Learn the Basics of Using Coupons

With the dawn of a new school year upon us, moms everywhere are finding a little extra time on their hands. Time for a hobby... time for exercise... or perhaps time to learn something new. Why not coupons?

Coupons are here to stay without a doubt. In this era where frugal is hip, learning to be a savvy spender with coupons is like learning yoga. Everybody's doing it!

Of course, you need an instructor to learn anything well, so I have some basic tips for beginner couponers to help you get started. 

First things first, where do you find coupons? You'll need a few essential tools to begin your coupon journey:

• Sunday Paper: Each week, the newspaper contains 1-4 coupon inserts with hundreds of dollars worth of savings.
• A computer with internet access: Here you'll find free printable coupons which can be redeemed just like those from the newspaper.
• A printer: with plenty of ink, and scissors!

Clipping every coupon is not necessary. File your coupons by insert or your simple method of choice to avoid getting overwhelmed. When you need to locate a specific coupon, you can utilize the free coupon database on my blog to save time.

Once you have a good supply of coupons, you'll want to match those with sales to save the most. Utilize your store's weekly sales flier to take advantage of the best deals.

If your store of choice has a loyalty program, be sure to sign up for additional perks and savings. Kroger, CVS, Rite Aid and more offer such programs. They often send customers additional coupons by mail or email as well.

For quick and easy assistance with matching store sales to coupons, visit my fellow Steals & Deals bloggers, listed to the right here on Lifetime Moms.

If you are new to using coupons, you may find yourself purchasing items before you actually need them. This is known as stockpiling, and is a great way to save money in the long run. Buying items when they are at their lowest price, with a coupon, is smart shopping.
Be sure to shop with a list based on sales and coupons, and stick to that list to avoid impulse buys. Don't hesitate to involve your children in the process. Preschoolers can match pictures on coupons to items in the store, and older kids can handle the scissors duty. You will be teaching them a valuable life skill.

Learning to use coupons takes time, and you will make mistakes along the way. Even spending just one hour a week on this new "hobby" will pay off big time in the form of savings!