the getting started cheat sheet

Homework? Ugh!

Here is a little cheat sheet to help you get started.

Please note that while I have compiled this list of links for your convenience, you are welcome to gather your items from any place that you desire, and I encourage you to repurpose any items that you may already have at home.

To make your life easier, I highly recommend signing up for Amazon Mom. It is free to join and you will qualify for free two day shipping on almost everything sold directly from Amazon.com (but not from third party sellers.) If you are anything like me and dread taking your little ones from store to store, it is a very convenient alternative to running errands, especially since Amazon‘s prices are often better than anywhere else and in most states (including Florida) you don’t have to pay sales tax. UPDATE: Unfortunately at this time, Amazon Mom is not accepting new members. Click here to join the wait list.

~~So, your first step, if you haven’t done so already, is to sign up here for Amazon Mom.~~

Once you’ve done that, you may need some of the following items to set up your coupon organization system:

FILING METHOD:

-A Portable Hanging File Box

-16-20 Hanging File Folders

-Couponizer BookOR Coupon Sized Expanding Accordion File

-Label Maker (optional!)

BINDER METHOD:

Qubie Coupon Organization System (not available through Amazon). Read my review here.

**Use coupon code “LWSL7OFF” through January 31, 2012 to save $7 on your order!**

PRINTING COUPONS:

And finally, for printing coupons, I strongly recommend investing in a black & white laser printer (if you currently are using an ink jet printer.) It will pay for itself within just a few months. I use an older version of the Brother HL2240 Black & White Printer, which I purchased for less than $100 and have been very happy with it so far.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Printing a coupon or ordering a product through this link may result in a commission, which helps pay for the cost of running this site and keeps the content free. Read my full disclosure policy here.

{ 53 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Kristy April 7, 2011 at 10:01 pm

Just trying to get started on this couponing, I’m nervous about it but i really need to get this to help out not only myself but other members in my family that need to save money.

2 Ruth April 8, 2011 at 11:19 am: I hope this site helps you Kristy! Couponing might seem scary at first but it really is a lot of fun.

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3 Amanda April 8, 2011 at 2:16 pm

Saw your clips on youtube and was happy that you have a website that I can go to. I’m new at couponing so it’s great to find out new tips!!

4 Kim April 13, 2011 at 11:21 pm

I really enjoyed your youtube videos as well. Im starting to coupon, this is my second week so I have been all over the internet looking for information and your website is helpful. I also have babies, a 1 year old and a 2 year old. My problem: my boys eat their cookies too fast and don’t allow me much time to shop. Do you do most of your shopping alone?

5 Ruth April 13, 2011 at 11:27 pm: Unfortunately no, I do most of my grocery shopping with kids in tow. I do try to hit the drugstores on Sunday evening when my husband can watch the kids. It is a little rough but it can be done. I have found that it helps to be ultra prepared so that you can get in and out as quickly as possible. That is hard at first but as you continue, you’ll find you get faster. Good luck!

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6 grace April 18, 2011 at 6:20 pm

i just started couponing and your youtube and website s so helpful!

7 Linda L. April 21, 2011 at 4:26 am

I have to say your information is very helpful. I have been watching Extreme Couponing on TLC the past few weeks and I try to take in a couple of their pointers out. Now tomorrow I am planing my first trip out with coupons and I am confused about if the store is selling the item as 3/$5.00 and I have a coupon for that item but for 2/$1.00 off. How do I get the most out of my coupon plus what they are selling the item for?

8 Leslie April 25, 2011 at 5:26 pm: Linda,

If the store has a 3/$5 you can buy just 4 of that product and use 2 of the $1 off 2 and that would give you a savings of $2.00 and would pay just $4.66 for 4 items which makes each one about $1.15.. hope this helps

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9 kat April 21, 2011 at 9:03 pm

Why won’t grocery stores take printed coupons?

10 Lilly May 12, 2011 at 8:16 pm: I haven’t had a problem using printed coupons.

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11 katie April 21, 2011 at 11:26 pm

i am from a small community in union co. kentucky i would love to have someone to do my couoning with, with experience to help guide me through the process. i have seen the tv show and i don’t work so i have lots of time to devote, just need guidance. thanks for this program but i would love to have a partner.

12 Kimmy April 27, 2011 at 12:35 pm

Hi Ruth,
I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have and are doing to help so many people save money. We are living in a world (now more than ever) where every dollar counts. I became disabled about 4 years ago and am now living on a very fixed income. I have always wanted to learn how to coupon, and have even tried it a few times with no success, however, thanks to your devotion, patience, and ability to explain the process where it can be understood, I now have the hang of it!! I am saving money every week and I know that it will only get better as I learn even more. Thanks for your videos, articles, and also for your time.
Have a great day :0)

13 Tracy May 3, 2011 at 2:17 am

Howdy Ruth,
I’ve enjoyed using coupons and saving money for about 22 years now. However, I have learned sooo much about organization and optimizing savings from your websites and youtube videos. My father inspired my use, and has been my source of coupons…up until about 4 months ago. The Kansas City Star has stopped delivering the Sunday paper to my parents and the town they live in, which is about 2 hours from the city. I live even deeper in the “sticks”, so no Sunday papers in my town either. : (

I have a few questions: 1)Do you have any suggestions on how I may get my hands on the redplum and Smart Source inserts? 2)The hometown market where I shop is owned by IGA, do know how I might find match ups for this store?

I truly appreciate the time and effort you have put into teaching myself and others how to utilize coupons in a way that benefits shoppers the most. I’m happy to see the pride you express when the total is revealed; you have perfected the art of couponing! Thank you for sharing your techniques, tips and hints, they will surely pay off for anyone who follows them.

14 Ruth May 3, 2011 at 11:11 am

1.) You could try ordering them each week on Ebay, but that is often a rip-off. You might have more luck just preparing your lists as early as possible, using as many printable coupons as you can, and then ordering the specific coupons you need each week from a clipping site. I have used The Coupon Clippers a few times for some hot deals and my coupons always arrive very quickly. 2.) I’m sorry, I don’t know of any matchups for IGA. You can do your own matchups by using the coupon database at http://www.savingwellspendingless.com.

15 Christine November 20, 2011 at 7:09 am: Well I’m new, I was reading threw comments, couponmom.com has a cool tool where you pick you’re state, and store, and it tells you what sales they have and what coupons are available for that week for printing. It’s pretty useful for me. (however I live in the suburbs, & have very national stores) however, i will say this, I believe they have IGA on there because I think I printed out quite a few coupons for an iga shopping trip, though we don’t have many IGA’S around here anymore.

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16 Tammie March 28, 2012 at 8:41 pm: You can go to theqhunter.com and order as many inserts as you want and if you are patient and wait a few weeks until after they come out, you will get them pretty cheap! An added benefit to this sight is you can often see what the insert will hold for coupons before they even come out!

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17 Nancy May 3, 2011 at 4:20 am

Hi Ruth! I am new to couponing and came across your youtube vids (for normal people, lol.) I just started about 3 weeks ago and we usually spend $300+/wk for my family of four (which I don’t understand b/c my kids are 4 and 7…out of diapers, but not teenagers!)

Anyhow, I loved that your vids were geared toward real people looking to save a few bucks (and not hoarders who are willing to spend $ on products they don’t need or use just for “the thrill”) unless of course, they are donating these items!

I watched your beginners guide which is super helpful however, I have a question concerning organization. So far, I have been using a large accordian folder for my Q’s, paper-clipped together by catergory (unfortunately, I have clipped most of my Q’s so far and now there are Q’s everywhere, lol!)

My question is how do you efficiently match up your Q’s with the weekly circulars? I have tons of clipped Q’s, but even if I don’t clip them and keep the inserts intact (12 wks worth) how can I match up 12 wks of coupons with the 5 stores I shop at during the week? Do I have to go through each circular with each coupon 1 by 1? I can usually (vaguely) remember most coupons I have, but this task seems impossible! I was wondering how you keep track? The thought of a Q spreadsheet seems so time consuming, but I feel like…How else can we keep track of all the Q’s and match them up with the weekly sales? I have been shooting for around 3-5 inserts/wk…I wanted to know your thoughts/strategy on this. Thanks so much, Nancy

18 Ruth May 3, 2011 at 11:04 am

Nancy, to find the coupons you can go to http://www.savingwellspendingless.com. I post coupon matchups each week for about 30 different stores nationwide. It has printable lists so that you can just check the things you want to buy, print your list, and find all your coupons. If you are planning on using a filing system, I recommend not clipping them at all and just filing the entire insert by date. That way you can easily find what you need and clip only when you need it. However, the binder system also works well if you like to clip.

If you are just getting started, you should check out my Beginner’s Guide to Coupons here: http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/beginners-guide-to-coupons/thebeginners-guide-to-coupons-2/

19 Tammie March 28, 2012 at 8:47 pm: Ruth I have watched all your videos at least twice each! I am still navigating your website and I wondered do you show the results of your shopping trips? I like to come home and put it all on the table so I can see all I brought home for the tiniest amount of out of pocket! I dont know that your videos displayed that. Thanks for your inspiration!

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20 Linda Nicolls May 5, 2011 at 8:14 pm

I’ve started my coupon clipping I’m excited to learn how to save money!

21 Yvette W. May 11, 2011 at 7:43 pm

I live in Massachusetts. I went to my Stop & Shop and they told me, that I can only use up to 4 coupons for the same type of product. So I cannot buy more than that amount! Do you have different laws in Florida?

22 Sheri May 12, 2011 at 12:35 am: Just go back to the store the next day or later that week and use 4 more coupons.

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23 Sheri May 12, 2011 at 12:32 am

When purchasing a printer for your computer – always check what kind of ink it needs. There are some that only need a color and a black cartridge. There are others that need more than that. You can also save on ink if you change the properties so that it prints in only black. Call Office Max, Office Depot, and Walgreens. See if the ink cartridges are re-fillable. I have an HP Deskjet F4435. The black cartridge is $15 and the color is $30 new. I get them refilled for $10 and $15.

24 Myra June 18, 2011 at 4:54 pm: Hi Sheri,
I have an HP 310C or something like that and the ink for this printer is really expensive (even just for the black!) What I did was I ordered a refill kit from eBay which cost $5.99 – free shipping. It included 2 small containers of black ink and some little tools & stuff to refill the cartridges with. I tried it out already and it prints just fine! And it didn’t even take a whole container to fill up the cartridge so I should be able to refill it about a total of 8 times with the 2 containers of ink that I received.

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25 Ashley Fraser May 18, 2011 at 3:38 am

I have a question for Ruth and I may be getting ahead of myself since I am just wanting to start out, but Im going to ask this question anyways..

How do you save money on meat products?? I’ve looked for coupons on meat on some of the websites, but I can’t seem to find any?? Just a curious thought.. THANKS!!!

26 Lynn May 31, 2011 at 12:53 pm

Thanks Ruth for this website! And your videos “for normal people”! Love them! I have 3 daughters (7yo, 6yo and 3yo) and I almost always have to take the 3yo with me to the store and many time have all 3 with me. Our trips never take less than an hr, sometimes creeping up on 2hrs. So it was refreshing to see that others take kids (sometimes have meltdowns) and are still able to use coupons and save money. I have just started couponing although I have clipped for years but not used more than a few sporadically and never saved much money with them. I have my file box all set up, I had an old one that wasn’t being used so I just took out all the junk that was in it and found some hanging file folders in my husband’s office and I’m all set. I have a small accordion file (from my previous couponing attempt ) . Do you take it with you to the store or do you take out the coupons you are going to use? I have seen several methods, people who take a big binder, the accordion file, and others who use envelopes with only the coupons they are going to use. The latter seems easiest to me, especially since I will usually have kids with me. But what about those good clearance deals that you run upon at the store? I am so full of questions.

Thanks again for your organization that helps us get organized!
Lynn

27 SHERI DOLL June 2, 2011 at 5:52 am

I wanna say thank you for all the hard work u have put into helping others. i haven’t gotten to try your methods yet but feel better knowing that I’m not the only one out there who wants to save and to help others. so thank you from all of us.
sheri

28 Taisha June 2, 2011 at 3:24 pm

I have really picked up so much in the last few days with the help of ur site and some others. I thank you so much and look forward to whats to come.

29 Jocelyn June 3, 2011 at 3:06 pm

Hello,
I think your blog is great – and I thank you for all your helpful tips! I just need a little more help…I’ve been couponing for years, but SERIOUSLY trying to save money for about 1 month now. So, I have a dilemma and I’m wondering if you can answer… My local store has several ecoupons available right now that I added to my store card, which are pretty much identical to many of the coupons I clipped from the inserts this time…. However, those items ARE NOT on sale in their circular this week… Should I buy the items anyway because I have an ecoupon, and other manuf. coupons that double?? Or should I be patient and wait til those items hopefully go on sale to capture all three potential savings – if they’re all still available??
Thank you!!

30 Nancy June 5, 2011 at 9:59 pm

I am brand new at couponing! I am excited & nervous about it!! I just want to THANK YOU for all of your valuable knowledge & help. I printed out your free book & have just finished the first assignment. I ordered the Qubie because this feels like it would be the best method for me, as I work full time on the “grave yard” shift !! I have time on Sundays to clip & file the coupons in the binder, which for me would take time, but I also think it will save me time!! I’ll keep you posted!! I Love your wesite! Keep up the great work & God Bless You Always!!!
Nancy B.
From Beautiful Cape Cod MA

31 Debbie June 18, 2011 at 12:52 am

Hi Ruth, I am also a “newbie” I only have to shop for myself and my husband, but would like to be able to also keep stock for my grown children who are also raising children and struggling with jobs and college, my dilemma is this: I am a stay at home wife/grandmother and my husband is unemployed at this time so our budget is like non existent. Thus the reason for wanting to start couponing. I could really use some good tips for stockpiling on a budget and still being able to feed my husband and myself while developing a stockpile on a very strained budget. Our income is only $209 per week. so we have no money whatsoever left after bills. We do receive SNAP benefits (foodstamps) right now but our monthly allottment is only $231 for two people which figures out to be about $7 per day total or $3.85 per day per person. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I am so grateful for you and your knowledge and your willingness to help others learn to save money on their food. Thanks so much and may the Lord continue to bless you, so you can continue to bless others.

Debbie

32 Roberta Dato June 28, 2011 at 7:30 pm

Hello everyone,

Thank you Ruth for your wonderful websites I’ve been tying to coupon and the first week was very promising I saved up to 80% at the drugstores. My question is on the deal that Rite Aid is having for Nivea Skin Care for B2G1 Free, I also have a manufactuer’s coupon for the same deal. How does this work?

33 Sara June 30, 2011 at 5:45 am

Ruth- Your website and videos are awesome! Thank you so much : ) I too have little kids. They both HATE to shop, and you have given me great tips on how to be prepared so I can get in and out quicker.

34 Paula July 26, 2011 at 5:42 pm

I am going to begin trying to do couponing. I have read step one and am going to do the homework you have assigned. My main question is, I live in a small town where the grocerie stores offer no rewards cards of any type. Would it be better for me to go out of town where there is a better store to shop? I live just outside of Ft. Smith, AR?

35 Michelle October 4, 2011 at 1:28 am

Trying to get started in couponing, and just wondering about the meaning of the coupon phrasing, for example I have a Right Guard manufacturers coupon “save $1 off any Right Guard TD5 Deodorant or Body Wash with the purchase of two or more items”

So my question is: what exactly does “with the purchase of two or more items” mean? Is it any items in the store OR is it specifically another two or more Right Guard item purchase other than the coupon items.

36 Brittany October 12, 2011 at 2:58 pm

I am trying to figure this out im so lost. I live in Ohio and I am having trouble finding out what stores are having what deals any advice? oh and what if the coupons say limit one coupon per transaction? I’m so confused!

37 suzanne October 13, 2011 at 2:09 pm

Thanks for all the info. Very excited. I tried to print coupons from the recommended sites and I can’t get my computer to print. The sites want me to keep installing the coupon printer software over and over and over again. Even my computer friends can’t seem to figure out what is wrong. Any suggestions????

38 Laura October 23, 2011 at 12:31 am

Hi thanks so much or the advice.I’m only 13 but,i still want to save money(including my mom).I’m very excited.Wush me luck!!!!

39 Tasha October 25, 2011 at 5:00 pm

I have been couponing since May of this year, and I feel like I am stuck. I see others that are getting way better deals than I am. I live in a small town in NC and I have to order whole inserts online to be able to have at least ten of each. I know that stacking coupons is great and have multiples of coupons is a must too. Do you have any suggestions on sites or anything I might could do that maybe I haven’t thought of. Thanks for what you do,
Tasha

40 jacinth finch October 29, 2011 at 5:12 am

I am so thankful for this very, very informative step by step lesson on coupon shopping as i am from the caribbean and have family back home who can really make use of the food..I would really appreciate it more if i can get one or more of these kind ladies work along or go grocery shopping so that we can have a practical and help and encourage each other.please feel free to share my email so that i can get some help. thanks again!!!!!!!!jacinth

41 couponerwannabe November 7, 2011 at 2:38 pm

Just getting started. Thanks for this wonderful website! I’ll let you know if it works for me.

42 Julia November 19, 2011 at 7:22 am

I am so glad I found your website. I have been very interested in couponing for a long time now. I just moved to a new state, but I am afraid I won’t be very successful at this because the Safeway here doesn’t double coupons per say. For every coupon you bring them it is equal to $1 and that is all. Do you have any suggestions for me. All we have here is Safeway, Walmart, Bashas, and IGA.

43 LaReina November 19, 2011 at 5:20 pm

Ruth,

Your website is awesome!

Wanted to alert your followers that the Amazon Mom program is currently suspended. They can get on the wait list to be notified if and when the program is reactivated at http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/info?ie=UTF8&ref_=amb_link_353937502_2.

Thanks!

Newbie

44 Chrissy November 20, 2011 at 7:14 am

Okay I’m a newb. Completely, I literary got excited the other night, (which was the first time I ever used a coupon on grocery shopping ever) I ended up saving a total of 74.63 and spent approx. $75 outta my pocket, so I saved almost 50%! I was stoked, however; I did realize that If i were going to keep on couponing, as I’ve caught on various shows, I would need major help! I google’d and found you Ruth, which I must say you’ve got it laid out quite nicely, you start it out slow and I’m one of those people who just need it step by step sometimes, especially when it takes organization, because I know my organization, wont work… I haven’t seen my desk at work in 4 years, it’s just papers.

Point: As many have said Thank You, I know it must of took time to put this all together, but I’m really glad you’ve taken that time to share your savings, and tips and even put a beginners guide to couponing, because I have complete faith that in due time, I will be saving good money doing this, Plus my kids like cutting coupons on, I’ll just use them now

The new Coupon Diva!
Chrissy

45 TERRI December 11, 2011 at 2:17 pm

How can I get target coupons to work?

46 ind January 2, 2012 at 9:52 am: Find a male cashier (young). When I go to Target, I look for a young male or a somewhat younger female cashier. Read the print on the Target coupons because most of the time you can only use one per transaction. And then learn to do more than one transaction.

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47 lisa December 19, 2011 at 7:54 pm

Hi im new i would like to no where i can get a price list im just trying to save little poor mother in need to save thanks for your help

48 Ana December 27, 2011 at 7:23 pm

Hi,
I’ve actually used my coupons about two or three times overal, but after a few attemps to the store and the store wouldn’t take more than two coupons per item i stopped using them, i guess you can i say i gave up to easy on the couponing because of the turn downs i ran into, though my husband is only the financial support of a family of 4 and me not being able to find work makes it harder for us to provide just enough for ren, bills, food and our home products, not to mention our personal hygine, thus being said we really cant afford it anymore, but my goal is set after Ruth’s help and advise!! I will go back to couponing. THANK YOU, RUTH. My only problem is whe’re do i go to do my shopping, in california its really hard to find grocery stores to shop with multiple coupons for one item, PLEASE i need to know!! PLEASE HELP, SOMEONE KNOWS THE ANSWER TO MY QUESTION. Am open also for any advise or give advise if i can help. GOD BLESS YOU RUTH AND ALL OF YOU. EMAI IS linares.m._.07@hotmail.com

Thanks you, :0)
Ana Linares

49 Ana December 27, 2011 at 7:34 pm

I live in Panorama City, California!!

Please tell me whe’re in California I can shop with multiple coupons per one item. I run into this alot. I havent been able to find a store where i can actually do my shopping and put my put away coupons that i have into use. Please HELP.

God bless you all!!

Thank you,
Ana linares

50 Jordan Pedersen December 30, 2011 at 10:45 am

I am a 17 year old girl and have always watched extreme couponers. I have always wanted to be one, to help my family save money, as well as myself when I go to college because out of state college and grad school cost a lot of money even with scholarships. Everyone has told me that I will never be able to do it. I just never knew where to start. When I found your website, I was amazed how you broke it down week by week and gave amazing tips. My mother and I are getting ready for our first large shopping trip today. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you! Now I won’t be living off of spagattios all through out college!!!

51 Alex January 5, 2012 at 3:17 pm

I am really looking forward to this! I just moved with my husband to another state and finding a job in this area is hard, so it will nice to be able to help out with expenses in any way I can, at least until I substantial work. I know how be organized and I love anything to do with math, so hopefully this will be something I am good at! I just didn’t know quite how to get started but this broke at least the first step down nicely!

52 cindy February 18, 2012 at 5:21 pm

what do they mean by “like and match”

53 Ra February 24, 2012 at 3:11 am

I live in New Zealand and want to do couponing But have No idea where to start Or if i can here? If anyone can give me some ideas or feedback i would grately appreciate it