the beginner’s guide to coupons
If you are overwhelmed by the prospect of clipping hundreds of coupons every week or don’t even know where to begin, this series is for you.
Maybe you watched an episode of TLC’s Extreme Couponing and now wish you too could save hundreds of dollars on your grocery bill each week. Well guess what? You can! While it is important to remember that the show is filmed to be as extreme as possible, and there is no real reason to take it quite to that level, anyone can save money with coupons.
Over the course of eight weeks, I break down the couponing process into easy-to-follow baby steps, complete with weekly assignments to get you started on your way to extreme coupon savings. By the end of the series, you will not only have a firm grasp on the fundamentals of extreme couponing, you will also know how to save megabucks at the drugstores and will have established a plentiful stockpile.
1. part one: how to start
2. part two: your first shopping list
3. part three: mastering the store
4. part four: building your stockpile
5. part five: walgreens
6. part six: cvs
7. part seven: rite-aid
8. part eight: taking it to the next level
Or download the whole series for FREE:
The LWSL Beginner’s Guide to Coupons eBook
The LWSL Beginner’s Guide to Coupons is the sole property of Ruth Soukup and Living Well, Spending Less Inc. Please do not distribute or copy without the express written permission of the owner. For re-distribution information and permission, please email ruth@livingwellspendingless.com.
©2011 Living Well, Spending Less Inc.
{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
I am new to couponing. Is there any particular order to give the cashier at Target the coupons. For example should I give her store coupons first and then mfg cpn. It seems that I have had a problem in the past but can’t remember which order I gave her the coupons.
Thanks for your help,
I honestly don’t do too much coupon shopping at Target. I believe store coupons first is the right order, but some Target Qs have a limit of 1 per transaction, so be sure to check them. Hope that helps! Occasionally the cashiers at Target can be unfriendly to couponers, but the corporate policy is very coupon friendly. If you ever have any problems, just politely ask for a manager and you should be okay.
I have had a few coupons not print from the target website. Has anyone had a issue?
I had some problems printing Qs from the Target site a few months ago. I ended up doing a software update which solved the problem and allowed me to download the Target printing software. Also, sometimes coupons will not print if the coupon limit has been reached.
This is absolutely awesome!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together for us newbies. It is awesome that you put the info on the TLC site for the new upcoming series of the new show!!!! I do have a question for you, what advice would you give to me for shopping for fruits and vegtables? I know the farmer’s markets are probably best, but I am pretty healthy eater so it’s mainly lean meats and vegtables. Now I do have kids so I will totally be using the coupons for cereals and snacks stuff for them, but was wondering if you had any advice on the fruits, veggies and or nuts… again thanks so much for putting this out there!!!!!
You’re welcome! I actually wrote an article on that very topic a few months ago. Here is the link: http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2011/02/23/7-ways-to-save-on-produce/
I find that a good place to alot of these items are a amish community where they have a small store that sell home grown vegetables and sometimes find nuts spices and cheese products! Other than that farmers market is a great place!
I watched the TLC channel and some other things online about couponing and I’m confused. These people may have 10 manufacturer coupons for mustard and are using them in one purchase. Most of the manufacturer coupons I am finding say one coupon per purchase. Doesn’t that mean for your shopping trip you can only use one coupon for the mustard and not 10 coupons on 10 mustards? Please help with the confusion.
In the couponing world a purchase equals an item. Therefore more than one coupon that states “one coupon per purchase” can be used in a single transaction, so long as you are buying multiple items. However, if a coupon states “1 per transaction” or “1 per person,” then as a general rule you can’t use more than one in a single transaction. However it often depends on the store whether that wording is enforced. I hope that helps!
I have a question regarding using store coupons and mfg coupons. I was always under the impression that you could use only use one or the other. So I was just wanting some clarification on using store coupons and mfg coupons together. Thank you.
Almost every store allows you to “stack” a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon on the same item. The store gets reimbursed by the manufacturer for the MQ so it really doesn’t take any extra money away from the store to accept both.
Just found your site. I see that lots of your purchases are BOGO iteme (love those, but not toooo common at my local market). Any feel on how much that plays into your savings?
Thanks,
The BOGO items definitely help a lot, but there are lots of great ways to save without them too. Every store is different, but many stores “loss leader” sales each week end up being the equivalent of BOGO prices (50% off or more.) Even at my store I find that some of the best deals end up being the things that are just on sale, because often the sale price is more than a 50% savings.
Hi,
Just wondering if you can save money if there are no store that do double coupon day in your area? I have that problem. Would it be worth it to take the local grocery store ads into walmart and use manufactorers coupons?
Yes it is possible to save money that way! I also live in a place where they do not double or tripple coupons (maybe once in a blue moon) but I have found that if I plan my meals out of the weekly ads and use manufactors coupons I can feed my family of 5 for around 40 dollars a week and still buy snacks and goodies and buy the name brand food items for cheaper than the off brand. It takes time and a lot of patience you just have to know when to grab the good deals!
Wow!! The TLC show caught my eye, since I’m always in desperate need to save as much as possible for my family of 4. But the realistic part of it was to come across your Youtube Clips. Much bigger WOW—-considering your REAL about your points and advice giving! Seriously, 90hrs a week to clip coupons, C’mon TLC!! That’s too extreme, almost scary! But Keep up the good work Ruth. And as for my question, I find couponing is alot different for Canadians rather than Americans. Any tips or Advice for seeking Canadian Coupons and pinching as much as possible? Thanks once again
I’m sorry, I wish I knew more about couponing in Canada, but I don’t have any idea what the differences are.
I am so glad that I found your site! I know that it will help me get started couponing which I am looking forward to! I just recently got married and am now a farmers wife so every penny that I can save will be a great start to our future! I do have a couple questions however, do I need a special printer to print coupons or will regular paper work? If I do need a special printer or paper where do I get it? Do I need to make a exact list when going to the store? Please help in any way possible! Thank you so much for your time!
You’re welcome!
Ruth, I just found your You tube video’s and site, love them. You are doing a great job.
I started watching Extreme Couponing a few weeks ago, and I do not agree with completely wiping out a bin of toothbrushes or aspirin’s, just to hoard them ( which to me, that appears to be what some of them are doing) I believe in saving my family as much money as possible, and spreading the word on couponing.
I have not been able to get above the 60% savings range yet, nor has my sister, but we are thrilled to get the 60%. We donate some of our stock, to our local church’s and food banks, plus anyone else who may be in need.
We too, are in Florida, and we do not find any store’s that will double coupons. Our main stores are Publix, Winn Dixie, CVS & Walgreens. Do you know of any store’s that double?
Love you and your family.
There are no double coupons in Florida (Boo!) It is against state law.
I just wanted to say thanks for posting your beginner’s guide. I just started couponing. I had been collecting coupons all week and was so excited to get the sunday news I was up at 6:45 ( my husband thought I was nuts) but I have to tell you that I saved $70 today between CVS and my regular groceries. Saving even $10 would have been fabulous but $70!! I hooked!!
I do have a lot of questions but I’ll only ask one:
What do I do when I have a coupon that says buy 2 and save (fill in the blank) but the sale says I have to buy 3 (or the other way around).
Thanks again.
If the sale is 3 for 5 or something like that (10 for $10, etc.), you really don’t have to buy 3 (or 10). They would just be priced at $1.67 each. It is just a store ploy to get you to buy more!
I have a quick question for you. I cut two different manufacturere coupons out of the paper this weekend. One is BOGO for Old Spice Body Wash. Then I cut one for get $1.00 for two old spice products. My question is can I stack these two coupons?
I also wanted to say thank you for your site. You have helped explain quite a few things that I was wondering about.
Thanks again.
No, you can use one or the other. If you had a $1/1 MQ, you’d be able to stack it with the BOGO Q (The $1 comes off the first item and the BOGO is for the second item), but a $1/2 Q would overlap with the BOGO. Does that make sense?
Yes thank you for the info. It really helped.
Thank you so much for your easy to understand instructions and demostrations of the realistic couponing world. I have set a goal of saving at least 75% on my grocery bill per month. Thanks to you I may eventually be able to obtain that goal.
Hi!!
I have been watching the videos on youtube and I am very inspired by all the savings! I am looking to start couponing, but it is so very overwhelming at first!
I am excited about it though.
I found you thanks to that new show extreme couponing. I like your practical non hoarding approach and have a couple questions regarding inserts. Our local paper does NOT allow for extra inserts nor will they “sell” them without a paper. In addition our stores return the extras to them. Right now the sunday paper, which has P&G and smart source adds, is on special for .99 a week for 6 months. So.. do I bite the bullet and buy 4 copies a week to get coupons? We do not have a network of people we can get inserts from so we are kind of stuck buying our own.
That sounds like a pretty good deal if you are committed to couponing, but it is definitely a big up-front cost. I guess I would say that if you can afford to cough up the 100 dollars right now without putting a heavy strain on your family’s finances, then it is probably worth the investment.
I would like to start extreme couponing, I plan to donate some of the excess or unwated goods to woman’s batteered shelters (i think this segment is very over looked) They seem not to get a lot and they need it the most. I live in albuquerque nm contact drlopez13@yahoo.com
insightful thank you!
I read that you could not pull the coupons from target until you did a softwear update and downloaded targets software. I have tried and it shows it went through but I still can’t pull the coupons I don’t know what I am doing wrong. Can you please do a step by step vid on how this is done so I can see what I’am doing wrong. Thanks
I’m sorry Allie I am really not very good with computers. I have no idea what the problem might be. You might want to try contacting Target’s online customer service.
It could be your web browser. I had the same problem. I have a mac and have to use Safari for the target and smartsource coupons and have to use Firefox for the others. Try using a different web browser. Hope that helps!
Well I just got back from my first shopping trip. I hit 3 stores for deals, driving a total of 30.8 miles round trip. I SAVED $92.83 and SPENT only 64.89. WOW! Was I excited! I was able to get so much food too! Now, if I subtract out the gas and the cost of the newspapers, I would say I still saved over 50% off my normal couponless shopping. I can only imagine how great this is going to be once I have more than one weeks coupons!
Great job Debbie! Thanks for sharing.
He Debbie – I am from Canada, so im not sure if they do this their – but I have a store near me that does price matching. It means you get the deal without having to use gas to drive all over. That would add to your savings!
Hi Debbie – I am from Canada, so im not sure if they do this there – but I have a store near me that does price matching. It means you get the deal without having to use gas to drive all over. That would add to your savings!
Hi Ruth,
Love the site, I’m trying to do the 8 week process and have my coupons and system together but am having a really hard time trying to figure out what items to get at 60% or more. My local stores are Kroger, Target, and Publix. The only thing I figure out is that target i can use the mfg and the target coupon. I tried using redplum but I think the site it down right now. Any other tips? I feel like once I get past this I’ll get the hang of it!
Thanks again, I’m excited to do this!
Best,
Reshma
Also, how do you know how much items cost at the store? ex. if i have a $2 off coupon how do I know if it’s a good savings or not at all?
Ruth,
I am trying so hard at this couponing but i am getting so frustrated!.. I feel like i am trying to build a stockpile and read your book but am still struggling with it. I spend so much money a week on groceries for my house of four….
Please help!
Ruth, I am a very new beginner at couponing, still trying to figure it out and I’m just not getting it I guess. For example, I have a peelie for french’s honey mustard for $1.00 off any one prodct, I also have a RedPlum coupon for the exact same product for $1.00 off any 1 product.. I see though in the small print it says one coupon redeemable per purchase, does this mean I cannot use both of my coupons? Please Help! Thanks a bunch, Morgan M
Hi I live in Troy NY and I was wondering how do I find a paper recycling bin like the girl I saw on the show. She was getting inserts from a recycling bin that she went to at night. And also how do you get so much cereal and laundry soap. Our coupons stink here for those so you do not really save that much. Any advice I would appreciate it.
Well today was my first time going to the store and all i had was my inserts from the newspaper, because I’m waiting on the laser printer from Amazon. Well anyways, everything on my list was stuff that we needed. I went to Walgreens and bought stuff on sale with a coupon and i really didnt save to much and i’m kinda bummin. I had a total savings of 28.00 in coupons on my receipt. If you have any tips to make me feel better,lol I would sure appreciate them. Thank you, Melinda
I tried to use a printable coupon and a manf coupon on the same product at publix and was told I couldn’t is this true
Great stuff thank you for taking the time to write all of this out.. With one on the way I’m learning some of the basics to help the cause for the family so we can enjoy our money instead of wasting so much of it on basic necessities that it sounds like I grossly overpay for!!
Thank you so much for your help and advise, I’m a newly separated women and my monthly budget for the whole groceries at home is only 50 dollars at the moment lol, I’m sure this will improve my quality of life, thanks again.
Im new to couponing, so my question is this: I read on another website that you could use a manufacture & store coupon for the same item. This confuses me because in most stores where i live they only allow one coupon per transaction, please explain because I’m very confused!!! Thanks
Hi there. I am a junior high minister at my church and wanted to find a way to incorporate this type of couponing with our homeless ministry. Wondering if you have any ideas or experience with this particular outreach. Thank you and God bless,
Philip Parke
I have food allergies and buy on whole/natural foods; I’m allergic to perfume so most of the products I purchase are hypoallergenic or from the health food store. Can you explain how someone with allergies can take advantage of the couponing when the real food that I eat does not usually have a coupon in the paper?
Looking forward to your suggestions.
Claire
iam a beginner,,, so my first question is,, if i have a dollar coupon off of one roll of paper towls,, and there 99 cents,,, and i only have one coupon,,,, so how do i get 25 rolls with the same coupon,,,,, so if theres any other tips for a beginner that would be helpful,,, please let me no,,,,
I’m new at couponing, but I was wondering in order to print coupons off your printer and computer at home, do you use regular printing paper to print the coupons out? Or do you use special paper? I really would love to start couponing.
Just use the paper thats in there they dont care about it just the coupon.
Hope this helps a little.
i realy like to save by using coopon the problem is,i dont know how to start. from SOUTH AFRICA
I want to start extreme couponing as soon as possible but its confusing !
Hello!
I sent you an email yesterday – not sure if you received it or not.
I’d love to have you as a guest contributor for my women’s magazine. You can check out our first issue here: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/298802
If you’re interested in sharing your knowledge and heart for helping others, please contact me at dmdillon88@yahoo.com.
Thanks so much! Hope to hear from you soon,
Debbie
This couponing stuff is so confusing and I would like to learn it so I can start saving as soon as possible!
All you need to do is go to a gas station or store near you and buy the news paper callod LA times there are plenty of coupons in there I only have to say one other thing check and see if they are in there alot of people will go in to them and just take the coupons.
Hope this helps you.
Im just curiouse about how you can bring your tottal amount from say 600 dollers to nothing but tax do you get coupons for free things and if so how?
Thank you for your time and advice.
im a little confused on the bogo…..heres my seniero
purell hand sanitizer bogo@399
I have 2 $1/1 coupon
how wouldi use this and on how many?
thanks for any help!
My husband and I have started collecting coupons for the past few weeks. Im having a hard time figuring out how do to all this. I have read the steps and I am trying to follow them. Can anyone give me some tips any tips you may have with anything dealing with couponing would be helpful. I only have Food lion, Giant and Rite aid close by. I have walmart but I seem to always spend more then I want to when I go there. Thanks you for any advise.
I.m new to using coupons. Started watching the extreme couponers on TLC and decided to try it out and get more info. I came acoss an article where this woman describes how to use one coupon ment for a specific item on a different cheaper item. She paid just a few dollars for 800 dollars worth of P&G products. Theres a thousand comments on the article saying thats fraud. I dont really understand all the rules and want to know if this is okay or not? Here the article http://gomestic.com/homemaking/how-i-paid-just-36-00-for-800-worth-of-downey-tide-dawn-and-other-pg-products/
I recently went to Publix and got some in store coupon that says( Limit one deal per coupon)say If I had the stores 2/$2 off coupon and a $1 off manufacture coupon can I use the 2 store coupons on on the 2 items with the manufactures, especailly if the stores coupon says Limit one deal per coupon.
If the Publix coupon says $2 off 2 then you can only use one coupon per 2 items. However, you would be able to stack that with two (2) $1/1 manufacturer’s coupons.
I love this, it is to the point and broken down well. I have been teaching low income moms and dads how to manage money and how to coupon. Couponing has changed my life. i am a low income mom and I have been saving for only 2 or 3 years now; but not like I want to.I am hopping that this Opens my eyes a lot more to things I may have missed and came short of. I REALLY commend you for taking the time to do this and allowing people like me to come into the couponing world with confidence that I can Save BIG on a budget such as mine. I really want to be the first couponer to save BIG using my EBT card. because there are no tax on the and i don’t pay tax on coupons when I shop at Wal-Mart.To be the first women to do that and then not pay anything and leave the store dancing would be awsome.
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