Getting Started
If you are new to couponing, then you’ve come to the right place! This page has the basics for you to begin your couponing adventures! This is just a preview of what we offer in our classes!
**Fact: Did you know that • The average family of 4 spends $954.50 per month on groceries?
But, with coupononing you should be able to cut your grocery bill in half! What would you do with that extra money? Pay bills, go on vacation, etc….
Couponing 101: Grocery Store Basics
If you’re not sure of where to find coupons, see my post for the best places to find coupons!
Goals:
1. Buy an item on sale (at it’s lowest price) + Use a coupon = cheap/free
2. Build your Stockpile
3. Set a Budget (and stick to it)!
4. Get Organized.
To see how to organize your coupons, check out my post here.
Plan:
1. In order to achieve Goal #1, you have to remember that just using a coupon is not a good deal. The #1 thing in couponing is always buying items at their rock bottom price and matching up the best coupon you have with that item.
2. Stockpiling is probably the hardest thing for new couponers to grasp!! When you are getting items that you know you will use for free or really cheap, then you want to buy multiples of those items. Thus, building your stockpile. This allows you to pay minimal amounts for all of your items.
3. A budget is something that most people have, however grocery shopping is one of the only items that you can actually adjust. Most bills are the same every month and you can’t lower them. I always say, that it takes a good month to a month in a half to grasp couponing and build your stockpile. After about 2 months you should have a good idea of what it will cost you to grocery shop every week. Once you have that number, stick to it! On average, I spend around $50/week to feed a family of 5 (this price does includes groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and diapers)! Your grocery budget should be about 5-8% of your monthly budget.
4. Being organized is they key factor behind a great couponer. If you don’t organize your coupons or plan your shopping trips, then you will find yourself stressed out and wanting to give up. Find a method that works for you and your lifestyle!
Tips:
When you’re first starting out, it’s a good idea to start using a pricing guide. This will help you track prices of your most commonly bought items. See the “Resources” page. You might also want to print a copy of your stores policy to take with you as a reference.
Tools:
When you’re first starting out, it’s a good idea to start using a pricing guide. This will help you track prices of your most commonly bought items. I have created one for you here!
