Extreme Couponing: How Do You Start?

**I am reposting this as there seems to be some interest.  I actually did this the night of the original broadcast.**

So tonight you watched Extreme Couponing on TLC.  You saw people save 98% on their groceries.  And while what they did may seem a big extreme to you, you are ready now to do the work to save some on your groceries too.    Maybe not 98% but would 25% make a huge difference in your house?  I thought so.

I am eager to help you.  I am passionate about helping people change their lives through couponing, rebates and comparison shopping.  This blog was designed to teach people and the fact that I get to do it every day makes me practically giddy.

So if you are one of those people who either throws the coupons away or they sit on the kitchen table until they expire, I am your girl.

Before you start looking around please understand- normal grocery stores will not let you use 100 coupons.  They have limits.  Whereever you normally grocery shop google their coupon policy so you know what you are getting into.

Ready to start?  Here are some simple steps you can take to easily move into couponing in your daily life:

Step 1: Be aware of how much you already pay.  You probably have many items you buy every time you go to the store and you don’t know how much they cost.  Your kids favorite cereal is how much?  Milk?  Eggs?  I recommend starting a price book (it can be on paper or online) and keeping track of how much you pay for things.  Click here for advice on the price book.

Step 2: Make a list of what you need to buy at the store.  Preparing ahead of time is huge when you shop.  When you go to the store and you don’t have any idea of what you need you end up throwing things in your cart.  If you don’t want to make a list I suggest pulling out your cell phone before you leave home.  Take a picture of your fridge and your pantry.  That way you don’t have to wonder if you have something at home.

Step 3: Find coupons for items on your list.  Do not ever plan on buying something that you will not use unless it can make you money.  Buying something you don’t like for a quarter is a waste of a quarter.  With all the technology we have at our fingertips you can find coupons for almost anything.  Call the 1-800 number on products you like and ask them to mail you coupons.  “Like” them on facebook.  Leave them messages on twitter.  Google the product and the word coupon together and see what you can find.

Step 4: When you find a very good deal, buy one extra to keep at home.  This is called stockpiling.  By keeping one extra one at the house you never have to run out at the last minute and pay full price for something.  By keeping extra toilet paper, diapers and other items at home you can save quite a bit!

Step 5: Find a blogger you love them, read their blog and if they have it take a coupon class.  One of the biggest concerns people have is the time involved in finding deals.  How do you determine which coupons to combine with store sales to get maximum savings?  The great news is you don’t have to.  Myself and my merry band of bloggers will be THRILLED to do it for you.  If you like this blog follow me on facebook and keep updated. 

So come on into the site and take a look around!  If you save $1 or $1000 every little bit helps!