[Pinpine77]

obviously im new on here . In the past two months ive discovered the worlds of freebies, giveaways and couponing. I now have a small coupon organizer in my purse and have started my journey , Though i still need alot of help with my organizer and knowing when and where to shop. I also havent quite got the hang of AFC yet, so id welcome any tips and info you have to offer

[linz152]

It sounds like you're off to a great start! Check out the commonly used acronyms here. I also suggest that you focus on a single store forum, get the hang of how it works and then branch out to the rest of it.

I also suggest you read, read, and read some more. There are fantastic members here willing to share their knowledge with you. So if you have a question, post and someone will help you out.

HTH!

[brook6]

also, be sure to read the forums for the stores you shop at regularly [use the Forum Jump at bottom of page to find them quickly]

there will be posts there on the deals for the week and you can at least do those, while you are learning

[cpht]

I couldn't agree more....when I starting couponing I read, read, and read some more. Specific questions will get you a wealth of information! You will find that we LOVE to talk about how to save money, so don't be shy!

[philomena83]

You'll probably need a bigger coupon organizer too! LOL

[Pinpine77]

llmao i know ive seen some people on here and on other sites that are so much more sophisticated in their organizing and containing. it works okay for now though

[BeckyScott]

Yeah, go ahead and ask for a binder and pages for Christmas. You'll need one by then.

I agree with the PP, concentrate on one store for now. Learn how to do things there, and keep up with the posts for that store. Once you feel comfortable with that, add a new one.

Work now on finding a way to get extra q's. There are threads here with ideas for that. Try to find a source that's free. If you can figure that out, things will really start hopping for you.

[NaniesAttic]

Great newbie suggestions. I've already graduated to a binder. I'll keep reading.

Thanks everyone who answered pinpine's question.

[stefani1]

Just remember that most deals come and go and then come back again! Don't get overwhelmed (although hard to do sometimes) and DON'T spend more money because of deals!!!! If you are getting 20 XX's "free", but you have to spend $1.25 on tax for each of them and you don't NEED them - don't get 20 because you're spending money on something you don't need and that's not what couponing is about!!! Don't get caught up in all the posts here! Some deals are great and some are NOT! Stick to your guns. You will have good trips and bad trips. If you know exactly what you're doing then stick with it. If the store gives you a problem which will result in you paying oop for something - DON'T - walk away WITHOUT the product.

You will find that many cashiers and managers have NO CLUE about deals and coupons. If a deal doesn't work and you go to them about it, they will make up lame excuses as to why it didn't work (used coupons etc). They are usually not right and think that the person will just agree with them and go away. Make sure you return that product right then and there if you don't get what you know you should get.

Figure out what you use all the time and start there. Start with 1 or 2 stores (grocery and H&B). Ask questions and have fun! My SIL just came over the other day and I gave her over $100 worth of stuff from my stockpile that she can really use for her family. It doesn't look like I dented my stockpile either and it felt great!!! I don't have tons of things that I don't use unless I can get them for absolutely FREE or if they are a moneymaker (MM).

Good luck - I'm pretty long winded tonight - I could go on and on...... oh and I wouldn't personally invest in the whole binder thing as it may not work for you. If you find a clearance one or something then great - but it's VERY time consuming (not sure if you have the time or not) and it doesn't work for all. Check out all options first (binder, box, little photo books, accordian etc)

[Kiri]

I agree with starting with one store at a time and then moving on to the next. Read about different ways to save, then go try it, go back and read about it again to see what you missed. The first time I went to CVS loaded with coupons, I didn't do a very good job but then I re-read some posts and I figured out what I did wrong.

It is a learning process.

[jhcottle]

One thing that helped me was everyday I read the new posts. This always helps me focus on what store I'll hit that day depending on the best deals. But before you do that, edit your forum topic list to just your stores and topics you're interested in. At first I was reading all about Albertsons and Krogers and it was depressing cause there aren't any where I live. So get rid of the stores you don't have.
Research, research, research before you go to the store and make sure you have the q's you'll need for specific deals. Don't let the cashier's speed you through, take your time!!!!

[Pinpine77]

Thanks everyone. this has helped alot so far