Intro to Coupons!!!

Coupons to me was something that I used to see in the mail and newspapers. Never ever paid any attention to them or take advantage of the freebies that have been easily available around me. In my mind it was embedded that if you used these coupons then there is bound to be an issue when it rang up at the cashier. Also it was stuck in my mind that the coupons work only when you buy so many of the same item and with a small family why do I really need that much. Is it really a saving in the long run or just waste at the end . This was the question that always mind: Am I being "penny wise but pound foolish"

I just decided one day to give it a shot and I soon realized that I had a coupon phobia for nothing. I am not the only one using coupons and its actually easy and no one is going to embarrass me . Using coupons is a good way of saving money especially in this economy . Here are some things I do to make the coupon experience worthwhile

1.Obtaining Coupons - We all know the Sunday newspaper are filled with them . I just find it very difficult to keep up to them now but if you have it then its worth taking time to cut those that you want. If you don't have the newspaper then don't worry you still get access to part of the coupons. The Smart Source(SS) and Redplum(RP) have websites now that carry coupons that you can print from the comfort of your home.

2.Using it at the best time - Try to wait for sales . These days almost all stores have sales that favor the consumer. If you don't see what you are looking on sale and are not in urgent need then its best to wait for that item to come on sale. The best time is when the store has it on sale or has coupons and you can use the manufacturer coupon alongside to get it cheap.When you get to the store make sure you also look at the flyer .

3.Creating a reasonable stockpile - Just because you got something for really cheap don't go overboard. I am not saying just use a coupon once but use it so it lasts for a couple of months. If that item that is something that gets used a lot at your home by all means get a lot more but just don't buy the shop out. Its good to be considerate to the other shoppers and also don't make a stockpile that eventually gets wasted because as i mentioned earlier shops have sales all the time. And there is a huge chance that you will soon find the item on sale again. The things i really stock up are diapers as coupons to come around for a particular brand are rare and i stick to one brand.

4. Organize :Once you have your coupons make sure you file them so that you know what coupons are there . I also tend to check on the coupons once in 2 weeks to make sure that I take out the expired ones. This helps a lot when you are searching for coupons.Having just the necessary coupons help you to shop faster especially if you husband like mine and not a fan of shopping. These days there are coupon binders and similar products that can help you if you feel overwhelmed to be on top of all of them.I organize mine by both the store as well as the expiration date as that helps me make the best use of the coupons.

5.Keep them handy: Keep the coupons in a place so that you can always have it handy when you are looking for it. I keep mine in the car as most of the time I am in a rush and I forgot to get the coupons. It even helps if you decide suddenly you want to stop by a store and you see something on sale for which you also have a coupon.I always leave this in the car and then put the new ones in my handbag and I add them to the coupon binder when I get into the car.

It did take me some time in learning and searching before I started to use the coupons and it has paid off. Another thing is make sure you get store cards and have them in the keychain as this also will help you save lots.These days coupons have reached a whole new level with coupons on sale and sites where you can swap.

Remember next time you are out to shop remember to have your coupons and don't be ashamed . You will be really surprised when you see how much your bill gets reduced.Let me know your thoughts .