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One of the most effective ways to cut spending cost, especially with food and household items is couponing! Oh yes, I can see the visions of hours in kitchens spent clipping and filing and refiling little pieces of paper! Then there’s the thick glasses from reading the small print! And let’s not forget the hours in line to save a few pennies while the ten or twenty people stacked up behind us complain loudly.

Not a very pretty sight, is it? Luckily it doesn’t have to be that way. Couponing can be taken as far or near as you want it. A serious coupon-er will spend about 30 to 45 min. a week and save about 80% on their shopping. Though it is possible to save 80% to 90% you can expect to roughly cut your household items and food bill in half. Still a significant savings!

There are a few things you can do to greatly simplify couponing.

First check with your local stores and find out what their coupon policy is. Some will take competitors coupons, or have double coupon days. Some accept on-line printed coupons and some do not. Find out what their policy is and write it down. Often cashiers are not familiar with their stores policy concerning coupons and it helps to be able to explain it to them.

The next thing you need is a filing system. There are several ways to do this, The Binder Method , The Hybrid Method , The File Box, The Scrapbook Album, The Mega Coupon Bag, The Day Planner, The Couponizer, and The Coupon Clutch to name a few. I use envelopes labeled into categories. Choose a simple one that suits you and your needs.

Next you need a list of things you buy every month. Unless you have a preference, use generic terms like toilet paper, oranges, coffee and the like. Once you have the list made, you can take it one step further and add the usual cost of each item. If you’re not sure just use your best estimate.

Of course now you’re going to need some coupons! There are many sources of coupons. Most of us know to check the newspapers. But don’t overlook magazines and in-store coupons. Then, of course, there’s online printable coupons. Just be sure your store accepts them, some don’t. Then there are the “blinkies” (those little blinking pull-out things), and “peelies” (stuck to the product itself), and “tear pads” (the little books of coupons usually at the register (take two or three). And be sure to get those “reward” cards so many stores offer these days. There are also those rebates, don’t overlook the savings there.

Hint: get multiple newspaper coupons by buying Sundays (or any regular coupon days) left over papers the next day from the store. You will get them for little or nothing.

Here is a super neat way to increase the value of your coupons! It’s called stacking and here’s how it works. You simply combine a manufacturers coupon with an in-store coupon for a double discount. Take this a little father and combine a manufacturers coupon with an in-store coupon with a sale and /or rebate on a double coupon day and you get the item for practically nothing! How cool is that?

Hint: many discount and dollar stores now take coupons.

So to put it all together here’s a summary:

First put together a list of the things you buy each month. Then get the stores you shop at coupon policy. Now gather coupons. Next look for sales. Finally stack as much as possible. That’s saving!!

There are a few things to keep in mind when couponing. You must have a workable filing system. Know your stores coupon policy. Be sure to read the fine print on your coupons. Look for expiration date, size and brand name, and limits among other things. Check your receipt (you’d be surprised how often they are overcharging). Stack when ever possible. Plan your shopping rout for minimum mileage. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your discounts (be firm but polite). And don’t over think it.

These are a few of the top ways to use coupons. There are many more at sites like these;

http://www.couponing101.com/2009/01/a-beginners-guide-to-couponing.html

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/bargainshopping/a/Coupon_Guide.htm

http://www.couponmom.com/

Thanx so much for coming. I hope this has been helpful. I’d love to have your suggestions and comments.

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