[CouponShark]

I have probably spent way too much time on here today, but I really want to learn this. I am starting to get the basic hang of the website, but it seems a little overwhelming to search for coupons, trade them, search sale papers and then go to multiple stores to hit the sales and use the coupons. I am wondering if I will actually have enough time to do this. How time consuming is this process really? Thank you

[shnn18]

Hello!

Hang in there! It will get easier. It was overwelming when I first started too. I wil share how I do this, if it will make it any easier......

Each week I buy 4 papers, I lay out all of the inserts and match them up. Then I staple my coupons (4 clorox, 4 shampoo, etc). Then I cut them out, so it is like just cutting out one set of inserts. I file mine in a coupon holder in alphabetical order. (This works best for me, there are many ways to do it)

When I first started, I followed a couple of blogs that showed me how to use my coupons at CVS, Wal Greens, Meijer and Target. I came here and learned more with the posts on sales and stuff that I may have missed on the blogs.

I would say I put in about 2-3 hours a week, organizing coupons, and preparing for my sales and shopping.

[CouponShark]

Thank you for the tips. Do you check to see which coupons are in the paper before you decide to purchase multiple copies? I have bought papers in the past that have had almost no usable coupons in them. I looked at the insert schedule that is posted on this website and it is helpful, but this past Sunday, there were 4 inserts in my sunday paper, including a proctor and gamble insert that the schedule didn't account for. Is there a better place to check for the insert schedule?

[LACECOUPONS]

Do you check to see which coupons are in the paper before you decide to purchase multiple copies

Yes,I check every paper before I buy the news paper ,To help kept down clutter I take my q out the papper in the store and Leave the rest of the paper in the store or give to some one.I only take one newspaper home.
You might not have no use for the q but you can roak the q off or some might need them.
It get easier, some weeks are rush rush for me and some are just easy.

[CouponShark]

I see that you have 'cc' posted at the bottom of your post. What is 'concealed cash'?

[Jewelfaerie]

Couponshark:

I just started couponing in April and by June I had 17 packs of diapers in each size 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and training pants plus baby formula for months as well as all household needs (tp, pt, etcetc) wipes, food, etc. In other words, there is a lot to learn, but once you get it, you've got it. I started with one store and now I bring home a nice supplemental income by selling stockpiled items and have aspirations of doing it full time (but we'll see).

Here is what I tell all of my family and friends and anyone else who asks me about couponing and using this site:

This site is completely overwhelming at first. In the beginning, take the time to read EVERYTHING, but don't start jumping on sales yet. Yes, there are good deals, but there are ALWAYS good deals so be patient.

I suggest starting on the main site page (not the forum, but the main page) and reading everything there. Then make your way back to the forum.

Back in the forum, start at the beginning. Couponing 101, learning the acronyms, etc.

Then pick ONE STORE. Just ONE. I started with Walgreen's, but you can pick any. Then find that store's subforum and read read read. Most stores have a sticky note with the store's 101 information (i.e., Walgreen's 101) which will tell you how the store works with coupons and if there are any rewards programs. Learn that store, backwards and forwards, inside and out. Shop. Make mistakes. Learn from them!

Then pick another store. My second store was Target. Learn that store inside and out. This will go faster because now you're starting to "get it".

Then another store, etc. etc.

It's easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed at first. In fact, I can go back through my old posts and see a few in the beginning asking for help, just like you. A few months later and people are asking me to teach classes. Once you get over the mountain of information (and there is no shortcut) it's a steep learning curve from there.

As for your question about matching sales, etc...I almost never find my own matches (sale items to coupons). There are lots and lots of smarter and more experienced people on this board who will do the work for you. Don't reinvent the wheel! You'll notice when you pick your first store that people are always pointing out good deals and telling you how to get them. Eventually, you'll spot a few on your own and you'll be sharing too!

And as far as the coupons/inserts go...that depends on your goals. If you are couponing to save money at home, I'd get 2 or 4 inserts (always even #s in case of a bogo sale). If you are stockpiling to sell like me, well, I don't get any inserts anymore, I just order the Qs I need when I need them. Just stay organized.

I hope that helps. Once you get a system in place, you'll probably revise it 4 times LOL, but then you'll streamline your efforts and get very efficient and the time spent will be minimal. It's completely worth it.

[meandmy3boys]

You need to read read & read some more because it is very overwhelming at first but it will get a lot easier as time goes on & you start doing the sales. Just be patient.

[tratra]

What a great post Jewelfaerie! Very helpful to old and new alike.

I'm a relative newbie to couponing. I used to use them in high school and all through college then got away from it. I started again in April of this year. I read everything I could when I first came here then read some more every day after that. In just 3 months, I've amassed a huge (for me) stockpile of groceries, hba, and cleaning supplies-- enough for several months for my family, enough to share with a family in need, and enough to donate to a food pantry and an animal shelter each month. What somebody said above is so true-- once you get it, you'll get it! And if you share it, you will be twice blessed.

I totally agree with the advice to choose one store, learn all about its policies and sales, and then move on once you've got it there. I started with Walgreens because I came on board when they were having some great rewards. I shop once or twice a week, with at least one day taking about 5-6 hours. I follow the sales and I'm not loyal to many brands, except Pepsi.

My husband is supportive and sees my couponing as another job. Due to an illness, I have not been able to put in as many hours working as I normally do. We have less coming in and my goal is to make the most of what is going out. So the time and money invested in couponing results in a "paycheck" of groceries, hba items, and cleaning supplies. It equals money that would be going towards these things instead of other necessary things.

I've been on a few trains but jumped off for a while to go out of town and to deal with this illness. I'd like to keep doing them, but I can't fit that in right now and still do them justice. So I try to do a few trades a week to keep coupons going and coming. If you want to trade, find something that fits your time and lifestyle the best.

Don't let it overwhelm you or you'll get burned out (and frustrate your family). You weren't saving anything before you started using coupons, so what you save when you take it a bit at a time is just money in your pocket.
You'll be getting 75% off your grocery bill in no time.

[brook6]

think of it this way...before AFC, what were you saving?

I was not even CLIPPING Qs! Even just doing that and working the sales at the grocery store I was going to would be +$+$+$+$

If you don't have time, energy, interest in going to every store and working all the deals, don't worry about it. The people that do, are putting in the time to make this work for them. You need to make it work for you.

Good luck!

[CouponShark]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to all of the wonderful people that have replied to this post. I am learning so much so fast. I can't wait to actually go out and apply what I am learning. You are all amazing and a blessing from God.

[Manda41]

I am new but I agree in just 2 weeks of clipping I have saved over $60.00. I just do what I can and I only get 1 paper and the q's with it if their are any, but I do print off the internet

[jingram]

Originally Posted by brook6

think of it this way...before AFC, what were you saving?

I was not even CLIPPING Qs! Even just doing that and working the sales at the grocery store I was going to would be +$+$+$+$

If you don't have time, energy, interest in going to every store and working all the deals, don't worry about it. The people that do, are putting in the time to make this work for them. You need to make it work for you.

Good luck!

Before AFC, I saved 30-40% which is not bad, but, now I consistantly save 60-80%. Thank you, AFC.

[linz152]

You've received some great advice already. But I wanted to put in my 2 cents too.

It definitely gets easier. I've been hard-core couponing for almost 2 years now and I just don't have to think about it as much at all anymore. I have my systems in place that work for me, I know what a good price is, I have a well-rounded stockpile, etc. There are times that I get burnt out and take a mini break (I always continue to buy, clip, and file coupons - I just may not hit up the deals).

Mainly what I'm saying is it starts to become second nature.

Don't feel like you have to do and know everything in the beginning. You can ease in more slowly. If you're saving money you're ahead of where you were when you started.

[trishamag]

I've been doing this faithfully since May 2009 (so only a few months). Yes, it did take me a little bit of time to become familiar with everything and learn the ropes...but it was well worth it. FOr the 1st couple of weeks, I was online constantly looking at stuff, printing q's, planning things out, etc, but it will get easier! I am by no means an expert yet (LOL) but am comfortable with using q's. Like other posters said, read the forums at AFC, look at blogs, look at helpful website links, even youtube had some tutorials I found interesting.

Good Luck!
Trisha

[acewarriormom]

I haven't been 'hard core' couponing very long, but it definately gets much, much easier.

At first, I was a little discouraged.....Reading about how so many people get so many things 'free' or with very little cash out of pocket. I wondered what I was doing wrong and if couponing would EVER work that well for me.

At first, I was THRILLED if I had a coupon that brought down the cost of a bottle of shampoo to $2.....That was a great deal to me, because the retail price might be $6 to $8. But now that I have a good stockpile of things that I paid $1 to $3 for....I hold out for 'free' or very close to it now. I don't NEED to pay $2 this week for something that I know will be 'free' in a week or so.

At first, I was more brand loyal.....But if I can get 'free' Reach toothbrushes.....Why pay anything for Oral B? The biggest hurdle for me was the brand loyalty----But I have found MANY new products that I like better than what I was using before I started couponing. And the great part is that they were FREE or very cheap.

AFC has been a huge blessing for our family. I am filling boxes to send to our troops overseas and I take boxes of 'Health and Beauty' items (that I got FREE) to a local shelter for women. I believe it is important to give back to my community.....And I can give A LOT, when I can coupon the price to a few pennies per item.

Thanks AFC!!!

[kellynnco]

Whew; I'm glad to see such positive responses. I was wondering the exact same thing as OP. This stuff is overwhelming!!

[southrngirlygrl]

Originally Posted by acewarriormom

At first, I was more brand loyal.....But if I can get 'free' Reach toothbrushes.....Why pay anything for Oral B? The biggest hurdle for me was the brand loyalty----But I have found MANY new products that I like better than what I was using before I started couponing. And the great part is that they were FREE or very cheap.

This is where I'm running into problems. My husband is very brand loyal. He finds something he likes and sticks with it. Me, I dont care about the brand of shampoo as long as it doesnt dry my hair out and it gets it clean.

I'm slowly trying to make him understand that I can buy, say Dove body wash, this week for $.50. So why can't we use that? I tell him I'll buy it but we'll save it for either emergencies or to take to my dad's to leave for us later.

[Manda41]

I have the same problem with my 21 and 20 year old kids who still live at home. All I can sugest since this is your husband is buy it for him only with the understanding with the rest of the family that it is only for him only and buy the other stuff for the family. In the long run you will save because he won't use as much as the rest of you. I gues I'm just one of those people who try to pick my fights and this is one that might be easier to pass up.

[roclesgirl]

I'm so glad you posted this!!! I am very new to couponing and was alread thinking it was too much. But, I am holding out hope that I will get the hang of it! I have been reading the forums and links today and that has helped alot.

[Zusy]

Wow, thanks for the information and hints, everyone! I LOVE the suggestion of taking it one store at a time. I'm soooo afraid of getting burned out and don't have any energy AT ALL right now (29 weeks pregnant and counting...) so all the encouragement and comments on this thread (and really the whole site and blogs, etc) really help to keep things in perspective.

[adzndeadroses]

Wow! This place is awesome, I just signed up today and already to get to work. Everyone is so nice and helpful!

[Minta]

Brand loyality was a big issue for me as well but I have pretty much gotten over that. However there a few products that I must stay loyal too beacuse of skin allergies to other brands.

it will take you some time to figure what way will work best for you and once you find your system it will get so much easier week after week.

Good Luck

[Helena68]

My dh is also brand loyal about hba items...I work on him one item at a time...LOL