Coupon Basics

[Melissa]

Coupon Basics
Intro: I know even the thought of cutting and organizing coupons has some people run the other direction. But you are here for a reason and I am here to help in any possible way I can to make saving you money easier and with maximum efficiency. Start out getting your feet wet. Take one step at a time. It is a gradual learning process that you will gain strength with everyday.

Step 1: The Sunday Press is a excellent way start stocking up on coupons. Coupon inserts are included in every Sunday paper. If you are not already receiving the Sunday paper you can view discounts for your area by clicking here.
You can also get discounted papers at Wal-mart or Dollar Tree stores if you do not want home delivery.

If money is tight I would get one paper every Sunday possible. If you have a little extra in your budget I recommend getting at least 2-3 copies of the Sunday paper to help maximize your savings as you will quickly build a stockpile and never have to pay full price again!

Step 2: Buy only what you need- Coupons will not save you money if you end up making purchases that you would otherwise not consider. Some coupons require you buy a certain number of products in order to save money. If you wouldn’t normally purchase that number of items or find you really do not need an item, do not make the purchase because you have a coupon for the item.

Know when to use the coupon. Check MyPriceSavings.com occasionally to find out when is the best time to use the coupon. We come together sharing surprise deals and extra savings. We will match up coupons with the sales to help maximize your savings. Also be prepared to spend time planning out Deals, and in line at the grocery store but relax, saving is not hard.

Step 3: Start saving slowly. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all there is to read and process about saving using coupons. Start by using just one or two coupons on items you would normally buy and need.
Try matching a coupon from this past Sunday paper with a item that is on sale this week. Check MyPriceSavings.com Sale matchups to see what is on sale and what the final price will be using the coupon. This is extremely helpful as we provide the location of the coupon and for those who file their coupons this saves tremendous time when looking for the coupon source.

10 Easy Ways to Start Saving Today

1. Plan your meals. Planning your meals can save tons. But try planning your meals around what is on sale and you can save you even more! Add a coupon to that sale and eat for almost free!

2. Always shop with a list and stick to it. Making a list and sticking to it is probably one of the most effective ways to save money at the grocery store. By creating a list before you go, you can avoid non-essential items that drive your bill up thus eliminating impulse buys.

3. Stay on Budget. Do not shop outside of your means. Decide what is comfortable to you and strive to stay within budget.

4. Don't be Brand Loyal. Keep an open mind as you can get excellent deals on brands you have never tried. Overall you may find you like the product just the same as all brands are very similar by comparison.

5. Comparison shop. If you’re going to buy a TV or computer, you search high and low for a good price, different models etc, so why not food? You will spend so much money this year on food, and by simply doing a little comparison shopping using the sale ads and your experience, you will save lots of money!

6. Price Match. Wal-Mart is probably the most famous for doing this, although some other stores also price match, Target just recently. Price matching is a simple concept, if Meijer has milk on sale for $2, Wal-Mart will match that price. I would recommend taking the store flyer to Wal-Mart.

7. Pick your Cashier Carefully. Most often I have an average of 20+ coupons. I need a cashier that will be patient and attentive to coupons scanning and deducting properly. A great cashier can make all the difference. I don't know have extra time to stand around in the Customer Service line if I can catch it at the register first.

8. Check Your Receipt. Always take a few minutes while still in the store to look over your receipt to ensure everything deducted properly. This includes coupons, store promotions and instant savings at the register. You can clear up any issues instantly and avoid the unnecessary hassle of having to do so at a later time.

9. Get a Rain Check. Rain checks are a great way to save lots of money. If a product is on sale, but the store doesn’t have any in stock, ask the cashier or go to the service desk and ask for a rain check. Rain checks give you the ability to buy the product at the sale price at a later date, when the product is in stock.

10. Stock up!! This is a no brainer. If you use Hamburger four times a month, and it goes on sale for a $1 (it’s regular price is $2.29) STOCK UP! Buy 10 lbs if you think you will be able to use them before they expire. By stocking up on a sale price you will save a lot of money. This is one of the biggest principles in couponing and I would encourage you to read more about this in the stockpiling forum.

Anyone really can do it. Read about MY First Savings experience here.


In an economy where everyone is trying to save a few bucks, cutting coupons is an easy way to reduce your grocery bill. By following the steps above you should be able to streamline the process so that it only takes a few more moments of your time to see some real savings.

[mashauna]

I read your anyone can do it and this post. Its very inspiring as I am new to couponing. Thanks. I look forward to reading more from you.