Couponing101

I'm going to start off with a basic couponing series, since I get lots of questions regarding couponing and saving money at the grocery store.

A few things I thought I'd share before we get started, including mistakes I made:

• There is no "magic" store for saving TONS of money on your groceries. It takes time and effort to cut coupons and find deals.
  
• Couponing will look different for everyone. There is no right or wrong. Not everyone will want to coupon and not everyone will have the time to coupon. That's okay. Do what is best for your family.
  
• I have gone in and out of couponing "seasons." Sometimes I go to multiple stores every week with stacks of coupons, other times I go to one store with no coupons (GASP!). Couponing has become more of a hobby and a game for me - I enjoy it. If you don't enjoy it - then don't do it. That's okay.


• Everyone works differently. What I do may not work for you - that's okay too! Feel free to ask questions here, do your own research on message boards and blogs, and find a process that fits you.
  
• If you want to save TONS (meaning over 50%) you can't be picky about what brands you buy. We use every kind of toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner, and cleaning supply. I've tried every brand of foundation, powder, lotion, eye shadow, and mascara you can buy at the drug store. And, we eat all kinds of frozen vegetables, cereal, rice/pasta and juice.
  
  You can still be brand-loyal and use coupons, it will just be a little harder increase your savings.
  
• Take it easy with starting your stockpile. It will take several months get a stockpile going, but be patient. I made the mistake of buying WAY too many boxes of cereal, because I thought I needed a bigger stockpile, only to donate most of them because we were never going to be able to eat them all before they expired. Soon you'll find youself passing on some deals and free items simply because you already have more than you can use.
  
• You don't have to eat junk to coupon. MoneySavingMom posted a great blog post about this here.

Final thought: I always LOVE talking about coupons and saving money. So, if you'd like to learn about this in person, grab some friends and let me know - I'll come teach a class!

As we work our way through this couponing series, feel free to ask any question. I'll be hanging out in the comments section to talk deals and steals!