Centsible Saving 101:
Where to Start?
Those new to couponing often don't know where to start. While the obvious answer is 'at the beginning' . . . a little help from those on the path makes the process a little less intimidating. After I attended a Grocery Smarts couponing class, I started couponing at the grocery stores and then ventured into the drug stores. Where you begin isn't as important as deciding that you're ready to start saving more money and making the most of what you've been given.
Start Saving Coupons
Start today. Save the coupon inserts from your newspaper. You don't have a newspaper subscription? Ask your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers (anyone who is willing) to save coupons for you if they're not using them. Write the date on the outside of the inserts and drop them into a file. You do not need to clip coupons. This coupon collection is like money in the bank and is the beginning of your personal stockpile.
Make A List
Having a list of needed items - and sticking to it - will make a huge difference in your shopping budget. Impulse buying will shoot holes in a budget faster than anything I know. Retailers (armed with marketing psychologists) will do their best to tempt you in unbelievable ways. Keep your eyes on your list and your money in your pocket!
Set Up A Couponing Email Address
Many companies offer coupons online and may require an email address to print. Some may begin sending you newsletters or offer alerts (which are good things). To keep your personal email from becoming clogged with these couponing messages, set up a separate couponing account. Try gmail.com or yahoo.com (and, of course, these are free).
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