grocery list and it will tell you exactly what coupons to use and where to find them. She also posts tutorial videos. I receive updates via email to let me know when there are new coupons.
2. Get organized. However you feel most organized do it. I chose the binder method, because I like to know what I have and be able to see it. It does take some time to set up but in the end it is worth it. Definitely get one that is a zipper. You do not want your coupons falling out. If you go to the websites listed above they will explain how to do it.
3. Get coupons. Sunday papers and friends or family are the best sources. I have printed some online as well. Good sites to go to are redplum.com and coupons.com. There are more I am sure but if the site wants to know your mother's maiden name, well that's a little too much information for me.
4. Check your weekly ads. I cannot believe I used to throw these things away. Match weekly sales with coupons and store coupons to get your best deals. You need to know your prices but that comes with practice. I do know that sales in the South run about every 6 weeks. So if your family uses one box of cereal a week, buy six boxes to last you to the next sale.
5. Shop. Best advice here is to go without the kids. I know sometimes this is not possible but if you can do so. It helps to not be distracted. Choose your favorite store and shop there. I have found that if I buy toiletries and paper products at a drugstore I save more money. I will post more later of the stores I use and how to maximize your savings. When you check out, make sure to watch the register if you can. I have missed several things because I did not do this. Thankfully, the store has been forgiving as well as my husband who says its just because I am still learning.
Well that is pretty much it. I will keep sending tips and answer your questions. Remember that I am new at this too and maybe we could figure it all out together. A little bit of bad news that I must add, in Louisiana there aren't any stores that double coupons. So forget about getting 97 croutons for free. But you can still save tons of money. My last shopping trip I saved over 54%. I call that a success.
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