Extreme Couponing (PART 1)

Shopping is a woman thing. It's a contact sport like football. Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase. -- Erma Bombeck

So when I found out that my nanny was an extreme couponer I was over the moon.  So we got together and she explained the basics of coupons.  So why not pass along to you guys the information, as I keep learning and growing my coupon binder (yes, binder) I will keep posting so that if you want to learn along you can join the rest of us crazy coupon ladies!


First, you have to become super familiar with the lingo and where to find what you are looking for (aka. coupons).

• Internet is a great way to get coupons but so is your local paper. Don't limit yourself though, often times the stores (including grocery stores) have coupons on their websites you can print out as well as your neighbors and local restaurants that get the Sunday paper but have no need for coupons (ask, ask, ask).
• hot coupon world, coupons frugal, smart source coupons are great websites

Second, find some great websites to help you navigate this new world. I've listed some to get you started:

• the Krazy Coupon lady
• Moms need to Know
• i heart publix

Third, you have to be committed and have patience.  Like most things nothing happens over night, so it will take at least 2-4 months of coupon collecting before you get enough coupons to really do some damage. 

• get a big 3 ring binder (take advantage of all the back to school deals right now)
• get baseball card sheet protectors (amazon has the best deal), you'll need about 50 sheets
• pick a night that you can take one hour every week on the same night (so it becomes a habit) to clip your coupons and organize them.
• print out the coupon policy for the stores you are interested in (i recommend to start with no more than 2 stores --try supermarket of choice and a pharmacy store i.e.)cvs,walgreens,ect)

** note: florida publix market do NOT double coupons!!!

Fourth, always collect coupons evenly!!!

• this is super important so that you end up with even amount of products, so four papers at least every Sunday. (save money by getting for free from other sources)

Fifth, have realistic expectations.

• This will change the way you shop, not only will you find yourself going to the stores early early or very late at night to avoid the lines and stress of annoyed shoppers who don't understand your need to get all these items for free.
• You can get good deals for food but a lot of the majority is for junk stuff, so if you are not into potato chips and crap food then take the deals for the food you like and save on beauty and health products!!
• Ideally with beauty and health products you can stock pile on the big trips for up to 2 years at a time.  STOP, when you have enough, don't be crazy and stock pile 4 yrs worth of toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoos, etc.  Don't get too crazy because this will go from extreme coupon to just plain hoarder!!!

I will keep passing the info along and I will post again when I do my first big trip, and let you know how much I've saved!!!  I think anything that allows you to save money for a trip or a great pair of shoes, is worth trying!!!

Happy Savings!!!