Couponing First Steps

Step #1 for me was the realization that it was going to take a few weeks before I saw a huge savings in my grocery bill. It takes time to collect the coupons and to get the hang of matching the manufacturer's coupons & store coupons. I saved only $10 on my first trip after I started couponing, but the savings go up each week, I promise!

Step #2 is to get your coupons organized. There are many different ways that you can do this, so I'll post the top three and let you pick which works for you.

• A Binder - I use a three ring binder with baseball card holders in it (you could use photo holders too as long as they fit in a three-ring binder). I cut or print out the coupons I need and then store them in alphabetical order. If you can find a pencil pouch, it's great to put a pen/pencil, calculator and small pair of scissors in. Keep the extra pages on the back because some letters will need two pages (like the letter S). This is transportable and I keep it in my van, just in case I need to make a quick stop at the store.
  
  
  
  
  
• Expandable file or file folders - This way is easier for those that don't have a lot of time to clip coupons each week. You can either do this with an expandable file folder or with file folders in drawer or file box (see below). All you do it take all of the inserts from each week's paper and put them in a section. Leave the front pocket empty and as you plan your trip, you put the coupons there that you will use that trip. You will need to label each pocket, so I suggest getting some small flags that you can write on (that way you can replace it when you change the them out).
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Small Coupon Organizer - This option is very portable. You do have to clip and sort your coupons first, then leave the area in front of the first tab empty to hold your coupons for that trip.
  
  
  
  

There is no right or wrong way here...it's all about what works for you! There are many different opinions on what works best, but it has to fit YOU and your life or it becomes a major hassle and you will stop doing it!

Step 3 is the find a good way to make your grocery list. When I first started on this adventure, I had a hard time matching up all the available coupons with what was on sale that week. I finally found Southern Savers and my savings have been fabulous! She matches up all of sales with the available coupons (both in the paper and online). She gives you the links for the internet coupons if you don't have them and you can also print out your shopping list from her site.

There are tons of other blogs online that you might helpful too. I would suggest limiting them to about 4 or 5 at the max, so that you don't go crazy and spend all day looking a deal. Most of them usually post the same things. For the Birmingham area, I would also suggest keeping up with Birmingham Bargain Mom. She lists a lot of great local deals.