Hi Michele! Are you completely bombarded with questions, or are you doing OK?
It's hard to know what was answered & what is still open in this thread.
I signed up to be a mentor but never heard anything. Then I realized the new site was being rolled out, so the Buddy program just fizzled I guess. It's good to know it will be coming back.
I also tried to be a fairy, once successfully and the second time, could not get the person to PM me her address & so I gave up. It does require some trust to trade on AFC.
I wrote up "
What to Do First on AFC" and saved it a few months back. I'd like to help answer a few questions....
1. Read the Forums at the top - AFC 101, Couponing 101, Stockpiling 101.
2. Look for the
Search function and use it to find what you are looking for. There is a full website Search and a "Search This Forum" at the top of every single forum.
3. Get the paper every week and cut out every coupon. Divide them into those you want for yourself, and 'extras'.
4. Get a method of organizing them. I use a recipe box with index cards separating different types: dairy, hair care, pets, vitamins, etc. Most people use a 3-ring binder with plastic insert pages - look for a post by Foggy on how to organize a binder.
5. Where do you shop? Check out the forum for that store by clicking Forum at the top menu, then choosing your store. Read all the stickies at the top, as well as the current postings by other shoppers at that store. They will tell you what they found on clearance, what coupons to match with what sales, etc. to get the best buys.
6. There are many ways to list your FSOT. Check them off in the coupon database (full instructions below). Or start a thread in the for sale or trade (FSOT) forum. Or, use the Search feature to search the WishList forum to find people who are looking for what you have. PM them with an offer to trade. Example, I had a $5 coupon off vodka so I searched the wishlist forum for 'vodka' seeking someone with whom to trade. (Turns out no one wants vodka!)
7. Set up your wish list so when you arrange to trade with someone, they know what to send you. Before you know it, you'll be getting envelopes full of exactly what you need. How to post ISO and Wishlist steps below.
How to Set Up FSOT/ISO/Wishlist ISO and FSOT:
To post your ISO/FSOT: go to the coupon database. Check the coupons you are seeking then at the bottom, choose Add to ISO. (Same thing for FSOT). When complete, go to your profile by clicking your screen name in the upper-right. Go to the About me tab (second tab) and you will see the question "ISO in database?" with a yellow pencil-thing. Click the yellow-pencil-thing to edit and change No to Yes.
In a few minutes, your ISO list will appear beside your name/avatar on all of your posts.
Wishlists:
To set up a wishlist, go to the wishlist forum, start a new thread, and list all the items in your cabinets and fridge. Don't forget to say where you shop, whether you can double, and whether you can use expireds.
At the top of your screen there is a URL that starts with
http://. Copy the whole thing. Go to your profile by clicking your screen name. On the second yellow tab there is a place you can click Edit (looks like a pencil) and paste the URL you just copied.
And you are done.
Once they are set up, you can click on them to edit on any post you have made.
How to Print Coupons
Coupons with
Bold Typeface in the coupon database are printable. Click on the Bold Coupon/Product name. This will take you to another site which actually has the coupon. Sometimes you can just check off what you want and click print. You may need to install Coupon Printing Software (if so, the site with the coupon will lead you through it). Sometimes you have to 'register' (provide personal address info). You will get some email spam after doing this, but you will also get lots of coupons emailed and mailed to you. It makes getting the mail a much more positive experience! The coupons are all printed from other sites, not AFC, except for the Target Coupon Generator.
HTH!