[jesusfreakmommy]

I have decided to start couponing in order to save money for my family. My husband and I are both grad students, with very little free time. I also homeschool my ds(6) and dd(2). I've navigated around this site, and a couple others, but there is SO much information to go through!!

I learn best by doing. (You know, with someone standing over my shoulder saying do this.) Is there anyone willing to be the angel on my shoulder for a week or so? Someone to send me in the right direction?

I've started a small coupon stash, but I have no idea how to put together one to save the amounts of money I've seen and heard that people save. I just gather coupons where I see them. Off of products I buy regularly. I told my husband we are buying a Sunday paper tomorrow, because I saw that P&G will have a coupon book in it this week.

Where do I go next?

[sbcreeker]

I would buy a few papers to get multiple coupons sets. If you go to the dollar store, you can get them for $1. I don't know where you live, but here the Sunday paper is normally $2.
I would suggest by starting by watching the free/cheap posts for each week on whichever stores you shop... CVS , Wag's, etc. The ladies here are awesome with spelling it all out. Hopefully you have learned the AFC language.
Example: 8/2 SS would be the Smart Source from the weekend of 8/2.

Any question, just ask. Everyone on here is SUPER helpful. I put "ladies" earlier in the post, but there are plenty of men too!

HTH (Hope this helps)

[serianna]

The best suggestion I got when I was starting out was to stick to one or two stores. One major grocery and one Pharmacy/HBA store. If you do this you can focus and learn how to coupon match. Also you wont get frustrated trying to learn ALL the coupon policies, store sales and other things all at once.

Stick with it. I have been couponing for a couple years and still do not know it all. I still consider myself a newbie.

[jeanettebr]

It is overwhelming at first but take it slow and I promise it won't take you long to get the hang of it. Start with one or two stores and learn how they operate then move on and add more.
I recommend getting several of the papers tomorrow too...theres a lot of good Q's in them and it will help get you started. Read the forums for each store you plan on visiting to see what deals are coming this week. they always post ads and previews of upcoming sales so it gives you time to get your Q's together....sometimes weeks in advance. This also allows you to order Q's or trade for them with members here. I usually only buy 1-2 papers when there are good Q's because I know I can get multiple Q's for things I want online. At the top of this page you will see a link that says "coupons"...this has places were you can get printable Q's and order Q's from coupon clippers ....or you can try Ebay.
Ask lots of questions and just take it slow...it won't be long until your a pro!

[jesusfreakmommy]

I picked up a sunday paper today. According to P&G website, this paper was supposed to contain their coupon book this week, but it did not. ARGH! I did however get a RedPlum and a SmartSource booklet.

Any recommendations as to how to organize them? I don't have a lot of time to be elaborate, but I know I can't just paper clip them together.

[babywing]

Good advice. Thanks!

[jessl]

Originally Posted by jesusfreakmommy

I picked up a sunday paper today. According to P&G website, this paper was supposed to contain their coupon book this week, but it did not. ARGH! I did however get a RedPlum and a SmartSource booklet.

Any recommendations as to how to organize them? I don't have a lot of time to be elaborate, but I know I can't just paper clip them together.

A cancelled check file works well when your just starting out and don't have a ton of coupons. these are the little multipocket organizers. You can find them at CVS for example in the office supplies and they are only a couple dollars. Just sort the coupons by categories that make sense to you and label the tabs. Eventually you might outgrow it but it is a good way to get started.

[dkdorrell]

Originally Posted by jesusfreakmommy

I picked up a sunday paper today. According to P&G website, this paper was supposed to contain their coupon book this week, but it did not. ARGH! I did however get a RedPlum and a SmartSource booklet.

Any recommendations as to how to organize them? I don't have a lot of time to be elaborate, but I know I can't just paper clip them together.

Hey Good Morning!

If you have a little time, you can go to UTUBE and look up coupon organizing. I found some nice videos that many people made to help others. Just as a helpful thing, I always keep this saying in mind when couponing: Buy what you eat, and then eat what you stored up on. Good luck and happy bargin hunting.

Donna

[lallyy]

P&G Saver doesn't come out every week in our neck of the woods. Usually everyother or every third week. I also get a booklet mailed to me monthly but I don't know where I signed up for it. Maybe someone else can tell you.