Tips on Getting Started in Couponing

Couponing has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the rise of shows like TLC's "Extreme Couponing" and places like Walgreens providing cheaper products with their in store coupon programs.

Many people resort to couponing as a means to save their family money, to help build a stockpile, or simply give them something to do (yes, some people actually have this much free time!). Couponing is a very serious business for some, whilst some people just use it to save a few cents here and there.

Some people, known as "Extreme Couponers", collect massive amounts of coupons to use with immense purchases. These people often have huge stockpiles of products that will last their families for years. Many of these people often get their purchases for free or fairly inexpensive thanks to the help of coupons.

For beginners, getting into Extreme Couponing is not the best option. Extreme Couponing requires lots of work, knowledge about local stores and coupons, as well as endurance to be able to shop for as long as most of them do! Beginners need to start of slow. Many beginners get into couponing because a friend or family member is a couponer and introduced them to the practice. My mother actually introduced me into couponing, although she's an extreme couponer and I am far from that.

Many couponing beginners find couponing to be a challenge. On Sunday, the local newspapers are filled with many coupons. It's hard to figure out how to use them when you first get started. Here are some basic tips to follow when you first start couponing:

• Only Buy What You'll Use: Many people are bad about using all the coupons they clip out, even if it's for a product they dislike or will not use. Avoid doing this at all costs. This prevents you from saving any money and it will only cause you to garner more junk in your pantry that will just collect dust.
• Get a Coupon Organizer: It is so much easier to make your grocery list in conjunction with your coupons if you have a coupon organizer. Many people like to use a binder with baseball card holders to store their coupons. This is a great way to stay organized and it is also something you can take to the store with you without any issues.
• Look for Sales: If there's a sale that you have a coupon for (and it's a product you'll use), snatch it up! This is by far the best way to save money when shopping.
• Subscribe to Couponing Blogs: There are MANY blogs out there today that discuss couponing and how to get started in it. These are a great way to learn about couponing as well as integrates you into the couponing community.
• Store Savings Cards: Signing up for your store's savings card is a great way to save money. The card can be used along with your coupons to get further savings.
• Expiration Dates: Always check your coupon's expiration date. Most stores will not accept expired coupons (with the exception of military commissaries). If you do have a bundle of expired coupons, you can send them off to your local military base to be used by military families in the states and over seas.
• Facebook: You can actually get many coupons from Facebook. Simply search for your favorite company (example: Kelloggs) and like their Facebook page. Often times these companies will post coupons on their Facebook pages for people that like their pages. This even applies for fast food restaurants.
• Online Printable Coupons: Many sites offer free printable coupons online. Places like Coupons.com provide many free coupons, all you have to do is print them. Be careful with some sites as some infect your computer with viruses after downloading their printing application.
• Ebay: Ebay is a great way to buy large bundles of coupons. Do be careful when doing this since many salers can be untrustworthy. I recommend most people not do this step until they've become comfortable with using coupons.
• Bring Your Extras: It's always a good idea to bring your extra coupons, even if they're not ones you need for items on your shopping list. Often times stores will have unadvertised sales or marked down items that you might have a coupon for.
• Store Coupon Policy: Research your store's coupon policy so you'll always be prepared for how to use your coupons at your store.

Couponing doesn't have to be scary or hard! It's actually very simple to get started in to. Just go out, buy a local Sunday paper, and get to clipping! Just remember to coupon smart. Don't buy unnecessary items simply because you have a coupon for it. If you keep it simple and use your coupons in conjunction with sales, you'll soon see great results in your monthly savings.